Colorado National Monument
Fruita, CO
The 37 km Rim Rock Drive winds along red canyons and monoliths above the Grand Valley. Its three tunnels, two on the west side and one on the east, have only 10 ft 6 in clearance at the edges.
Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction and Fruita was established on May 24, 1911, and covers about 83 km² (20,500 acres). Deep canyons cut through sandstone and older gneiss and schist. John Otto, who championed the area from 1906 and built trails by hand, served as the first superintendent for 16 years at a dollar a month and lived in a tent for most of each year. Well-known formations include Independence Monument, Kissing Couple and Coke Ovens.
Rim Rock Drive is 37 km (23 miles) long, follows the edge of the plateau and was built between the 1930s and 1950 by workers of the CCC, WPA and PWA. It is narrow and steep in places with sheer drop-offs, and it passes through three tunnels; if you drive a tall RV, check the clearances in advance. The west entrance is near Fruita and the east entrance near Grand Junction. The Devil’s Kitchen Trail is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long.
- Nearest town
- Fruita, CO
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 39.1020, -108.7330
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and September. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Saddlehorn Campground (Loop C)Campsite0 mi from Colorado National MonumentTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Saddlehorn Campground (Loop A and Loop B)Campsite0 mi from Colorado National MonumentTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Junction West RV ParkMotorhome stopover5 mi from Colorado National Monument · 69 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Canyon View RV ResortMotorhome stopover6 mi from Colorado National MonumentMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- North Fruita Desert Campground (Lower Campground, Sites E-H)Campsite14 mi from Colorado National MonumentTentsCaravansToilets
- RV Ranch At Grand JunctionMotorhome stopover15 mi from Colorado National MonumentMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Colorado National Monument?
Colorado National Monument is in Fruita, CO, at GPS 39.1020, -108.7330. It is about 10 mi from Grand Junction.
Can you camp near Colorado National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Saddlehorn Campground (Loop C), about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Colorado National Monument?
Colorado National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Colorado National Monument, Palisade and the Grand Mesa and Black gorge, high plateau and orchards – by camper through western Colorado’s canyon country.
What is there to see near Colorado National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fisher Towers (40 mi), Grand Mesa Visitor Center (42 mi), Devils Garden Campground (51 mi) and Arches National Park (53 mi).
When is the best time to visit Colorado National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)