The Heart of the World
Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.
Driving Directions
Driving Westbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction, Exit 31 (Horizon Drive). Follow signs through Grand Junction to the east entrance. The visitor center and campground are 19 miles from the east entrance. Eastbound on Highway I-70 take Exit 19 (Fruita). Turn south on Highway 340 to the west entrance, which is approximately three miles from Fruita. The visitor center and campground are four miles up from the west entrance.
Camping
Saddlehorn Campground is located near the Saddlehorn Visitor Center, four miles from the west entrance (near Fruita, Colorado) and nineteen miles from the east entrance (near Grand Junction, Colorado), and is the only established campground within the Monument.
There are 79 campsites with three camping loops within the Saddlehorn Campground (Loops A, B, and C). From late-March to mid-October, campsites in Loop A and Loop B (both tents and RVs) can be reserved or taken for one-night only, while Loop C is first come first serve (tents and small vehicles). Loop B is open year round and is first come first serve from mid-October to late-March (sites suitable for both tents and RVs).
Due to size of the campground, vehicles longer than 40 feet cannot be accommodated–this includes tow vehicle AND trailer. Restrooms have flush toilets and water available during the summer, and each site has a picnic table and charcoal-only grill. There are no electric hookups, fill or dump stations, or showers.
