The Historic Trails view looking north to Fruita.
We spent the day touring and hiking Colorado National Monument, which borders Grand Junction to the south.
The Independence Monument View.
Colorado National Monument is too small to be a national park (which means it is still open during the shutdown), but it has a number of cliffs and rock spires, like a small version of Zion.
The view at the end of the Coke Ovens trail.
The cliff band below the road.
We hiked about six miles out-and-back on the Monument Canyon Trail.
The trail travels from one side of the park to the other, so it would make a good shuttle hike if you have two cars.
Continuing down to the valley floor.
The trail drops through a large cliff area below the park road.
Rock formations along the trail.
Upon reaching the valley floor, you wind through piñons and boulders along the base of the cliffs.
Bell Tower (Kissing Couple). Independence Monument is to the right.
The park has a number of spires that are popular with rock climbers.
A kissing couple at the Kissing Couple.
The temperature this time of year is perfect for hiking and biking.
A large overhang in the cliff band.
The trail would be very scenic after a rainstorm, as there are a number of dry waterfalls in the cliffs.
The Coke Ovens, a ridge of rounded rock formations.
Colorado National Monument lacks the size and grandeur of a national park, but it’s worth exploring.
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