Colorado Off the Beaten Path® by Christine Loomis

Author:Christine Loomis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Globe Pequot
Published: 2016-05-13T00:00:00+00:00

Despite receiving only 9 inches of rainfall and 19 inches of snowfall annually, the area encompassed by the Colorado National Monument was continuously inhabited for thousands of years until 1881. That year, the area’s most recent inhabitants, the Utes, were moved by the US military to a Utah reservation. Past inhabitants left evidence of their existence through rock art and other artifacts.

Travelers in search of deep canyons, red rock walls, and sandstone spires often head to the parks of Utah. But Colorado has its own park, Colorado National Monument, where a world of steep plateaus, sheer drop-­offs, and craggy rock spires awaits. This 31-square-­mile monument is easily explored via a 23-mile road that offers numerous overlooks across the high-­desert scenery. If you’re a road cyclist, it’s a great way to absorb the scenery. Thirteen backcountry hiking trails lead into the far reaches of the park.

To reach Colorado National Monument, follow Monument Road out of downtown Grand Junction, which will take you to the entry gate. Fees are $10 per vehicle, $5 per motorcycle or individual biker or hiker. For more information call (970) 858-3617 or write Colorado National Monument, Fruita 81521; nps.gov/com.

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