Destination Colorado: National Monuments and Picnic Spots with a View
Colorado is home to nine remarkable national monuments that showcase our history by celebrating the Native Americans heritage as well as dinosaurs who roamed our state millions of years ago. Discover stories that are etched in stone, fossils frozen in time, and others waiting to be discovered. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day of exploring and soaking up nature’s beauty.
Browns Canyon National Monument
Browns Canyon National Monument was carved out by the Arkansas River. As one of the nation’s most popular destinations for whitewater rafting, it is also a favorite spot for fishing, wildlife watching, camping, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, and hiking. Located outside Salida, it is about a two-hour drive from Colorado Springs. Marvel at the beauty of the surrounding fourteeners and take in the scenic vistas.
There are many places to stop and set up a picnic in the park, but the Ruby Mountain Recreation Site is a wonderful spot to take in the stunning views.
Chimney Rock National Monument
This monument is of spiritual significance with more than 200 homes and ceremonial structures built by the Chaco people 1,000 years ago. Once home to the ancestors of the modern Pueblo Indians, this 4,100-acre archaeological site is best visited during the summer months.
Located in the San Juan National Forest, Navajo State Park is nearby with beautiful boating and fishing waters. Pack a picnic and head to the West Dolores Campground for a picnic in one of their two picnic areas.
Colorado National Monument
Offering breathtaking views of red rock canyons, towering monoliths, and diverse wildlife, Colorado National Monument is a geological wonder located near Grand Junction. Drive or hike along the 23-mile Rim Rock to witness the beauty of the towering sandstone formations and deep canyons carved by the Colorado River.
Prehistoric rock art and dinosaur excavation sites are found along this route, and many museum-quality bones have been extracted from here. Take in the views from the Saddlehorn Picnic Area while eating lunch.
Dinosaur National Monument
Situated on the border of Colorado and Utah, Dinosaur National Monument is a haven for paleontologists and nature lovers alike. Discover fossilized dinosaur bones embedded in the rocks and take a scenic drive along Harper’s Corner Road leading to a grand overlook above the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers to enjoy the stunning landscapes.
This is also the perfect place to stop and take a break with several picnic areas. Take a hike after your meal with trailheads of three hiking routes located just off Harpers Corner Drive.
Mesa Verde National Park
Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is a World Heritage Site and home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Explore the ancient structures built into the cliffs and learn about the fascinating history of the people who once called this area home.
Take a self-guided field trip with tips from the National Park Service website. For lunch and picnicking, the Chapin Mesa is located 20 miles into the park. Dine on one of over 30 picnic tables while taking in the sights and sounds near the canyon’s edge.
Colorado’s national monuments offer a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, geological marvels, or prehistoric fossils, the national monuments of the Centennial State provide an enriching and unforgettable experience. Plan your visit to these sites and embark on a journey through time and nature in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
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