Since our return to Grand Junction, Colorado a week ago, we’ve been getting in plenty of hiking in and around the Colorado National Monument. Our time here in the area is soon coming to an end. Fall is in the air.
While sitting at the picnic table at James Robb State Park, we observe a flock of Canadian geese flying overhead. The cool nights and honking geese are a reminder that it’s about time for our migration south. But…..there’s one more hike I must do before moving on.
In the past I’ve attempted this hike twice, but never went far enough, never rounded that last corner, to have the iconic Independence Monument come into view.
However, in both cases I was eager to continue the hike, but hiking partners were not. I understand, especially since hiking in the Colorado National Monument can be rather rugged and remote.
Ah, that illusive monolith keeps calling to me.
Oh, how I long to stand at its base taking in all of its 450 foot height. Independence Monument is probably Colorado National Monument’s most well-known rock formations. Every Fourth of July, rock climbers scale this unique monolith and erect an American flag on top. However, on any given day, one might see climbers scaling this rock.
It was Tuesday, September 24, 2013. I enlist my sister-in-law, Linda, as my hiking partner. She and I set off on the Lower Monument Canyon Trail in the Colorado National Monument.
We park at the Monument Canyon trailhead off Broadway/Hwy 340 just 2 miles west of the Fruita entrance to the Colorado National Monument. It’s a sunny, beautiful day in western Colorado. The sprinkle of rain we received the day before has the trail nicely packed keeping dust at a minimum.
Its 2.5 miles to the base of Independence Monument from the trailhead with a 500 foot elevation gain. The trail starts out gentle and wide enough for Linda and I to walk next to each other while chit-chatting.
After about ten minutes the trail narrows and I take the lead. It’s a moderate, steady uphill climb with some technical hiking in spots. Linda brought her walking pole to steady herself in some of the tricky spots.
We are walking in silence, taking in the surrounding beauty. We admire the vibrant red rocks and their various shapes and sizes. We breathe in the scent of pine from the pinyon trees and listen to the birds overhead.
We’re about thirty minutes into our hike when I hear a rustling in the brush and quickly come to a stop. I glance around. Finding the source of movement, I point to the valley below alerting sister-in-law to the group of bighorn sheep. It was all I could do to keep her from screeching in delight.
She and my brother have lived in Grand Junction almost nine years and every year they set off on hikes in search of bighorn sheep. This was her first sighting and she was excited beyond all. We stood there watching these magnificent animals before reluctantly pulling ourselves away.
We continue on our hike with a new-found spring in our step and smiles from ear to ear.
It wasn’t long before we rounded a corner and there it was … in all its glory….Independence Monument. Our pace quickens and soon we’re standing at the base of this monolith looking up.
This sandstone rock sculpture looks different from each angle. When we approach the rock from the east, we see the narrow side giving the impression it is tall and slender. As we walk around to the other side, it widens and we see the path and wall rock climbers use to climb.
I made it to the base of Independence Monument…..yay!
Now, Linda and I need to decide if we want to return to the trailhead back through Monument Canyon, the way we came, or complete a loop by taking the unimproved Wedding Canyon Trail. Sister-in-law is unfamiliar with the Wedding Canyon Trail and is a little concerned with the word “unimproved”.
I’m feeling great. I feel adventurous. Bighorn sheep and accomplishing a long desired hike, who wouldn’t be. So I say, “Let’s go for it”. At the base of Independence Monument, we pick up Wedding Canyon Trail.
The trail leads us around a mesa. The huge mesa blocks the sun on the trail giving us some wonderful shade for hiking.
Wedding Canyon trail does have some steep up and down moments requiring us to focus on our footing. We also enjoy stopping along the way to stare in awe at the majestic scenery.
Once we round the mesa, we’re greeted with bright sunshine and a somewhat flat trail.
At this point, we’re about ready to end this hike and hope the trailhead isn’t too far off. That’s when Linda and I notice the trail going back up. In unison we comment, “Oh, no. You gotta be kidding me!” We have one last hill to climb or at least we hope it’s the last. We’re really tired at this point.
Finally, we made it to where the two trails meet, the Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon Trails, and our car sits just a little beyond. We climb into the vehicle, but not without uttering a few grunts and groans. Yep, we’re feeling it, but in a good way. We hiked 5 miles in about 2 hours which included lots of photo-op moments. High fives all around!
