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Saddlehorn Campground: Camping Amidst Colorado's Canyon Country

Experience the beauty of Colorado National Monument from Saddlehorn Campground, surrounded by red rock canyons and stunning vistas.

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Nestled within Colorado National Monument, Saddlehorn Campground offers a unique camping experience surrounded by towering red rock formations and stunning canyon views. It's the only established campground in the park, providing a convenient base for exploring the monument's natural beauty.

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A brief summary to Saddlehorn Campground

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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Grand Junction, Colorado, 81507, US

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    Getting There

    Driving

    From Grand Junction, follow signs for Colorado National Monument. Enter the monument through the west (Fruita) or east entrance. From the west entrance, drive approximately 4 miles along Rim Rock Drive to the Saddlehorn Campground, which is located near the Saddlehorn Visitor Center. From the east entrance, the campground is approximately 19 miles away on Rim Rock Drive. Entrance fees to the monument are $25 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days. Camping fees at Saddlehorn Campground are $22 per night. Reservations are required and can be made at recreation.gov.

    Taxi

    From Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), a taxi or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) is the most direct way to reach Saddlehorn Campground. The drive is approximately 30 minutes and covers about 15 miles. Expect to pay around $85-$110 for a one-way taxi fare. Uber and Lyft prices may vary depending on demand. Also factor in the $25 entrance fee to Colorado National Monument, which you'll pay upon arrival at the park entrance.

    Local tips

    Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season (spring and fall), and can be made online at recreation.gov.
    Bring charcoal for the grill, as wood fires are prohibited.
    Arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy the sunset views.
    Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as the desert climate can fluctuate.

    Discover more about Saddlehorn Campground

    Saddlehorn Campground, the sole established campground within Colorado National Monument, offers an unforgettable experience amidst the dramatic landscapes of the American West. Situated near the Saddlehorn Visitor Center, the campground is surrounded by towering monoliths, sheer-walled canyons, and panoramic views. The campground features 79 campsites spread across three loops (A, B, and C). Loop B remains open year-round, while Loops A and C typically operate from early April/May to late October, depending on weather conditions. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Modern restrooms with flush toilets and drinking water are available during the summer months. However, there are no hookups or dump stations. For RV users, a free dump station and water refill station can be found at the Fruita Welcome Center off I-70. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, scenic drives along Rim Rock Drive, and wildlife watching. Several hiking trails are easily accessible from the campground, such as Window Rock Trail, Alcove Nature Trail, and Canyon Rim Trail. The campground's location on a high bluff provides superb sunrise and sunset views. Keep in mind that campfires are not allowed, only charcoal and propane grills are permitted.
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    File:Serpents Trail in Colorado National Monument Scenic view during  rainstorm.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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