Alert: 8/3/26 - 8/28/26 Closure at Devils Kitchen Picnic Area Parking Lot
National Monument
Colorado
Independence Monument as seen from Rim Rock Drive is an icon of the larger national monument. NPS Photo
Overview
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.
$25 for a private vehicle. Unlimited entry for one vehicle and all its passengers for seven consecutive days, beginning on the day of purchase. Private vehicle must be non-commercial and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.
Entrance - Motorcycle: 20.00
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person: 15.00
This pass is good for 7 days for an individual who is walking or bicycling into the monument.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: 15.00
Organized groups such as Scouts, Rotary, Hiking Clubs, Youth Groups, Religious Institutions, etc. that do not qualify for an Academic Fee Waiver are charged as follows: $15 per person, not to exceed the equivalent commercial rate. Passes are valid for 7 days. Youth ages 15 and under are free. Individuals or families in the group may use any valid Annual or Lifetime pass for entry. Pass and photo ID must be presented.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups: 0.00
Groups entering the park for educational purposes (curriculum-based classes or activities) may be eligible for a free academic fee wavier. Email COLM_permits@nps.gov to apply for a waiver or for more information.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan: 25.00
Cost: $25, plus $15 per person to a maximum of $40. The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
Commercial Entrance - Van: 40.00
The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: 40.00
The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: 100.00
The entry fees for commercial tours are based on the total capacity of vehicles that carry 7 or more people, regardless of the actual number of passengers. Possession of an annual or lifetime pass, or the ages of the passengers, does not affect the price charged unless the vehicle's capacity is less than 7 passengers, excluding the driver.
Map
Things To Do
Category
6 Results
Accessible Visit to Colorado National Monument
$
Description
Explore accessible ways to visit Colorado National Monument, from visitor center features to short trails to overlooks into the canyons.
An entrance fee is required to access historic Rim Rock Drive. Stop at either the west (Fruita) or east (Grand Junction) entrance stations on your way into the monument. Federal Recreational Lands Passes are accepted and can be purchased at the entrance stations.
Time:2-4 Hours
Short Hikes in the Monument
$
Description
These out-and-back trails start from along scenic Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. All are less than two miles round-trip, perfect for short treks from the car to get better views of these outstanding canyons.
An entrance fee is required to access trails along historic Rim Rock Drive. Stop at either the west (Fruita) or east (Grand Junction) entrance stations on your way into the monument. Federal Recreational Lands Passes are accepted here as well.
Time:20-60 Minutes
Junior Ranger of the Monument
Free
Description
Become a Junior Ranger of Colorado National Monument by completing a booklet (pick up at Saddlehorn Visitor Center) to earn your badge.
Backpacking or backcountry camping in the Monument is a great way to deepen your visit with the canyons. Monument, No Thoroughfare, and Ute Canyons, as well as Black Ridge and Monument Mesa, are excellent areas for overnights in the backcountry.
Begin your visit to Colorado National Monument at the visitor center. Watch the orientation film, explore the exhibit hall, shop for souvenirs at the park store, talk with a ranger, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and get your National Parks Passport stamp.
These hikes can be accessed from the visitor center. Several short hikes to incredible views begin here, as well as a longer trail perfect for a night in the backcountry. Come to the visitor center for an orientation film, Junior Ranger booklets, and more.
sandstone spire hundreds of feet tall stands above sparsely vegetated canyon bottom and cliffsTwo female desert bighorn sheep look to the right among rusty sandstonesa wide sandstone monolith stands next to cliffs on a misty, cloudy day with green shrubs belowRock spire with large boulder balancing on top, blue skies above, green shrubs below.lizard with turquoise body and yellow head lounges on sandstone with canyon cliffs in distanceSilhouette of twisted juniper tree as starry clusters of Milky Way rise vertically in dark night skytwo people stand together at canyon cliff edge pointing to tree covered hills across the canyonLooking down from canyon rim at a U shaped portion of road entering and exiting the canyon
