Colorado National Monument
Trailie
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Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day Colorado National Monument plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
Colorado at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- 1–2 days
- Don't miss
- Accessible Visit to Colorado National Monument
- Nearby city
- Fruita, CO
Explore this park
Alerts(4)
8/3/26 - 8/28/26 Closure at Devils Kitchen Picnic Area Parking Lot
From 8/3/26 to 8/28/26, contractors will be repairing and replacing the waterline at Devils Kitchen Picnic Area and parking lot. The restrooms, water, and parking area will be closed throughout the duration of the project. Access to Serpents Trail will remain open at the Devils Kitchen Trailhead.
Stage II Fire Restrictions
Fire danger is extremely high. No fires (charcoal or wood) are permitted anywhere in the park, including in the campground. No smoking outside of your vehicle. Fireworks are always banned. Check vehicles for dragging chains. Be safe and fire aware!
6/30/26 - 8/7/26 Devils Kitchen Picnic Area - Expect Temporary Closures
June 30 through August 7, from 6:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, mason workers will be repointing Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter to improve the integrity and stability of the structure. The restrooms will remain open, but the picnic tables may be inaccessible during construction.
Lower Monument Canyon Trail Work - Expect Short Delays through August 2026
NPS detailsMonday-Thursday and some Fridays, 7 am to 4:30 pm, mid-May through August, expect trail maintenance on lower Monument Canyon Trail. Work will take place on the lower 2.5 miles of the trail, from the lower trailhead up to the Wedding Canyon intersection at Independence Monument. No closures are currently scheduled, though hikers might experience short delays while traveling through work sites.
Common questions
Planning Colorado National Monument
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Colorado. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
