Colorado National Monument
Amazing plateau and canyon views
Whatever you do, don’t miss this National Monument just because it isn’t one of the major National Parks in America. If we have learned anything in our travels, it is that these lesser known sites and areas are sometimes more magnificent in their own right. Colorado National Monument was established in 1911 by President William Howard Taft.
There are supposed to be a lot of Big Horn Sheep here, but the only ones we saw were on yellow signs like this one. The Big Horn Sheep cling to the steep jagged walls of the canyons. We looked and looked all day for them with no luck.
The 23-mile Rim Rock Drive through the red rock canyon twists and winds onto mesa tops, along canyon walls, and down into the valley. It is one of the prettiest drives in America. There is a visitor center at each end of the road.
The dominant tree species in the area is the pinyon pine but we also saw a lot of junipers. This area is home to several species of wildlife including red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, ravens, jays, and coyotes. And the ravens are huge.
Red Canyon and Ute Canyon are the first two main areas. They are filled with unique rock formations. You don’t want to bypass any of the stops or pulloffs along the road. This area is exceptionally scenic and beautiful.
Artist’s Point is a great place for photos but there is also a short trail leading down to where you can get a better look at the 6,200-foot drop on the east side of the drive.
During the coal mining days in the late 1800’s, 200 coke ovens were built as a way of burning out impurities and refining coal into coke (iron ore).
Many of the ovens that remain are a testament to the power of erosion.
I took so many photos on this drive. It’s on days like this when I’m glad for technology and not having to pay to process photos on physical film.
Monument Canyon is another gorgeous area. It runs the width of the park and includes formations like Independence Monument, the Kissing Couple, and the Coke Ovens.
The Grand View is a spectacular and unique viewpoint where you can watch for some large high-flying birds. I’m pretty sure we saw a few eagles soaring in the distance.
The spectacular views on this drive through the red rocks and canyons are nothing short of amazing. The area was established as a National Monument on May 24, 1911. Bison and elk have been introduced here over the years but have failed to remain and thrive.
I have never been so awed by nature as when we were in Colorado and Utah. There are many hiking trails in the park of all difficulties, easy to moderate to difficult. Rattlesnakes are found regularly so hikers are warned to be prepared.
Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction, Colorado is filled with sheer-walled canyons and towering monoliths. Historic Rim Rock Drive is 23 miles of breathtaking panoramic views with numerous stops and overlooks along the way.
Have you ever been here?