Opportunities for trail-based hiking, dog walking, trail running, mountain
bicycling, horseback riding and other non-motorized recreation activities
between Orchard Mesa and Whitewater along the Gunnison River bluffs.
Georeferenced PDF map available for download here: https://www.blm.gov/grand-
junction-fo/public-room/map/gunnison-river-bluffs-extensive-recreation-
management-area-map

Opportunities for trail-based hiking, dog walking, trail running, mountain bicycling, horseback riding and other non-motorized recreation activities between Orchard Mesa and Whitewater along the Gunnison River bluffs. Georeferenced PDF map available for download here: https://www.blm.gov/grand-junction-fo/public-room/map/gunnison-river-bluffs-extensive-recreation-management-area-map

Bird's eye view of the park

Gunnison River Bluffs

The Lunch Loops provides non-motorized mixed use trail opportunities (mountain
biking, hiking, trail running), accommodating a range of skill levels. This
area is easily accessed from Grand Junction and provides outstanding views of
the Grand Valley. For a map please visit: http://www.copmoba.org/trail-map-
pdfs

The Lunch Loops provides non-motorized mixed use trail opportunities (mountain biking, hiking, trail running), accommodating a range of skill levels. This area is easily accessed from Grand Junction and provides outstanding views of the Grand Valley. For a map please visit: http://www.copmoba.org/trail-map-pdfs

Lunch loops Community Rec Area

Opportunities for motorized trail riding from single track motorcycle trails,
ATV width trails, rock crawling on the Billings Canyon jeep trail, and 4-wheel
drive roads. This area is close to Grand Junction and offers excellent views
and scenery.

Opportunities for motorized trail riding from single track motorcycle trails, ATV width trails, rock crawling on the Billings Canyon jeep trail, and 4-wheel drive roads. This area is close to Grand Junction and offers excellent views and scenery.

Bangs Canyon OHV Trails

Opportunities for hiking and outdoor classroom learning. Enjoy viewing of
geology, plants, and wildlife in a natural landscape. Mica Mine is a 2.6 miles
round trip within Ladder Canyon. Motorized and mechanized use is not allowed.
Easy access from Grand Junction.

Opportunities for hiking and outdoor classroom learning. Enjoy viewing of geology, plants, and wildlife in a natural landscape. Mica Mine is a 2.6 miles round trip within Ladder Canyon. Motorized and mechanized use is not allowed. Easy access from Grand Junction.

Mica Mine/Rough Canyon

Opportunities for backcountry hiking, horseback riding, hunting and wildlife
viewing in a largely undeveloped natural setting. Easy access from Grand
Junction .

Opportunities for backcountry hiking, horseback riding, hunting and wildlife viewing in a largely undeveloped natural setting.  Easy access from Grand Junction .

Bangs Backcountry

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the
American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering
monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience
sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive,
where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

## Overview

Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument which
preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Much more than a
monument, towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama.
You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns
of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.

## Recreation

Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic
views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular
motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come
year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique
landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone,
and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared
lizards, and many other special creatures.

## Facilities

Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic
views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular
motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come
year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique
landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone,
and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared
lizards, and many other special creatures.

## Natural Features

The campground is nestled within large red rock formations, with pinyon and
juniper trees providing adequate shade. There are spectacular views of the
Grand Valley to the northwest, and some of the park's most scenic monoliths
and canyons to the southeast

## Nearby Attractions

The cities of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade boast many urban and
agricultural attractions, but there are also abundant recreation areas
surrounding the Monument. Among these are McInnis Canyons National
Conservation Area, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Highline Lake
State Park, and many Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service areas.

## contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (970) 858-2800.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument which preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Much more than a monument, towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone, and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared lizards, and many other special creatures.<h2>Facilities</h2>
Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone, and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared lizards, and many other special creatures.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The campground is nestled within large red rock formations, with pinyon and juniper trees providing adequate shade. There are spectacular views of the Grand Valley to the northwest, and some of the park's most scenic monoliths and canyons to the southeast
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The cities of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade boast many urban and agricultural attractions, but there are also abundant recreation areas surrounding the Monument. Among these are McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Highline Lake State Park, and many Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service areas.
<h2>contact_info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (970) 858-2800.

