Discover Stunning Rock Formations in Colorado National Monument

Explore one of the great landscapes of the American West on Colorado National Monument's best hiking trails.

Greg Heil

Images

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Grand views of Fruita, CO

by Scott Anderson

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Views of the mesas.

by Scott Anderson

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High above the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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View the canyon in the distance.

by Scott Anderson

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Amazing rock formations seen throughout the canyon hike.

by Scott Anderson

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Climbers on Independence Monument.

by Scott Anderson

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Rock Spires.

by Scott Anderson

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Gorgeous wildflowers in the spring.

by Scott Anderson

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A vast canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Descending deep into the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Rock steps built into the trail.

by Scott Anderson

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Sun setting on the canyon.

by Scott Anderson

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Colorful rock on the canyon walls.

by Scott Anderson

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Slick rock.

by Scott Anderson

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Slickrock ledge makes up part of the trail.

by Scott Anderson

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Views of Grand Junction, CO

by Scott Anderson

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One of 16 switchbacks.

by Scott Anderson

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This overlook gives views of Rimrock Road.

by Scott Anderson

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While the road climb looks gentle, it climbs nearly 800' over its 1¾ miles.

by Scott Anderson

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Steps are cut into the slickrock.

by Scott Anderson

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Scramble up to a cubby hole for a rest.

by Scott Anderson

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Lots of places to explore at Devils Kitchen.

by Scott Anderson

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Get up to a higher view.

by Scott Anderson

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Overlooking the valley below.

by Scott Anderson

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Beautiful sunsets on this route.

by Scott Anderson

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Rock scrambling opportunities increase the view factor.

by Scott Anderson

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Slickrock trail most of the way.

by Scott Anderson

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Rock formations all around.

by Scott Anderson

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Golden colors in the autumn.

by Scott Anderson

Description

"Colorado National Monument is an absolutely gorgeous place that very few hikers know about," writes Nancy Anderson. "It is Colorado's version of the Grand Canyon... without all the people!"

Indeed, this epic natural area is home to towering red rock cliffs, deep canyons, and rock monoliths, along with an expansive network of hiking trails. Even from the paved Rim Rock Drive road "you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles," according to the National Park Service. This all adds up to way more adventure than most people can fit into a visit to the monument!

Sources:
https://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm

Adventures

Old Gordon Trail

A gorgeous slickrock route with plenty of scrambling opportunities.