The Ultimate Colorado National Parks and Monuments Road Trip

We're taking the ultimate road trip around the state of Colorado to visit all the National Parks and Monuments in our state. If you've ever dreamed of making this trip we are about to help you game plan.

We're gonna make a counter-clockwise loop around the state making 13 stops. Beginning in Grand Junction, we will loop all the way around the state and finish down in Montrose at the Black Canyon. We'll see all 4 National Parks and all 9 Colorado Monuments.

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What are Colorado's National Monuments?

Colorado's nine National Monuments include:

The Colorado National Monument
The Dinosaur National Monument
Hovenweep National Monument
Browns Canyon National Monument
Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
Yucca House National Monument
Chimney Rock National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Camp Hale Continental - Divide National Monument

What are Colorado's National Parks?

Colorado's four National Parks include:

Rocky Mountain National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park

Which Parks and Monuments are Free to Visit?

The Monuments at Camp Hale, Browns Canyon, Yucca House, and Canyon of the Ancients do not require an admission fee. All four National Parks require an entry fee. You can purchase a pass for all National parks and Monuments and really save on entry fees by visiting the US Parks Pass site here.

Scroll on to check out each Park and Monument. We'll even help you out with some unique places to eat along the way, and some cool places to spend the night between stops.

The Ultimate Colorado National Parks and Monuments Road Trip

If you have a Colorado bucket list full of National Parks and Monuments then we have an ultimate road trip for you. We're taking a loop around the state to show off each destination. For each stop, we'll throw in a cool place to stay, and a great restaurant nearby.

STUNNING: Nighttime Photos Show the Milky Way Over 9 National Parks and Monuments

Colorado is home to four national parks and eight national monuments. Our neighbors to the west, Utah, boasts five national parks and seven national monuments. Also within reach are the parks and monuments of New Mexico and Arizona.

If you're the road-trip type, they're all reachable in a day's drive from Colorado.

While the majority of tourists visiting these parks only witness the phenomenal views during the day, there's a sight to be seen under the stars.