Camping fee is $22.00 per night per site. This is in addition to the entrance
fee to Colorado National Monument.

Access and Senior Pass holders receive a 50% discount for the camping fee--
must hold a valid pass. These passes can be purchased at either entrance
station.

Reservations must be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

wide angle view looking north from Fruita Canyon overlook near sunrise

Thunderstorm Over Colorado National Monument

Lightning and clouds viewed from the canyon rim

View from Rimrock Dr at Sunset, looking northwest

Rainbow and clouds above Monument Canyon

Female Desert Bighorn Sheep in Snow

Two male Deset Bighorn Sheep

Sunrise From Within a Tent in Saddlehorn Campground

Colorado National Monument

Independence Monument in Snow

Independence Monument, a tall red rock pillar, rises above a blanket of clouds

Stars Over Saddlehorn Rock, Saddlehorn Campground

View of the Milkyway over Colorado National Monument

What type of equipment will best fit in each campsite.

Chart showing equipment suitability for each site.

Map of Saddlehorn Campground that shows reservation types for each site.

Saddlehorn Campground

Grand Valley Open OHV Area provides opportunities for cross-country motorized
recreation and time with family and friends, including camping. The western
boundary of the Open Area is 27 1/4 Road.

Grand Valley Open OHV Area provides opportunities for cross-country motorized recreation and time with family and friends, including camping. The western boundary of the Open Area is 27 1/4 Road.

Grand Valley Open OHV Area

The Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area is characterized by gently-
sloping plateaus, various small canyons, and four major canyon systems: Main
Canyon, Coal Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon and Spring Canyon. These four larger
systems are also accompanied by many smaller side canyons. Part of the
southern edge of this WSA is dominated by the 2,000-foot-high face of the Book
Cliffs. A wild horse herd is also present in this area. Cultural values of the
Fremont Culture are found here, as well as several natural bridges and
hoodoos. The outstanding scenic beauty and topographic diversity offer
excellent opportunities for solitude and unconfined recreation. Activities
include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and photography. Vegetation
consists mainly of sagebrush, rabbitbrush, fourwinged saltbrush, and pinyon-
juniper. Fauna includes wild horses, mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black
bear, wild turkey, gray fox, raccoon, ringtail, squirrel, coyote, great horned
owl, golden eagles, various other raptors, rattlesnake, the collared lizard,
and chukar.

The Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area is characterized by gently-sloping plateaus, various small canyons, and four major canyon systems: Main Canyon, Coal Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon and Spring Canyon. These four larger systems are also accompanied by many smaller side canyons.

Part of the southern edge of this WSA is dominated by the 2,000-foot-high face of the Book Cliffs. A wild horse herd is also present in this area. Cultural values of the Fremont Culture are found here, as well as several natural bridges and hoodoos. The outstanding scenic beauty and topographic diversity offer excellent opportunities for solitude and unconfined recreation. Activities include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and photography.

Vegetation consists mainly of sagebrush, rabbitbrush, fourwinged saltbrush, and pinyon-juniper. Fauna includes wild horses, mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, wild turkey, gray fox, raccoon, ringtail, squirrel, coyote, great horned owl, golden eagles, various other raptors, rattlesnake, the collared lizard, and chukar.

