Colorado National Monument: The colorful sandstone cliffs, red rock formations, and valley in the distance give visitors a breathtaking panoramic view from one of many overlooks along Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
A Long and Winding Road: An overlook from a higher elevation shows a long and winding road as it turns and twists around the formations in Colorado National Monument. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
By GARY WARREN
Photographer
Formerly of Los Alamos
Colorado is a state with abundant natural beauty. Mountains soar to over 14,000 feet while green valleys run about the state between mountain ranges.
However, a true gem of the state lies on the western side of the state near the city of Grand Junction. Colorado National Monument sits on the side of the Uncompahgre Plateau overlooking the Grand Valley and the Colorado River below.
Sandstone cliffs and red rock formations are the stars of this monument. Rim Rock Drive, a 23 mile road through the park provides visitors with numerous overlooks to view the colorful panoramic vistas.
There are also many trails in various degrees of difficulty which takes hikers up close to the formations. Biking is also a big attraction in this part of the state and within the park.
Colorado National Monument can be entered on the south from Grand Junction and from the north side from the town of Fruita. The north entrance is most popular as it sits only a couple of miles from Interstate 70. The park’s visitor center and campground are both located near the north entrance as well.
Editor’s note: Longtime Los Alamos photographer Gary Warren and his wife Marilyn are traveling around the country and he shares his photographs, which appear in the ‘Posts from the Road’ series published in the Sunday edition of the Los Alamos Daily Post.
Sandstone Walls: Sun drenches the sandstone canyon walls in Colorado National Monument. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Colorful Details: A detail shot of a canyon wall reveals the beautiful colors of the wall. These formations are dramatic when viewed as vistas, but the closer detail shots give a more intimate view. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Rim Rock Drive: The only through road within the park is the 23 mile long Rim Rock Drive running the length of Colorado National Monument in a north/south route. Nineteen overlook areas provide visitors ample views of this magnificent park. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com