I needed to take a trip to Fruita to pick up a spare tire for my Solis, which worked out wonderfully because I stayed for 2 days and explored Colorado National Monument. At first glance this park does not appear very large, and in fact I hiked almost the entire width twice. However, it sure packs a breathtaking palette and the crowds were thin. On the first day I chose the upper Liberty Cap Trail. At first I was underwhelmed; it was pleasant enough hiking through the Piñon trees and shrubs but vistas were flat. However, I stuck with it and was rewarded with expansive views to the Fruita valley and beyond. On the map it appeared that the trail wound around to access the Liberty Cap rock below, but I was unable to find it, even though my GPS showed me right on top of it; it would have taken me over a cliff. Surely an error on my part but there were a few people around the rock below and my loftier perch was expansive and solitary. My only problem these two days was dealing with the sun.

On the second day I parked at the lower trailhead for Monument Canyon. Soon after starting, the trail splits with the option of going to the right of the massive through Wedding Canyon, which I did. The huge formation to the left, which differentiates the Wedding and Monument Canyons, provided cool shade. Once I came to the area of Independence Monument I took a way trail around the base until I found myself on the other side, where I joined the Monument Canyon trail. It seems many day hikers do the trails to this point and return to the lower trailhead. I saw no one on the trail through Monument Canyon until I started the steep ascent to the upper trailhead on Rimrock Drive. By now the sun was beating down and despite slathering myself with sunscreen, I opted to use my neck buff to cover my ears, face and neck for the remainder of the day. I retraced my steps to Independence Monument and then opted right on the continuation of the Monument Canyon trail. This winds around the base past some homes and eventually rejoined the final portion of trail to the parking lot. I realized after arriving at my van that the heat and sun had taken a bit of toll as I sucked down two cans of soda water before taking a shower and changing clothes. I had a snack and departed at 5 PM for the 5 hour drive back to Colorado Springs.

Just driving into the monument from the West and/or East entrances provides astounding views, winding through hairpin turns and tunnels. There are plenty of places to stop and take in the views along the 23 mile Rimrock Drive, like Coke Ovens Overlook and Monument Canyon View. I liked my itinerary, hiking the upper Liberty Cap Trail first, then continuing on Rimrock Drive to the West entrance, stopping at the various points. This allowed a look-see over the canyons and formations from above. Day 2 provided an up close perspective, craning my neck to view the massive formations from their bases. This was indeed some of the most enjoyable hiking I’ve ever done.

*It’s not just about the rock; upper Liberty Cap trail, Colorado National Monument*

I captured portions of these hikes (as usual) with a GoPro Hero9. enjoy!