Find the Best Wildflowers In the Colorado National Monument

Many of the trails inside the Colorado National Monument are designed to be short, fun adventures that almost anyone can enjoy. The park has several short trails that allow visitors to easily access some of its must-see features.

The monument (enter in Fruita or Grand Junction) is also home to longer trails such as Monument Canyon Trail (11 miles), Liberty Cap Trail (13 miles), Otto's Tub (8.5 miles), and Ute Canyon (6.5 miles).

Ute Canyon in the Colorado National Monument

Hiking longer-distance trails in the Colorado National Monument often means lots of sun exposure. I recommend hiking these trails during the spring or fall, or waiting for cooler, overcast days during the summer. You'll need lots of water and plenty of sunscreen.

Ute Canyon in Full Bloom

Photo by Carol Highsmith's America on Unsplash

The hike down from the Upper Ute Canyon Trailhead to the Corkscrew/Liberty Cap Trail is a six-mile hike that is all downhill. This hike is ideal for wildflowers and birdwatching, and you may even see additional wildlife along the way. Take a look at some of the wildflowers I saw in full bloom in Ute Canyon over Memorial Day Weekend.

Wildflowers You'll Find Inside the Colorado National Monument

Check out some of the beautiful Colorado wildflowers you'll find growing right under your nose inside the Colorado National Monument. You can see the following wildflowers growing along the Ute Canyon trail.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Ute Canyon to Wildwood Court

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If you have the legs for it, park at the Wildwood Trailhead and make the 1200-foot climb up the Liberty Cap Trail, and join up with the Ute Canyon Trail for a spectacular out-and-back. Option 2: If you can get a ride from the Liberty Cap Trailhead up to the Ute Canyon trailhead, the hike becomes a downhill adventure at half the distance (but with all the views).

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LOOK: 9 Surprising Secrets of the Colorado National Monument

Hidden within the canyons and rock formations of the Colorado National Monument live more than 400 plant species and nearly 250 animals. Keep reading to learn nine more secrets hidden inside this special park just outside of Fruita/Grand Junction.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: Must See Overlooks at the Colorado National Monument

How long is the drive through the Colorado National Monument on Rim Rock Drive? It depends on how many times you stop to check out the overlooks. Keep going to see 15 overlooks worth the view.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams