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.
Current Alerts
- CautionGuardrail Repair- construction delays
Guardrail repair will take place from 8/24- 8/28 and from 8/31- 9/4. There will be no full road closures, but delays of up to 30 minutes are possible. Delays will be minimized from 6- 9am and from 3:30- 6pm. Work on the east side is between Devils Kitchen and Red Canyon Overlook. West side work is between the west entrance and Redlands View overlook. Please be alert for construction workers and flaggers.
- Caution8/3/26 - 8/28/26 Closure at Devils Kitchen Picnic Area Parking Lot
From 8/3/26 to 8/28/26, contractors will be repairing and replacing the waterline at Devils Kitchen Picnic Area and parking lot. The restrooms, water, and parking area will be closed throughout the duration of the project. Access to Serpents Trail will remain open at the Devils Kitchen Trailhead.
- CautionStage II Fire Restrictions
Fire danger is extremely high. No fires (charcoal or wood) are permitted anywhere in the park, including in the campground. No smoking outside of your vehicle. Fireworks are always banned. Check vehicles for dragging chains. Be safe and fire aware!
- InformationLower Monument Canyon Trail Work - Expect Short Delays through August 2026
Monday-Thursday and some Fridays, 7 am to 4:30 pm, mid-May through August, expect trail maintenance on lower Monument Canyon Trail. Work will take place on the lower 2.5 miles of the trail, from the lower trailhead up to the Wedding Canyon intersection at Independence Monument. No closures are currently scheduled, though hikers might experience short delays while traveling through work sites.
More info →
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Geology of the MonumentMon Aug 24 2026
- Then & Now - National Park Service BirthdayTue Aug 25 2026
- Geology of the MonumentWed Aug 26 2026
- Lunar Eclipse 2026Thu Aug 27 2026
- Geology of the MonumentFri Aug 28 2026
- The Many Faces of CoyoteFri Aug 28 2026
- Up Close and PersonalFri Aug 28 2026
- Evening Program: Our Night SkiesSat Aug 29 2026
- Geology of the MonumentSat Aug 29 2026
- Junior Ranger DaySun Aug 30 2026
- Canyon Rim WalkMon Aug 31 2026
- Up Close and PersonalTue Sep 01 2026
- Up Close and PersonalThu Sep 03 2026
- Astronomy NightFri Sep 04 2026The program will be held in the parking lot next to the Saddlehorn Picnic Area. Parking is limited, additional parking is available at the Bookcliff View Shelter and at the Visitor Center.
- Geology of the MonumentSat Sep 05 2026
- The Many Faces of CoyoteThu Sep 10 2026
- Astronomy NightFri Sep 11 2026The program will be held in the parking lot next to the Saddlehorn Picnic Area. Parking is limited, additional parking is available at the Bookcliff View Shelter and at the Visitor Center.