A Colorado National Monument Guide: Where to Hike, Bike, Climb, and Camp

September 26, 2025

The Colorado National Monument is one of western Colorado’s most breathtaking treasures — a landscape of towering red rock monoliths, sheer-walled canyons, and sweeping desert vistas that feel almost timeless. Carved over millions of years by the forces of erosion, the Monument is a geologic storybook where sandstone cliffs rise above the Grand Valley and juniper woodlands cling to the desert floor. While many visitors experience the Monument’s vast network of canyons by driving the length of the spectacular Rim Rock Drive, the real magic lies beyond the pavement. The Colorado National Monument isn’t just something to look at. It’s something to experience.

Hiking in Colorado National Monument

Hiking in the Colorado National Monument is an immersion into the desert itself. Trails wind through canyons, traverse slickrock benches, and climb to overlooks where you can gaze south across the Grand Valley or north, deep into the canyon system. Each hike offers a unique perspective on the Monument’s vastness, whether it’s a short family-friendly stroll or an all-day trek into the backcountry.

What to Know About Hiking in the Colorado National Monument

Trails range from under a mile to more than 12 miles round-trip.
Summer heat can be intense. Bring plenty of water and start early.
Expect rugged desert terrain: rocky trails, sandy washes, and steep switchbacks.
Wildlife sightings are common: bighorn sheep, eagles, and lizards.
Dogs are not permitted on Monument trails, so leave the furry buddies at home.

Popular 5 Hikes to Explore in the Monument:

Monument Canyon Trail – 12 miles round-trip; home to Independence Monument, the park’s most iconic spire. You can see most of the amazing sights this trail has to offer before you reach the end, so many people turn around before they hit the 6-mile turnaround point.
Devils Kitchen – A short, 1.5-mile round-trip hike to a natural amphitheater of towering sandstone walls. Devil’s Kitchen is close to the east entrance of the park, so it’s a great introduction to this wild, Martian-like landscape. When you’re done, check out the Serpent Trail across the street!
Liberty Cap Trail (from Wildwood Trailhead, just outside the park) – 4 miles round-trip to reach an ancient, petrified sand dune (the Liberty Cap) with sweeping valley views. You can also access a different trailhead to this formation from inside the Monument, called the Upper Liberty Cap Trail, but it’s much longer, and the way back is uphill.
Coke Ovens Trail – A quick 1-mile round-trip hike to viewpoints of rounded rock formations resembling ovens. The Coke Ovens trail is the same trailhead as Monument Canyon.
Ute Canyon Trail – 7 miles round-trip into a secluded, dramatic canyon. The lower trail starts at the same trailhead as the lower Liberty Cap trail, at Wildwood trailhead, just outside the park. You can also access this trail from inside the Monument.

Climbing in Colorado National Monument

For climbers, the Monument is both a playground and a proving ground. Its towering sandstone cliffs and freestanding spires have long been magnets for adventurous souls. The climbing here is bold, often traditional, and steeped in history. Independence Monument — first climbed by Colorado legend John Otto in 1911 — remains one of the most celebrated routes in the region. Whether you’re tackling a multi-pitch classic or scrambling up a desert tower, climbing in the Monument offers both challenge and grandeur.

Things to Know About Climbing in Colorado National Monument:

Review the official regulations for climbing in the Monument before you make a plan.
Summer heat and winter storms can make conditions tricky; spring and fall are ideal.
Climbers must register at trailheads before climbing.
Sandstone here can be fragile — avoid climbing after rain.
Be prepared for long approaches.

A Few Notable Climbs in the Monument:

Independence Monument – Otto’s Route – A historic and iconic climb.
Liberty Cap – Steppin’ On It – Why not climb a fun crack near an ancient sand dune?
Monument Canyon – Wizard 1 – A route up a tall rock face in Monument Canyon.

Biking in Colorado National Monument

Cycling through the Monument is a rite of passage for many road bikers. Rim Rock Drive stretches 23 miles across the park, with smooth pavement that winds along canyon rims and across natural rock tunnels. The elevation gain — more than 2,000 feet — makes it a challenging ride, but the scenery pays you back at every turn. For mountain bikers, the Monument itself is off-limits, but world-class singletrack lies just outside its borders, including the famed Lunch Loops and Kokopelli Trails.

Things to Know About Biking in Colorado National Monument:

Rim Rock Drive is open to cyclists, but traffic and narrow shoulders require caution.
The full loop through the Monument and back into the valley is about 33 miles.
Expect steep climbs and long descents — this is a strenuous road ride.
Mountain biking is not permitted inside the Monument, but nearby trails abound. We list a few nearby MTB trail systems below.
Best seasons are spring and fall; summer heat is intense.

Top 5 Bike Rides in or Near the Monument:

Rim Rock Drive – Full Traverse (23 miles, 2,000 feet of climbing).
Grand Junction to Fruita via Monument – A scenic 33-mile loop.
Serpents Trail (ascent on foot, descent on bike) – Once called the “crookedest road in the world.”
Lunch Loops Trail System (just outside Monument) – Technical desert mountain biking.
Kokopelli (near Fruita) – Flowing desert singletrack with river views.

Camping in Colorado National Monument

Staying overnight in the Monument means trading city lights for star-studded skies. The Saddlehorn Campground, perched near the Rim Rock Drive entrance by Fruita, offers the Monument’s only developed camping. From your tent, you’ll look out across the Book Cliffs and the Grand Valley, with sunsets painting the desert walls in shades of fire. For those seeking solitude, backcountry camping is permitted with a free permit, giving you the chance to sleep among the canyons themselves. Have a look at the park’s official backcountry camping guide.

Things to Know About Camping in Colorado National Monument:

Saddlehorn Campground has sites for tents and RVs, with restrooms and water (seasonal).
Reservations are recommended in peak seasons.
Backcountry camping requires a free permit and careful planning.
Filtering natural water in the Monument is prohibited, so pack in all the water you’ll need.
Fires are restricted — check regulations before camping.
Desert nights can be surprisingly cold, even in summer.

Top 5 Camping Experiences in the Monument:

Saddlehorn Campground – The only developed camping in the park, with stunning views.
No Thoroughfare Canyon (backcountry) – A backcountry spot for experienced backpackers.
Ute Canyon (backcountry) – Quiet wilderness camping among dramatic canyon walls.
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness (backcountry) – Remote, wild, and free with a permit.
Colorado National Monument stargazing – Even from the campground, night skies are unforgettable.

General Rules of Colorado National Monument

To keep the Monument wild and welcoming, visitors must follow a few key rules:

Stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert ecosystems.
Pets are not permitted on hiking trails.
Do not collect rocks, plants, or artifacts.
Camp only in designated areas or with a backcountry permit.
Fires are allowed only in established fire rings at the Saddlehorn Campground.
Respect wildlife and observe from a distance.

The Colorado National Monument is far more than a scenic drive — it’s a living desert landscape meant to be explored slowly and deeply. Whether you hike its canyons, climb its sandstone towers, bike its winding roads, or camp under its starry skies, the Monument invites you into a world where time feels both vast and immediate. Go on, explore it.

Need climbing, hiking, camping, or cycling gear?

Stop by The Gear Junction to browse our selection of new and used gear, and our drop-in bike shop will have you ready to roll in no time.

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