Geology of the Monument

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather......More

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.Español: Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.

Canyon Rim Walk

Join a ranger for a hike along one of the short trails near the Visitor Center.  Learn about the history, geology, plants, and animals of the monument.  The hike will be on a fairly level, easy trail and the total distance will not exceed one mile. Bring water, sunscree......More

Join a ranger for a hike along one of the short trails near the Visitor Center.  Learn about the history, geology, plants, and animals of the monument.  The hike will be on a fairly level, easy trail and the total distance will not exceed one mile. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and your questions!  Closed toed shoes are recommended.  Meet the ranger at the Visitor Center at 8am.  This program will be cancelled in the event of a thunderstorm or other inclement weather.Español: Únase a un guardaparque para una caminata en uno de los senderos cortos cerca del Centro de Visitantes. Aprende sobre la historia, geología, plantas, y animales del monumento. La caminata será en un sendero fácil y bastante plano y la distancia total no superará una milla (1,6 km). ¡Traiga agua, protector solar, bocadillos, y sus preguntas! Se recomiendan zapatos cerrados. Encuentre al guardaparque frente al Bookcliff View Shelter a las 8:00am. Este programa se cancelará en caso de tormento eléctrica u otras inclemencias del tiempo. 

Geology of the Monument

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather......More

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.Español: Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.

Up Close and Personal

Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument!  Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program.  This program is great for a......More

Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument!  Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program.  This program is great for all ages.It will be held rain or shine.  In the event of inclement weather, this program moves inside to the exhibit hall.Español: ¡Conoce a un guardaparque en el porche trasero del Centro de Visitantes para descubrir más sobre el monumento! Pase en cualquier momento de las 2 hasta las 3 de la tarde para aprender más sobre los animales, la historia, la geología, o los insectos del Monumento Nacional de Colorado. Este programa es ideal para todas las edades. Se mantendrá lluvia o brillo. En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve dentro de la sala de exposiciones.

Geology of the Monument

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather......More

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.Español: Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.

Up Close and Personal

Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument!  Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program.  This program is great for a......More

Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument!  Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program.  This program is great for all ages.It will be held rain or shine.  In the event of inclement weather, this program moves inside to the exhibit hall.Español: ¡Conoce a un guardaparque en el porche trasero del Centro de Visitantes para descubrir más sobre el monumento! Pase en cualquier momento de las 2 hasta las 3 de la tarde para aprender más sobre los animales, la historia, la geología, o los insectos del Monumento Nacional de Colorado. Este programa es ideal para todas las edades. Se mantendrá lluvia o brillo. En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve dentro de la sala de exposiciones.

Geology of the Monument

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather......More

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.Español: Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.

Up Close and Personal

Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument!  Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program.  This program is great for a......More

Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument!  Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program.  This program is great for all ages.It will be held rain or shine.  In the event of inclement weather, this program moves inside to the exhibit hall.Español: ¡Conoce a un guardaparque en el porche trasero del Centro de Visitantes para descubrir más sobre el monumento! Pase en cualquier momento de las 2 hasta las 3 de la tarde para aprender más sobre los animales, la historia, la geología, o los insectos del Monumento Nacional de Colorado. Este programa es ideal para todas las edades. Se mantendrá lluvia o brillo. En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve dentro de la sala de exposiciones.

Geology of the Monument

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather......More

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.Español: Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.

Canyon Rim Walk

Join a ranger for a hike along one of the short trails near the Visitor Center.  Learn about the history, geology, plants, and animals of the monument.  The hike will be on a fairly level, easy trail and the total distance will not exceed one mile. Bring water, sunscree......More

Join a ranger for a hike along one of the short trails near the Visitor Center.  Learn about the history, geology, plants, and animals of the monument.  The hike will be on a fairly level, easy trail and the total distance will not exceed one mile. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, and your questions!  Closed toed shoes are recommended.  Meet the ranger at the Visitor Center at 8am.  This program will be cancelled in the event of a thunderstorm or other inclement weather.Español: Únase a un guardaparque para una caminata en uno de los senderos cortos cerca del Centro de Visitantes. Aprende sobre la historia, geología, plantas, y animales del monumento. La caminata será en un sendero fácil y bastante plano y la distancia total no superará una milla (1,6 km). ¡Traiga agua, protector solar, bocadillos, y sus preguntas! Se recomiendan zapatos cerrados. Encuentre al guardaparque frente al Bookcliff View Shelter a las 8:00am. Este programa se cancelará en caso de tormento eléctrica u otras inclemencias del tiempo. 

