Colorado National Monument
Time Needed: half-day
Experience Type: outdoor adventure, scenic views
Colorado National Monument dazzles with red rock canyons, towering monoliths, and winding scenic drives. Just minutes from Grand Junction, it offers the grandeur of Utah’s canyon country—without the crowds—and some of the most stunning overlooks in the state.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Drive Rim Rock Drive – Follow this 23-mile scenic byway with dramatic overlooks like Cold Shivers Point and Monument Canyons for sweeping views of sculpted red rock formations.
- Stop at Book Cliff View – Just a short walk from the Visitor Center, enjoy panoramic vistas of the Book Cliffs, Grand Mesa, and Wedding Canyon.
- Hike to Independence Monument – Take the Monument Canyon Trail for striking views of iconic sandstone formations, including Independence Monument and the Kissing Couple.
- Try a Short, Easy Hike – For quick but scenic treks, explore Otto’s Trail, Canyon Rim Trail, or Window Rock Trail—short on distance, long on views.
- Watch the Sunset – Catch the canyon walls glowing in rich reds and golds from Grand View or Artists Point—an unforgettable end to the day.
Sleep Soundly: Settle into The Hotel Melrose, a boutique stay on Colorado Avenue, just steps from shops, brew pubs, and restaurants. Check in from your phone, drop your bags, and head next door to Melrose Spirit Co. for a cocktail to kick off your stay.
Photo Credit: Jeff Heaton/Unsplash