Colorado National Monument Loop Trail: Wedding Canyon to Monument Canyon
Sometimes our best hiking recommendations come from local residents. In fact, that was exactly the case with our Colorado National Monument Loop Trail adventure.
Wedding Canyon Trail to Monument Canyon Trail
We hadn’t planned to stay in Grand Junction at all. But when a rock cracked our windshield on I-70, we found ourselves unexpectedly grounded for a day. However, that mishap became one of our favorite stops of the trip. One of the workers at the glass shop told us about the Monument Canyon Loop Trail and suggested we camp inside the park. Fortunately, that advice that turned out to be golden.
Trail Details — Wedding Canyon ➜ Monument Canyon Loop
We arrived at the trailhead mid-morning to find the parking lot nearly empty. That’s always a great way to start a hike! After lacing up our boots and grabbing our packs, we set out counterclockwise on Wedding Canyon Trail. For the first half mile, the path follows the southern boundary of the park, separated from nearby homes by a simple fence. Soon the trail veers left, pulling you deeper into the dramatic red-rock canyons that make this park so unforgettable.
The morning sun was blocked to our left, leaving us to walk in the cool shadows of the buff canyon walls while the opposite cliffs glowed in golden light. The rocky path through the canyon offered countless views of sandstone towers and massive formations shaped by centuries of wind and erosion.
Finishing the Monument Canyon Loop Trail
About halfway through the loop, at the trail’s highest elevation, Wedding Canyon Trail intersects with Monument Canyon Trail, which leads hikers back toward the trailhead. This junction may be the most stunning and dramatic viewpoint of the entire hike. From there, we looked out over the sweeping expanse of Bridal Canyon, with rock formations like Independence Monument, Grand View Spire, and the Belltower (also known as The Kissing Couple) standing proudly in the distance. It’s the perfect rest or lunch spot — especially if you’re hiking with your favorite person.
The return route on Monument Canyon Trail is a steady descent with breathtaking views all the way down — Bridal Canyon to your right, a towering natural stone wall to your left, and the cityscape of Grand Junction straight ahead. It’s a spectacular finale to an already unforgettable hike.
Camping at Saddlehorn Campground
That night, we camped at Saddlehorn Campground, located just inside the park entrance. The campground has three loops — A, B, and C — and we stayed in Loop A, which includes electric hookups for $22 per night (half-price with a National Park Pass). There’s also a dump station and water fill-up area, and from our site we had sweeping nighttime views of Grand Junction’s city lights far below.
After dinner, we sat outside and watched the glow of the city fade into a sky filled with stars — the kind of peaceful, unexpected night that reminds us why we love van life so much.
Harvest Hosts Near Grand Junction and Palisade
If you prefer unique overnights instead of traditional campgrounds, Harvest Hosts is a fantastic option in this area. The program connects self-contained RV travelers with wineries, farms, museums, and other small businesses that welcome overnight guests. Around Grand Junction and Palisade, you’ll find several scenic host locations — from vineyards with views of the Book Cliffs to orchards and lavender farms tucked along the Colorado River. It’s a peaceful way to experience local charm, support small businesses, and enjoy a quiet night’s stay surrounded by Western Colorado’s red rock beauty.
We rely on Harvest Hosts whenever we want quiet, scenic overnight stays and a chance to support local businesses.
You can learn more or become a member here:
👉 Join Harvest Hosts
Rim Rock Drive: A Scenic Surprise
The next morning, we drove a portion of Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile scenic road that winds through the heart of Colorado National Monument.
Carved into the steep red cliffs, Rim Rock Drive offers spectacular overlooks, deep canyons, and panoramic views stretching across the Grand Valley to the distant Book Cliffs. There are numerous pullouts along the route, each showcasing a slightly different perspective of the monument’s towering monoliths and sweeping desert landscapes.
Highlights include views of Independence Monument View, Grand View, and Artist’s Point, all easy to access with short walks to the rim. The road climbs through tunnels to over 6,000 feet in places, and several sections are narrow with tight curves, and no guardrails, a little thrilling for those traveling in a camper van, but absolutely worth it.
We only had time to drive half the route before needing to head north, but it’s the kind of scenic drive that lingers in your memory — especially when the late-afternoon sun sets the canyon walls ablaze in red and gold. If you visit, allow at least two to three hours to stop at the viewpoints, stretch your legs, and soak in the vastness of the monument.
Practical Tips
- Start early to avoid heat and crowds, especially during summer.
- Hike counterclockwise to enjoy the best morning light and cooler canyon temperatures.
- Carry plenty of water — there’s no shade or refill station on the loop.
- Stop at the Visitor Center near Saddlehorn Campground for maps and park info.
- Drive Rim Rock Drive for panoramic overlooks and can’t-miss photo stops.
FAQs About Colorado National Monument
Where is Colorado National Monument?
The monument is located in western Colorado near Grand Junction and Fruita, about 250 miles west of Denver.
Is Colorado National Monument open year-round?
Yes. The park is open all year, though summer can be very hot. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking.
Can you camp inside Colorado National Monument?
Yes. Saddlehorn Campground is the only campground within the park and accommodates tents, vans, and small RVs.
Are dogs allowed in Colorado National Monument?
Dogs are permitted in campgrounds and on paved roads but not on hiking trails.
Is Colorado National Monument worth visiting?
Absolutely! It’s one of Colorado’s most underrated parks, offering red-rock formations, scenic drives, and world-class hiking without the crowds of Moab or Arches.
Colorado Hotspots
Colorado is one of our favorite places to visit and explore. We enjoyed these places so much, we decided to write a blog post about them!
- Hiking Bear Creek Falls Trail in Telluride, Colorado
- Oh-Be-Joyful Trail Says it All in it’s Name
- Portland Trail & Chief Ouray Loop (Ouray, Colorado)
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