Colorado National Monument

30 minutes from Palisade, visitors can experience towering rock formations and panoramic canyons as they journey through a true geological wonderland. The Colorado National Monument is an area of desert land that hosts a wide variety of wildlife and natural history.  Visitors often see mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, desert bighorns, foxes, squirrels, and other smaller mammals.

Home to 23,000 acres of amazing red rock views, tourists can explore popular family hikes on Serpant’s Trail or Devil’s Kitchen or challenge themselves with a trip up to Liberty Cap. Rimrock Drive winds for 23 miles through the canyons, with many pull-offs to pause for a hike or just take in the majestic rock formations from the overlooks. Bikers often turn this loop into a 33-mile ride by connecting roads outside of the Monument. Off-road mountain biking is not allowed here, but there are many opportunities for a ride in nearby areas.

Stop by the Colorado National Monument Visitors Center for educational information, videos, park ranger assistance, and local trail maps.