Millions of years of wind and water erosion have gouged out the brightly colored rock spires, domes, arches, pedestals and balanced rocks along a line of cliffs to form the COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT , just four miles west of Grand Junction. This painted desert of warm reds, stunning purples, burnt oranges and browns is also home to a high arid vegetation of piñon pine, yucca, sagebrush and Utah juniper.

The Monument has two entrances ($5, valid for seven days) at either end of the twisting, 23-mile Rim Rock Drive that passes through it (a 39-mile round trip from Grand Junction). The best of many overlooks along the rim drive is the Book Cliff View , or the Parade of the Monoliths , just off the rim road at the sign for Window Rock Trail. Short hikes include the one-hour John Otto's Trail , affording close-up views of several monoliths; longer trails get right down to the canyon floor. One of the best trails is the Monument Canyon Trail weaving through a series of scenic spots, while Unaweep Canyon is another beautiful area, with excellent rock climbing . You can camp for $8 in the park's only campsite, the basic Saddlehorn Campground , or pitch a tent anywhere more than a quarter of a mile off the road for free. For detailed information on trails, call in at the visitor center at the north end of the park (June-Aug 8am-7pm; Sept-May 9am-5pm; tel 970/858-3617, ).

Colorado National Monument

• Colorado National Monument

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