Colorado National Monument Scenic Drive: Self-Guided Audio Tour

What your day looks like

The tour begins at the official Colorado National Monument Sign, ushering you into a landscape carved by time. Take in your first sweeping vista at Redlands View, then pass by the massive Balanced Rock, perched as if it's defying gravity. As you climb the winding Fruita Canyon Road, enjoy the breathtaking Fruita Canyon View and gaze out at Window Rock, a natural arch etched by erosion. At Book Cliffs View, you'll spot the distant ridge that frames this region, and the Window Rock Nature Trail offers an easy stroll with incredible overlooks. Pause at the Amphitheater, a natural rock bowl perfect for photos, then take a short break at Saddlehorn Comfort Station before setting out again. Otto’s Trailhead is up next, named after John Otto, the monument’s eccentric founder and relentless promoter. You’ll hear Otto’s story as you head toward Independence Monument View—where a towering sandstone pillar rises from the canyon floor. Then, look out from Grand View and Monument Canyon View, both offering stunning perspectives of the layered red rock formations below. At Coke Ovens Overlook, take in rounded formations that look like—you guessed it—old-fashioned ovens. Upper Monument Canyon and Liberty Cap trailheads offer a glimpse into some of the park’s more remote hiking areas. Fallen Rock Overlook marks where a massive slab once broke away from the canyon wall, a reminder of nature’s slow, powerful work. Ute Canyon View Trail and Red Canyon Overlook continue the parade of epic vistas, followed by Cold Shivers Point—a viewpoint perched at the edge of a dizzying drop. Then it’s on to Serpent Trail, once dubbed the “crookedest road in the world,” with switchbacks that make it a thrill to drive. Devil’s Kitchen Trail leads you into a maze of towering stone, while nearby Lunch Loop Trailhead draws both hikers and mountain bikers from Grand Junction. Finally, you’ll roll into the city itself, wrapping up your journey through one of the West’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. This self-guided tour gives you full control of the experience—pause, hike, linger at overlooks, and take it all in on your own terms.