Millions of years of wind and water erosion have gouged out the brightly colored rock spires, domes, arches, pedestals and balanced rocks along a line of cliffs to form the COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT, just four miles west of Grand Junction. This painted desert of warm reds, stunning purples, burnt oranges and browns is also home to a high arid vegetation of piñon pine, yucca, sagebrush and Utah juniper.

The Monument has two entrances (valid for seven days) at either end of the twisting, 23-mile Rim Rock drive that passes through it (a 39-mile round trip from Grand Junction). The best of many overlooks along the rim drive is the Book Cliff view, or the Parade of the Monoliths, just off the rim road at the sign for Window Rock Trail.

Short hikes include the one-hour John Otto's Trail, affording close-up views of several monoliths; longer trails get right down to the canyon floor. One of the best trails is the Monument Canyon Trail weaving through a series of scenic spots, while Unaweep Canyon is another beautiful area, with excellent rock climbing . You can camp for $8 in the park's only campsite, the basic Saddlehorn Campground, or pitch a tent anywhere more than a quarter of a mile off the road for free.

For detailed information on trails, call in at the visitor center at the north end of the park (June-Aug 8am-7pm; Sept-May 9am-5pm; phone 970/858-3617).
 

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