The visitor center is a great place to start your adventure. Colorado National Monument has one visitor center, located 4 miles into the monument from the Fruita entrance or 18 miles from the Grand Junction entrance via Rim Rock Drive. Saddlehorn Visitor Center is right next to the Saddlehorn Campground.
The visitor center, exhibits, and restrooms are open every day, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year's Day (January 1). Hours are from 9am- 4pm daily, with extended hours during the summer season. Check current operating hours.
Stop by the information desk to talk with a park ranger or a volunteer for trip advice, park information, Junior Ranger booklets, and more. A gift shop operated by the Colorado National Monument Association offers books, souvenirs, puzzles, clothing, and snacks.
There is a water fountain with a water bottle filling station located out front. Remember to fill up your water bottles before you head out into the monument, since no water is available on the trails.
The eighteen-minute-long park movie, released in 2022, is shown upon request in the auditorium. Take a walk through the exhibit hall to learn about the natural and human history of the monument.
Ranger programs are offered each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check at the visitor center desk for the day's schedule.
