Getaway idea: Colorado National Monument
Located in Mesa County, Colorado, the Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West with 32 square miles of canyons and mesas.
The monument is home to one of the grandest scenic drives in the American West. The 23-mile Rim Rock Drive offers redrock canyons, crisp blue skies, and glorious views along the way for motorists and bicyclists.
In addition, visitors to the monument can take part in a variety of activities, including hiking, nature walks, horseback riding and picnicking. Rangers offer guided walks and porch talks at the visitor center for those who want to learn more about the park and the surrounding area as well.
The monument will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2011 with a wide range of public events, special exhibits, seminars, community contests, and other centennial-related activities taking place as early as this summer.
The entrance fee for vehicles is $7 and is good for seven consecutive days.
This destination comes from the National Park Getaways series, which helps people find new places to reconnect with nature, history, family and friends.
Each Wednesday, the National Park Service posts a new getaway idea on its website, nps.gov/getaways. There's a new park idea every week and most of the activities listed are free, so they're good, budget-friendly vacation options.
