Colorado National Monument
Fruita, CO
The 37 km Rim Rock Drive winds along red canyons and monoliths above the Grand Valley. Its three tunnels, two on the west side and one on the east, have only 10 ft 6 in clearance at the edges.
A plateau rises above Grand Junction and Fruita, its canyons cut into red sandstone walls that sit on ancient gneiss. Colorado National Monument (established May 24, 1911, about 32 square miles / 83 km²) owes its existence largely to John Otto, who built trails by hand from 1906 and lived mostly in a tent for 16 years as the first custodian, earning a dollar a month. In 1911 he climbed Independence Monument and raised a flag on top, a ritual repeated every July 4.
The 22-mile (36 km) Rim Rock Drive follows the edge of the cliffs. Started in 1931 and built largely by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it was finished in 1950. Allow 45 to 60 minutes of driving without stops; the road is narrow and steep, with sheer drop-offs. The lowest clearance in the three tunnels is 10 ft 6 in (3.2 m), which matters for tall motorhomes. At Saddlehorn Campground, every site must be reserved through recreation.gov (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Fruita, CO
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 39.1020, -108.7330
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and September. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Saddlehorn Campground (Loop C)Campsite0 mi from Colorado National MonumentTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Saddlehorn Campground (Loop A and Loop B)Campsite0 mi from Colorado National MonumentTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Junction West RV ParkMotorhome stopover5 mi from Colorado National Monument · 69 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Canyon View RV ResortMotorhome stopover6 mi from Colorado National MonumentMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- North Fruita Desert Campground (Lower Campground, Sites E-H)Campsite14 mi from Colorado National MonumentTentsCaravansToilets
- RV Ranch At Grand JunctionMotorhome stopover15 mi from Colorado National MonumentMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Colorado National Monument?
Colorado National Monument is in Fruita, CO, at GPS 39.1020, -108.7330. It is about 10 mi from Grand Junction.
Can you camp near Colorado National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Saddlehorn Campground (Loop C), about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Colorado National Monument?
Colorado National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Colorado National Monument, Palisade and the Grand Mesa and Black gorge, high plateau and orchards – by camper through western Colorado’s canyon country.
What is there to see near Colorado National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fisher Towers (40 mi), Grand Mesa Visitor Center (42 mi), Devils Garden Campground (51 mi) and Arches National Park (53 mi).
When is the best time to visit Colorado National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)