After spending a week in one of our favorite Colorado campgrounds in Frisco, Colorado (Heaton Bay), we headed west on I-70 towards the Colorado National Monument. Before we pulled into our next camping spot, we visited the Colorado Welcome Center in Fruita where they offered a free dump site and had a water fill station for RVers.
From the welcome center, we headed south out of Fruita, Colorado, on CO-340 mesmerized by over 20,500 acres of red rock canyons and towering monoliths that made up the Colorado National Monument.
The fee-based area at the monument cost $20 for non-commercial vehicles; $15 per motorcycle; and $10 for pedestrians/bicyclist. We traversed over a narrow two-lane road filled with switchbacks and two impressive tunnels through the colossal canyon rock walls, which of course, provided the perfect opportunity to sound the Hadley horns. We gradually made our way to the top of the canyon, home to the Saddlehorn Campground, which would be our base for the next week.
Saddlehorn Campground
Saddlehorn Campground sits atop the Lizard Canyon with beautiful views of the Window Rock, Book Cliffs, Redlands, and Independence Monument. It is composed of three loops: A-loop is open year around and is first-come, first served. B-loop is reservable and can accommodate rigs up to 40-feet. C-loop is for individual/group camping and is also first-come, first served. There are no electrical hookups or showers but they do have restrooms and water spigots located throughout the campground. The roads inside the campground are very narrow and we would recommend detaching if you have a tow vehicle. The sites are mostly level but very tight for big-rigs.
Hiking
If you enjoy hiking, the Colorado National Monument has several trails to choose from, all of which are on the easy to moderate side. Here are our favorites:
Window Rock Trail:
We enjoyed this 1/4 mile trail just outside the Saddlehorn Campground. We recommend starting at the visitors center or if staying at the campground, it is located just north of the C-loop. The trail is fairly level, descending about 60 vertical feet through Pinyon pines and Utah junipers. The trail takes you along the edge of the cliffs so if you have vertigo or unsteady on your feet, we would recommend another trail as there are no railings.
Up canyon, the park’s major monoliths are all in sight. Independence Monument, Praying Hands, Kissing Couple, and other formations make up a postcard view. The trail ends at the Book Cliff views providing you a panorama of Grand Junction and Window Rock.
Devils Kitchen Trail:
Devils Kitchen Trail is located near the south end of the Colorado National Monument at the bottom of No Thoroughfare Canyon. Drive 17.8 miles south from the Saddlehorn Visitor Center to the start of the trail. This 1.2-mile hike ascends 225 feet to a view of the canyon where tall boulders have enclosed a rock grotto.
The rock enclosure creates a cool arena providing a much needed break from the desert climate. Make sure to climb up the wall on the east side of the grotto to a window overlooking No Thoroughfare Canyon.
Devils Kitchen
Tracy, the expert behind OurNextRVAdventure.com, brings over 9 years of experience in travel writing and RV living. With a Master’s degree in Travel and Tourism Management, she offers in-depth knowledge on RV maintenance, scenic routes, and campground recommendations. Connect with her adventures on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
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