Geology of the Monument

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather......More

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.Español: Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.

Up Close and Personal

Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument!  Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program.  This program is great for a......More

Meet a ranger on the back porch of the visitor center to discover more about the monument!  Stop by anytime from 1:30pm to 2:30pm to learn more about the animals, history, and geology of Colorado National Monument with this hands on program.  This program is great for all ages.It will be held rain or shine.  In the event of inclement weather, this program moves inside to the exhibit hall.Español: ¡Conoce a un guardaparque en el porche trasero del Centro de Visitantes para descubrir más sobre el monumento! Pase en cualquier momento de las 2 hasta las 3 de la tarde para aprender más sobre los animales, la historia, la geología, o los insectos del Monumento Nacional de Colorado. Este programa es ideal para todas las edades. Se mantendrá lluvia o brillo. En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve dentro de la sala de exposiciones.

Astronomy Night

Meet at Saddlehorn Picnic Area to begin your journey of exploring and learning about our night skies through telescopes and a ranger program.Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the program to minimize headlight and flashlight lights.  If you have one, ......More

Meet at Saddlehorn Picnic Area to begin your journey of exploring and learning about our night skies through telescopes and a ranger program.Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the program to minimize headlight and flashlight lights.  If you have one, use a red flashlight. This will help preserve everyone's night vision.Bring a chair and insect repellant for your comfort.Bringing pets is not recommended due to safety concerns.  Service dogs are welcome.This is a weather permitting event and is subject to be cancelled.If the weather is too cloudy for astronomy viewing, the program might be moved to the Saddlehorn Ampitheatre.Español: Reúnase en el área de pícnic de Saddlehorn para comenzar su viaje de exploración y aprendizaje sobre nuestros cielos nocturnes a través de telescopios y un programa de guardaparques. Por favor, llegue al menos 10 minutes antes del inicio del programa para minimizar las luces de los faros y linternas. Si tienes una, usa una linterna roja. Esto ayudará a preservar la visión nocturna de todos. Trae una silla y repelente de insectos para su comodidad. No se recomienda llevar mascotas debido a preocupaciones de seguridad. Los perros de servicio son bienvenidos. En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa puede ser cancelado.

The program will be held in the parking lot next to the Saddlehorn Picnic Area. Parking is limited, additional parking is available at the Bookcliff View Shelter and at the Visitor Center.

Geology of the Monument

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather......More

Join a park ranger on the back porch of the Visitor Center for a talk on the geology of the monument.  You'll learn about how the canyons formed, the different rock layers, and how Independence Monument came to be.  Bring your questions!In the event of inclement weather/insects, the program will be held in the exhibit hall of the Visitor Center.Español: Únase a un guardaparque en “Saddlehorn Visitor Center” para una charla sobra la geología del monumento. Aprenderás sobre cómo formaron los cañones, las capas de roca, y cómo llegó a ser el Monumento a la Independencia. ¡Trae tus preguntas!En caso de inclemencias del tiempo, este programa se mueve al Centro de Visitantes.

Then and Now- National Park Service 109th Birthday

 Join Terri Ahern as she shares her passion history and knowledge of Colorado National Monument’s beautiful landscape through photos and storytelling. Terri and her husband Rick moved to the “best slope” in 2000 after falling in love with the high desert canyon country.......More

 Join Terri Ahern as she shares her passion history and knowledge of Colorado National Monument’s beautiful landscape through photos and storytelling. Terri and her husband Rick moved to the “best slope” in 2000 after falling in love with the high desert canyon country. She has been a volunteer at Colorado National Monument since April 2006 as a trail ambassador and assists with special projects in the Cultural & Natural Resources Division and enjoys the annual Desert Bighorn Sheep Count. The National Park Service (NPS) was established on August 25 1916 and celebrates its birthday on this date each year. This year 2025 marks the 109th anniversary of the NPS. RSVPs not required – Park pass required for entrance to the park.