Colorado National Monument

In the extreme west of Colorado the Rocky Mountains give way to arid canyons. In 1906 John Otto first pitched his tent in one of the canyons cut into the Uncompahgre Plateau near Grand Junction and he started to build trails to provide access to the area. He began a campaign to get the canyons protected and in 1911 the area was designated as Colorado National Monument. John Otto was appointed the first Park Ranger and he continued to live in his tent and build trails for the next 16 years. In the 1930s the US Government embarked on a series of major projects to counter the effects of the Depression. One project was the building of a road along the rim of the canyons in order to provide access to the National Monument by car.

Monument Canyon

Monument Canyon is the longest in the National Monument and it contains the most interesting rock formations. Click Tab 2 to see the Independence Monument, a rock column in the centre of the canyon.

'Coke Ovens', Monument Canyon

Further up Monument Canyon from Independence Monument, a rock ridge has eroded into a series of mounds. Their shapes are reminiscent of coke ovens, hence the name.

Ute Canyon

The second longest canyon in the National Monument is known for its vertical cliff walls of banded, coloured strata which contrast with the green vegetation on the canyon floor.

Monument Canyon & the Colorado River

The view out through the mouth of Monument Canyon reveals a big contrast. While the canyon is dry with sparse vegetation the Colorado River ensures that Grand Valley beyond is green and fertile. Grand Valley is a centre for the Colorado wine industry with several wineries located to the east of Grand Junction.

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Fruita Canyon

There are two sights worth seeing at Colorado National Monument. The canyons are a natural wonder but the Rim Rock Drive is a man-made one. This 37 kilometre (23 mile) road passes through three tunnels and clings to the edge of the canyons. If you want the best view during your drive, enter the National Monument via the east entrance near Grand Junction as you will then be on the side of the road next to the canyons. If you are nervous about heights, enter via the west entrance near Fruita and you will be on the side of the road away from the big drops. This picture shows the Rim Rock Drive near the west entrance winding its way up through Fruita Canyon before going through two tunnels on its way up to the canyon rim.