Search activities
Colorado National Monument

Trip

Hiking – Colorado National Monument - Monument Canyon

Take a walk back in geologic time along the upper section of the Monument Canyon Trail. Learn what the rocks tell us about conditions in our area 100s of million years ago and get a better appreciation of the combination of geologic processes that created the beautiful place we call the Colorado National Monument. Geologic interpretation will be provided by Roger Smith, a retired geologist who is currently a Colorado National Monument volunteer.

Contacts

Brenda Leach
Brenda Leach
Primary Leader
  • Thu, May 21, 2026
  • Western Slope
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 4.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 800 ft
  • Pace: Slow for geology talk
Geologist Roger Smith says that we'll walk down a steep, but good trail (Monument Canyon Trail) looking at the rocks as we descend about 800 feet to the canyon floor. It's a short distance, ~ 1 mile, but we'll take our time. We'll have lunch at the bottom of the canyon. If it's not too hot, we'll hike another mile and then turn around for a total of 4 miles RT. The hike will take at least 3-4 hours due to the educational stops and lunch. 

Let's meet at the Colorado National Monument Visitors Center (11 Rimrock Dr, Fruita), ready for a 9:30am departure to the Upper Monument Canyon TH. We will carpool to the TH due to the limited parking there.

Route/Place

Colorado National Monument

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Hiking poles are recommended due to the steep trail. Bring a lunch and plenty of water as it may be a little warm. Consider bringing electrolytes. 

Trip Reports