Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument: see National Parks and Monuments (table).

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Colorado National Monument

Natural area, western Colorado, U.S. Established in 1911, the 32-sq-mi (83-sq-km) scenic area is known for its colourful, wind-eroded sandstone formations, towering monoliths, and steep-walled canyons. Petrified logs and dinosaur fossils have been found in the area. Rim Rock Drive skirts the canyon walls, which rise more than 6,500 ft (1,980 m).

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Colorado National Monument

Parks Directory of the United States / US National Parks / National Monuments

Fruita, CO 81521
Phone: 970-858-3617;
Fax: 970-858-0372;
Web: www.nps.gov/colm/
Size: 20,534 acres.
Established: Established on May 24, 1911.
Location: In western Colorado, 12 miles from Grand Junction. From the east, take I-70 to Grand Junction, exit at Horizon Drive, and take Exit 31 to the east entrance; from the west, take I-70 to Fruita, and Exit 19 to the west entrance.
Facilities: Campground, picnic area, rest rooms (é), bicycle trail, visitor center (é), museum/exhibit, trails. Entrance fee required.
Activities: Camping, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, mountain climbing, cross-country skiing, interpretive programs.
Special Features: Park is part of the greater Colorado Plateau, which also includes such geological wonders as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Arches national parks (see separate entries for descriptions of each). Sheer-walled canyons, towering monoliths, unusual formations, dinosaur fossils, and remains of prehistoric Indian cultures reflect the environment and history of this colorful sandstone country.

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See other parks in Colorado.