Having seen the Colorado Monument from Rimrock Drive only, we were bothitching to get down and hike in the valley.

Having seen the Colorado Monument from Rimrock Drive only, we were both itching to get down and hike in the valley. We opted for a 5 mile round trip hike to Independence Monument. You gain about 500' on the 2  1/2 mile ascent which we didn't think sounded to bad. It turns out that you gain most of that in less than a mile, so we were breathing pretty hard during that stretch. Joe Sallot, we wish you would put this hike on your list this year!!

We made the 100 mile loop drive from Fruita back to the Grand Mesa andthe over the top.

We made the 100 mile loop drive from Fruita back to the Grand Mesa and the over the top. Just another one of the spectacular journeys we're beginning to expect here in Colorado. Grand Mesa is the largest flat topped mountain anywhere in the world. We passed a sign that said 10, 500 feet but I think its highest point is over 11,000 feet.

I think we might of had a couple of glasses of wine before thisconversation took place....

I think we might of had a couple of glasses of wine before this conversation took place....

Originally shared by Dagmar Liem

Have you ever heard of Buddy Burners? Well this gives a whole new meaning to them!!

The brochure says:

The brochure says:

One of the grandest scenic drives in the American West, the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers redrock canyons, crisp blue skies, and glorious views along the way for motorists and bicyclists. The road is inseparable from the identity of the Monument. The drive provides access to Saddlehorn Visitor Center and campground, 19 signed viewpoints, and 14 hiking trails — from ½ to 14 miles round trip. Many short, easy trails allow you to gaze upon or walk up to towering masses, while backcountry trails head down into remote canyons full of bird song and solitude.

We just said WOWEE!!

Just got back to the Motorhome from visiting the Colorado NationalMonument near Grand Junction, Colorado.

Just got back to the Motorhome from visiting the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, Colorado. Dagmar and I walked around all day with our mouths hanging open, mesmerized by the beauty. Really unbelievable, one of those experiences that makes traveling so wonderful!! Zoom in on this picture to see all the details in the background, its the only way you even begin to appreciate it! I'll post more later as I get time.

Colorado National Monument - Crazy Beautiful! !!!

Colorado National Monument - Crazy Beautiful! !!!