Colorado National Monument Scenic Drive with Bighorn Sheep

Описание: Drive through Colorado National Monument and experience these sheer-walled, red rock canyons, and towering monoliths that exist within a vast plateau and panoramic views of the canyon. We are taking one of the grandest scenic drives in the American West, the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive. Set in a land that once roamed with dinosaurs, explore the landscape through rock tunnels, on the edge of the canyon and along twists and turns of this exhilarating drive. We observe big horn sheep, we stand at the precipice of many stunning viewpoints as we peer over into the depths of time. Allow one hour driving time plus additional time for hiking, walking, photography, or stopping at pullouts.

We also hike, camp and come away with an awe and better understanding of this treasured National Monument in the American West. There’s a specular view and experience for every ability or preference, whether you're here for an hour or are staying all day. Hike distances range from only 0.25 mile to over 14 miles in length.

Drinking Water
There are no water sources on trails within the Monument. This is an arid, desert environment. Hikers must carry all the water they need with them. A water fountain is located at the visitor center and Campground Loop A has water year-round. Cell service varies here, from good in some locations to none at all in other places.

Elevation
Colorado National Monument has elevations ranging from 4,690 feet at the West Entrance to 7,107 feet at the highest point in the park. The Visitor Center is at 5,787 feet, and the highest point along Rim Rock Drive is 6,640 feet. Elevation is important to know out west to better gauge activity level, water consumption and expected temperature fluctuations from daytime to nighttime and plan accordingly.

Visitor Center
For first hand information, maps, and brochures, the visitor center is a good place to start your adventure. Surrounding canyon walls with large glass windows and an outside back porch area offers outstanding vistas of the monument. It is located four miles from the Fruita Entrance and near Saddlehorn Campground. It is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Campground
Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument near the Visitor Center. Loop A has water year round. The campground is atop the edge of Fruita Canyon. Take care to keep children, pets and yourselves from venturing too close the the edges. Many of the campsites are difficult to level a camping vehicle. Leveling blocks are recommended to help. Gorgeous landscape views are observed from most if not all campsites.
Learn about the campground and make reservations here:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/ca...

Location
Located in Western Colorado, just off the Interstate, I-70, in the town of Fruita, Colorado National Monument “it is an easy reach from just about anywhere” out west, which is why we have been here several times. “Offering some of the best outdoor recreation and a truly unique culture, Fruita fosters a fun and funky ambiance around its arts, agriculture, and recreation.” https://www.fruita.org/citymanager/pa...

Fruita, Colorado is known for the discovery of several dinosaur fossils, including Stegosaurus, Ce rah’tosaurus, Brontosaurus, and Apatosaurus. The Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita showcases these and other fossils from the area. 
Museum Information Here:
https://www.museumofwesternco.com/vis...

National Parks
Plan you visit and learn about Colorado National Monument here:
https://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm
Credit goes to the National Park Service for a lot of the great information and some still photos from the website, accredited in the video.

Best Time to Visit
Late Spring or early Fall is the best time to visit for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

We are Bill and Christina and we have been traveling on the road for 4 years. Thank you for watching and supporting our channel, and of course, adding a subscribe and clicking the thumbs up to follow us as we travel full time. We are discovering divine nature through people and places, chasing 70 degrees, in the US and beyond. Have a good night on the trail wherever you are on your journey. See our Links in the bio for Instagram, Facebook and TikTok social media accounts.
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