Little Book Cliffs WSA

Rattlesnake and Mee Canyon provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and
primitive recreation. Geologic features in this area include arches, spires,
windows, giant alcoves and desert patina. Between these canyons are pinon-
juniper covered mesas which slope downward to the Colorado River. RATTLESNAKE
ARCHES: A short section connecting the top of the mesa to the bench below the
arches is rocky and steep and requires extra caution - it is not recommended.
From the trailhead travel 0.5 miles to an intersection. To the left takes you
to an area where you can view the arches from above. To the right takes you to
the Lower Arches Trail, which is 5 miles round trip (out and back). In 0.2
miles the trail splits - to the right goes to Pollock Bench Trailhead; stay to
the left for the arches trail. Camping is NOT permitted within 1/4 mile of the
Rattlesnake Arches Loop and along the access road to the trailhead. MEE
CANYON: The trail into Mee Canyon is primitive and only marked with rock
cairns. The route steeply descends sandstone layers with exposed cliffs.
Camping is NOT permitted at the Mee Canyon Alcove. **Leave No Trace
principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**

Rattlesnake and Mee Canyon provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. Geologic features in this area include arches, spires, windows, giant alcoves and desert patina. Between these canyons are pinon-juniper covered mesas which slope downward to the Colorado River.  RATTLESNAKE ARCHES: A short section connecting the top of the mesa to the bench below the arches is rocky and steep and requires extra caution - it is not recommended. From the trailhead travel 0.5 miles to an intersection. To the left takes you to an area where you can view the arches from above. To the right takes you to the Lower Arches Trail, which is 5 miles round trip (out and back). In 0.2 miles the trail splits - to the right goes to Pollock Bench Trailhead; stay to the left for the arches trail. Camping is NOT permitted within 1/4 mile of the Rattlesnake Arches Loop and along the access road to the trailhead.  MEE CANYON: The trail into Mee Canyon is primitive and only marked with rock cairns.
 The route steeply descends sandstone layers with exposed cliffs. Camping is NOT permitted at the Mee Canyon Alcove. <b>Leave No Trace principles:</b><ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol><p><b>

Rattlesnake/Mee Canyons

Recreation at Horsethief Canyon is managed by the Colorado Division of
Wildlife under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Western Colorado Area
Office - Northern Division, Grand Junction, Colorado. It was acquired and
developed to partially replace wildlife habitat values lost as a result of the
construction of the
<"http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Colorado+River+Basin+Salinity+Control+Project">Grand
Valley Unit of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project.Horsethief
Canyon State Wildlife Area has 2,080 acres of land which offers access to
various trails leading to a wilderness area. The area receives about 1,500
visits per year with visitation expected to increase as the area becomes
better known. The area follows the Colorado River. Because this area follows
the river and its primary function is for wildlife habitat, insects can be a
nuisance, especially during the spring and early summer. Insect repellent,
hats, long-sleeves and pants are recommended.

Recreation at Horsethief Canyon is managed by the <a href="http://wildlife.state.co.us/" rel="nofollow">Colorado Division of Wildlife</a> under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, Western Colorado Area Office - Northern Division, Grand Junction, Colorado.   It was acquired and developed to partially replace wildlife habitat values lost as a result of the construction of the <"http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Colorado+River+Basin+Salinity+Control+Project">Grand Valley Unit of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project</a>.Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area has 2,080 acres of land which offers access to various trails leading to a wilderness area.  The area receives about 1,500 visits per year with visitation expected to increase as the area becomes better known.  The area follows the Colorado River.  Because this area follows the river and its primary function is for wildlife habitat, insects can be a nuisance, especially during the spring and early summer.  Insect repellent, hats, long-sleeves and pants are recommended.

Horsethief Canyon State Wildlife Area

Mack Ridge/Kokopelli Trails provides outstanding single-track mountain biking
opportunities. Trails range in difficulty and skill level. Rustler's Loop, for
example, is designed as a practice loop where riders can hone their skills -
educational signs give tips and advice for those new to the sport of mountain
biking. The area provides excellent views and scenery of the Colorado River
and beyond. It is close to the City of Fruita.

Mack Ridge/Kokopelli Trails provides outstanding single-track mountain biking opportunities. Trails range in difficulty and skill level. Rustler's Loop, for example, is designed as a practice loop where riders can hone their skills - educational signs give tips and advice for those new to the sport of mountain biking. The area provides excellent views and scenery of the Colorado River and beyond. It is close to the City of Fruita.

Gunnison River Bluffs

Directions

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