Historic Trails View, Colorado National Monument

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Discover panoramic canyon views and learn about the historic cattle trails at this scenic overlook in Colorado National Monument near Fruita, CO.

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Historic Trails View

Historic Trails View is a scenic overlook in Colorado National Monument, near Fruita, Colorado, offering a glimpse into the area's ranching history. An interpretive sign details the cattle trail built in the 1880s, providing context to the stunning canyon landscape.

A brief summary to Historic Trails View

12 Rimrock Dr, Fruita, Colorado, 81521, US
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as the desert environment can be very dry.
Check the Colorado National Monument's website for alerts and conditions, including any temporary closures.
Stop by the Saddlehorn Visitor Center to learn more about the monument's history, geology, and hiking trails.
Be aware of the three tunnels along Rim Rock Drive and ensure your vehicle lights are functioning.

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Getting There

Driving

From Fruita, take Highway 340 (Broadway) east towards Colorado National Monument. After entering the monument, continue along Rim Rock Drive. Historic Trails View is a marked pullout along Rim Rock Drive. Entrance fee to the monument is $25 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Hours vary; the park is open year-round.
Biking

From Fruita, bike along Highway 340 (Broadway) east towards the entrance of Colorado National Monument. Once inside the park, Rim Rock Drive provides access to Historic Trails View. Be prepared for a challenging ride with significant elevation gains and winding roads. Remember that vehicle lights are required while traveling through the tunnels. Entrance fee is $15 per bicyclist, valid for 7 days.

Discover more about Historic Trails View

Historic Trails View is a roadside pullout within Colorado National Monument that provides visitors with a unique perspective on both the natural beauty and the human history of the area. Located along Rim Rock Drive, this viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the monument's sculpted canyons and towering rock formations. What sets this spot apart is the interpretive sign detailing the history of a cattle trail constructed in the 1880s. Imagine hardy ranchers driving their wagons and cattle across the desert landscape, seeking passage to Pinyon Mesa's summer pastures. The Fruita Dugway, a road built in 1907, aided in hauling pipe for the construction of a waterline connecting Fruita Reservoirs to the town below, following a cattle trail from the 1880s. This route was vital for those on Glade Park to reach valley towns. Today, as you gaze out from Historic Trails View, you can appreciate the monument's geological wonders and reflect on the lives of those who shaped the region's past. The monument itself boasts over 20,000 acres of canyonlands, with trails leading to iconic sites like Independence Monument and the Coke Ovens.