Mesa County, Colorado is a great place to escape the springtime snow in the Rocky Mountains. Mike and I love to head to this area for a weekend adventure, as there's so much to see and do. One of our favorite places to visit in the region is the Colorado National Monument.

Wedding Canyon

There are two entrances to the National Monument. The west entrance is near Fruita, off Highway 340, while the east is off Monument Road in Grand Junction. We enjoy starting the drive on Rim Rock Road from Fruita, where it twists up the canyon with beautiful views along the way. The visitors center is worth stopping at to learn about the history of the canyon and about Rim Rock Road being built during the Great Depression. The ‘rim’ along the side of the road that acts like a guard rail offers some comfort, even with its lack of height and missing chunks. 

Coke Ovens

Colorado National Monument offers a wide range of hikes that cater to different preferences. The Alcove Nature Trail, which is half a mile long, is an excellent way to learn about the various rocks within the park, plants, and wildlife. The Canyon Rim Trail, also half a mile long, offers some of the best views of Wedding Canyon and Independence Monument. Then there’s a trail that goes to the unique Coke Oven formations that are quite impressive and it’s rated easy. 

Mike Recording a Video Going Down Monument Trail - Watch It here

For a more challenging hike, I recommend Monument Canyon Trail. It's one of our favorite trails, but I have to admit that I was scared during the hike because the trail is narrow and runs right along a cliff. My first time doing this hike I even stopped, turned around, and had Mike keep going. He seemed to be taking forever and I didn’t know how long the hike was, or how often he was stopping to take photos. I even had to ask another couple (who had returned from the same hike) if they had seen him. Luckily, they had, he was just taking more photos. If you can get past the fear of the trail it’s worth it. The views are incredible, we’ve spotted big horn sheep, herds of mule deer and plenty of lizards along the way.

Mike Photographing Big Horn Sheep

If you're thinking of going camping, we’ve been to Saddlehorn Campground multiple times and always had a great experience. Our first time camping there it was so windy neither of us could sleep with the sound of the rain fly flapping around the tent. Other times were much more calm, especially in early April when you can have the campground to yourself. The sites are reasonably priced at $22 and you can reserve spots ahead of time in Loop A and B. If you're unable to reserve, there are still first-come, first-served spots available in Loop B and Loop C. The campground is very well-maintained and the bathrooms are clean and have flushing toilets. The views from the campground are absolutely stunning.

Sunset Views From Rim Road

There are also many hotel options in Grand Junction, Fruita, or Palisade (which is our favorite and located 25 minutes east of Fruita). The Wine Country Inn is a beautiful hotel with a romantic feel, surrounded by vineyards. The on-site restaurant, Caroline’s, is amazing. Or, if you are looking for a more casual option we also recommend the 357 Bar & Grill. We’ve also stayed at the La Quinta and the Comfort Inn in Fruita, both of which were great. If you’re a fan of BBQ  and ribs, Rib City is worth checking out. The prices are great and the portions are big enough to share. 

Dusting Of Snow In National Monument

Sometimes we start our road trip in Mesa County, then keep going west to Moab. In spring, we are always ready to escape mud season in the Colorado Rocky’s and head to the desert. Don’t forget to watch the weather, one year we had planned on camping only to have a spring snowstorm cancel those plans. The Colorado National Monument is sure to be an amazing site worth checking out, no matter what time of the year. There is certainly something magical about the red rock landscape when it is blanketed with a layer of fresh snow. 

- Amy E. Bauer