The Colorado National Monument is named after the river rather than the state, and covers a relatively small area of eroded red rock formations and canyons just south of the Colorado River near Grand Junction . This town, near the Utah border, is surrounded in most directions by impressive multi-colored rocks; the orange/brown layered Book Cliffs dominate the town from the north, and extend westwards for nearly 200 miles to the Manti-la-Sal mountains of central Utah. Immediately southwest of the town, tributaries of the Colorado river have carved through the edge of the high Uncompahgre Plateau that borders the Colorado for some distance, but only the most scenic area, about 10 by 5 miles, is within the national monument. This contains four main canyons, cutting into the plateau for several miles, with several smaller ravines, isolated towers and pinnacles, and many other rock formations.
The Monument was established on May 24th, 1911, the park averages about 300,000 visitors every year. The Colorado National Monument is also home to a wide variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, golden eagles, mule deer and mountain lions

Colorado National Monument is a little-known treasure full of surprises, and offers an interesting array of activities for visitors of all abilities and interests. Hiking, sightseeing and bicycling are just a few of the exciting choices awaiting visitors. The park itself is open 24/7 The visitor center is open in the summer from 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM and in the winter from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The center offers a 12-minute audio-visual presentation about the park. Also provided by the visitor center are various exhibits. Both of these services will give you a history and background about the gorgeous rock formations within the park. The bookstore in the visitor center also provides information regarding the park and its history.

Grand Junction has become important to mountain bikers as the eastern terminus of Kokopelli's Trail to Moab, Utah. Winding for 142 miles through sandstone and shale canyons, it has an elevation differential of about 4,200 feet. Grand Junctions Wine Country and wineries are making a name for themselves across the country. Our lush Colorado vineyards are home to over a dozen wineries offering tours, wine tasting and lazy picnics in the vineyards throughout the year. Grand Junction offers a mild climate with dry, warm summers and moderate winters. On average the sun shines in Grand Junction three out of four days.

Grand Junction seems to have it all--natural wonders, crystalline lakes, paleontological sites, whitewater rivers, and some of the friendliest residents in America. Grand Valley is just this side of the cliffs. . Grand Junction is the largest  city on the western slope of Colorado with full services and facilities. There is very little in the way of services in the Colorado national monument.