Mission accomplished!
Live Laugh RV 
59 responses to “Hiking the Monument”
[…] Monument, something I had been wanting to do for a long time. You can read about that 5 mile hike here.Yep, I’m looking forward to hiking in “the Monument” again real soon […]
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Ingrid — Finding this a little late, but loved your description and photos of this hike — will have to “store” this in case we get out that way! Good for you for finishing the loop! Couldn’t help thinking of Sue Henry’s mystery “The Serpent’s Trail,” which is set in Grand Junction and uses part of The Monument as the plot… and when you figure in the main character (Maxie McNabb) is an RVer, well…. now you know why it came to mind when I read your post.
What hiking shoes do you wear? I’ve tried several kinds — loved Ecco brand until they changed the style and didn’t fit, but then found Oboz (the company is headquartered in Bozeman, MT) and LOVE them! They have great grips for those tricky spots.
Travel safe!
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As a matter of fact, we hiked ‘Serpent’s trail’ several times. I believe its the most popular trail in the Monument. I’ll need to check out that book. I recently bought a pair of “Keen” hiking shoes that seem to be working pretty well for me. My REI socks seem to make a difference as well especially on the longer hikes. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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[…] I’ve already done so many posts in the past on The Colorado National Monument, I’ll jump right to the gals; they had a fabulous time taking in the sites and playing […]
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You’re making me want to revisit this area again! We go west next winter,but mostly along the coast so I don’t know if it will work – but I sure want to see them again.
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Another proof of your persistence, diligence and strong will. Incredible photos all throughout but that last shot is simply awesome. Outstanding display of the expansive field on a shot. I would so be on that edge of the cliff without hesitation as well.
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Thank you…..it was an awesome day 🙂
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Do you see a trail? I don’t see a trail. I don’t see a trail in any of those photos, lovely as they are. I’m sure you have a little mountain goat in you. That’s a comment on your hiking-in-rough-terrain ability, you understand. What a great accomplishment. I like sights I can drive up to so I’m happy once again for you to do the hike!!! lol
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My new hiking boots are allowing me to do some fun stuff and I don’t mind doing the hiking for you….lol. We’ll be in your neck of the woods next week. I’ll be sure and let ya know 🙂
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Fabulous shots, Ingrid! This is the best time of the year to be in Colorado, for sure. Yay! And we still have October to look forward to as well…
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You are so right. The Aspens are taking forever to turn this year and unfortunately we’ve moved on before seeing them reach their glory!
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Congrats on finishing the challenge! With such spectacular scenery to boot!
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Thanks. Since you’ve been hiking the U.P. you’d handle this hike just fine. The hardest part is not stopping all the time for those photo ops.
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Yeah, you did it! Way to go! We still have to see our Big Horn sheep! Beautiful pics of a beautiful scenery.
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Thanks….I’ve seen bighorn and you’ll seen Javelina’s but then….who’s keeping score 😆
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Your adventures are so interesting! 🙂
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Thank you. Do you travel much in the Airstream or keep it parked?
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It’s parked right now. I need alot more training and practice with it before I head out across the country along. Thinks are looking up for next spring. It will be here before we know it! 🙂
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Awesome. I can do everything with our truck and 5th wheel except back up. I need to work on that. It took hubby awhile and now he’s more comfortable in those tight spots. Ya just gotta do it and it’ll be fun!
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I can back, just not quite comfortable yet with this load. I want to be confident of my abilities before I leave since I will be doing it along. I sure would hate to call someone to come get me! LOL
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I think I’ll stick to taking that hike through your lovely images…. 😉
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Just sit back and relax…..I have a few more to share!
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Well, I had planned to do a final hike with Nina tomorrow out at Cape Blanco, but it doesn’t look likely with wind gusts up to 90 mph in the forecast.
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Oh my….90 mph? I’m in Moab right now and the last couple of days getting sandblasted with 40 mph….that’s bad enough. Gorgeous today. Those seas have got to be wild with winds like that!
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Tried to get some pics at Bandon couldn’t get the car door open they were so strong. When I did manage to get out, they just about knocked me off my feet. I decided to give it up at that point. 😉
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Ingrid, what a wonderful, lovely day to spend with your SIL! You both will treasure this experience for a life time It shows your true character to never give up on something you desire! Congratulations! Beautiful photos and a lovely post! 🙂
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Thank you. It was a great day and sister-in-law and I are already talking about future hikes.
