Colorado National Monument (locally referred to as *The Monument) is a part of the National Park Service situated between Fruita and Grand Junction, Colorado. Spectacular canyons cut deep into sandstone and even granite, among other rock formations in some areas. This is an area of desert land high on the Colorado Plateau, with pinion and juniper forests on the plateau. There are magnificent views from the Rim Rock Drive, which winds along the plateau. Its feature attraction is Monument Canyon, which runs the width of the park, and includes rock formations such as Independence Monument, the Kissing Couple, and Coke Ovens*. The monument includes 20,500 acres (32 square miles), much of which has been recommended to Congress for designation as wilderness. The area was established as Colorado National Monument on May 24, 1911.

Rim Rock Drive offers 23 miles of breathtaking views. The road climbs from the Grand Valley of the Colorado River to the park's high-country, then winds along the plateau rim.


Below: A sharp corner, then a tunnel






Below: Cold Shivers Point - Elevation: 6,198 feet


Below: Many parts of the road on Rim Rock Drive had sheer drops and no railing - SCARY!


Below: Red Canyon Overlook