Parks

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.

Map showing location of park.

Rim Rock Drive winds its way up canyon walls as it steeply climbs through orange sandstone cliffs and juniper trees in Colorado National Monument.

Vehicle Rollover on Rim Rock Drive

2024-08-26

On August 25, at about 8 p.m., Colorado National Monument staff received a report that a passenger vehicle had departed from Rim Rock Drive. National Park Service (NPS) rangers and other first responders immediately dispatched to the scene, where it was discovered that the vehicle failed to navigate a curve and rolled down an approximately 30-foot drop.

Independence Monument stands out against the sky as the viewer looks up at it from near its base. There are rocks and foliage in the foreground.

Hiker Fatality in Lower Monument Canyon

2024-06-12

On June 10th, Colorado National Monument staff received a report that a female hiker collapsed and lost consciousness. Life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and the hiker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rim Rock Drive to Partially Close for Road Resurfacing

2024-05-09

Beginning May 29, 2024, Colorado National Monument's Rim Rock Drive will close for up to 14 days between milepost 5.5 to 18.5 to allow the Federal Highway Administration to complete road pavement micro-resurfacing operations. This closure will not have an impact on the right-of-way traffic in the Glade Park community.