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Life just keeps on getting better and better! 🙂
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That’s what we all strive for, isn’t it!
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Absolutely!!!
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For a moment you made me feel young again…You are so in shape to be able to tackle that one. It almost looks like you had to slide on your bottom during part of the Wedding trail. Congratulations on making your goal happen! Gorgeous pictures! I’m cheering for you in my nice comfy chair. 🙂
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Thank you. You are so right about sliding on our bottoms….there was concern. We hiked down side stepping and real slow. I’m feeling more in shape than I have in years. I never thought I could accomplish a hike like this in my mid fifties.
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That’s awesome!
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Excellent job..!! The only fear I have of being that remote is cell phone service if a fall should occur and help is needed…But..then again, Dennis and I are at a MUCH more advanced age. We like adventures, but realize we aren’t as sure footed as those majestic animals. Time to get South, so …make like a baby and “head out”!!!
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Ah, we are already on the move and should be in Phx next week. Yeah, Al’s always the practical one and concerned about one of us getting injured and no cell service….yada, yada, yada…..hikes like that make me feel alive…..alive, because I didn’t die of exhaustion 😆
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Well done to the two of you. What wonderful scenery, and those bighorns were a real bonus. You’ve almost convinced me to buy some hiking boots. 🙂
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Ah….almost? So much spectacular scenery is seen off the beaten path requiring a good pair of hiking boots….. fashionable boots, of course. Those bighorns were definitely a bonus!
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Well of course they would have to be fashionable. 🙂
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Great Job!! So glad you final got to the base of Independence Monument. Sure looked like a fun hike. Good that you went all out and did the loop. A new adventure is always so much fun (usually). Congratulations:)
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Thanks Pam. It felt good to complete that hike. I’m still not on your hiking level but working toward surpassing that 2 hour mark 🙂
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thans for sharing. I’ve hiked Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana recently, but have never been to Colorado. I’m very very intrigued!
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Definitely put Colorado on your list. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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Looks like a wonderful hike! Beautiful pics!
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Pretty awesome hike indeed. Hope you’re getting in plenty of hiking and biking in southern Colorado yourselves.
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Beautiful Captures – I want to escape to the Great Outdoors now:) Happy Weekend!
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There’s something very spiritual about a day like this…..time in the great outdoors – awesome!
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Wow! That’s such a memorable hike, and not just because your calves are howling. 🙂
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Calves, feet, ankles……lol. Great day and bonding with my sister-in-law. She and I are already talking about a repeat.
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I looked at these photos over and over again,I just could not get enough of them. The view,the rock formation, the colors, you really captured it so beautifully.
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Thank you Linda. I’ve got some real killer photos coming up. We’ve moved on to a new location…..more red rock and unique formations 🙂
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Looking forward to seeing them.
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A gem of a hike! The Monument is a real “sleeper,” overlooked in an area with so many National Parks to divert attention. And that’s why you had it mostly to yourself. 🙂
Box Canyon Mark
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Agree! Although there are some very popular trails….Serpents Trail which we hiked a few times, was always busy. If I keep this up, I’ll be ready for some of those 13er’s in the San Juans next summer.
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Congrats on achieving your goal Ingrid! Terry and I are so anxious to get some hiking miles in. You are in the perfect place to rack up some of those miles. 🙂
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Thanks Lu. I’m finally doing some of the hiking I’ve wanted to. It feels great to get our activity level back up. I think its safe to say Al and I have finally recovered from the last couple of years. Next……work past that 2 hour mark!
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Oh you are killing me here! I would so love to be right there with you and all of that beauty.
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Strap on a pair of hiking boots….there’s always room for another gal 🙂
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You are in such a beautiful place.. I love the rock formations and scenery that you had to feast your eyes on… For a moment there I thought you and SiL were going to attempt the climb and I was full of admiration, but there you go disappointing me again… this was a lovely share of a beautiful area… when you head south for the winter, where are we going to.???
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I was waiting for you to assist with the ropes….I was ready to climb….lol. It truly was a great day and great hike. We’ve hit the road and heading to more red rock on our way to Arizona….stay tuned!
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