Colorado National Monument, Colorado, USA

Colorado National Monument is known for its towering red rock monoliths, steep canyon walls, and sweeping overlooks along the scenic Rimrock Drive. 1067

Colorado National Monument Sign: Fruita, CO 81521
Saddlehorn Visitor Center: 1750 Rimrock Dr, Fruita, CO 81521
Independence Monument View: 17 Rimrock Dr, Fruita, CO 81521
Upper Ute Canyon View: 2100-2132 Rimrock Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81507
Red Canyon Overlook: 2198 Rimrock Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81507
Date Picture Taken: May 2025

While driving from Capitol Reef to Colorado National Monument, I pulled over to appreciate the unusual but beautiful landscape. I’m not entirely sure, but the formation in my photo looks like Factory Butte.

Entering Colorado National Monument.

Inside Saddlehorn Visitor Center

Otto’s Trail

Independence Monument

Independence Monument is a tall sandstone monolith rising from the canyon floor, one of the most iconic rock formations in Colorado National Monument.

Independence Monument is famously climbed every Fourth of July, when climbers raise an American flag on its summit.

The Grand View point

Anothere view from the Grand View

Driving along the Rimrock Drive.  This scenic route follows the canyon rim, with pullouts and viewpoints that showcase sheer rock walls, dramatic formations, and colorful layers of sandstone.

From Upper UTE Canyon View point

Another take from Upper UTE Canyon Viewpoint

Red Canyon Overlook

More drive on the Rimrock Drive

I arrived at the Devils Kitchen Trailhead, but did not go on the trail.