Colorado National Monument Self Guided Audio Driving Guided Tour

Discover the breathtaking scenery of Colorado National Monument through this self-guided audio driving tour offered at $15.29 per group (up to 4 people). With an approximate duration of 3 to 4 hours, this tour provides a flexible way to explore the monument’s stunning vistas and geological marvels at your own pace. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a personalized experience with rich storytelling without the need for a guide, making it perfect for extended visits or repeated trips within the 12-month usage window.

The tour is accessed via a dedicated Action Tour Guide App, which you download after booking. Once set up, the offline maps and automatically playing audio stories allow for unrestricted exploration, even without cellular signal. The self-guided nature means you can start whenever you like, pause for breaks, or take extra time at your favorite spots. This tour is best suited for visitors comfortable with using smartphone apps and seeking an educational, independent way to enjoy Colorado’s rugged beauty.

Key Points

• Affordable self-guided tour at $15.29 for up to 4 people
• Approximate duration of 3 to 4 hours, covering over 35 audio stories
• Download once and use for a full year, ideal for repeat visits
• Includes a detailed route with stops at iconic sights like Independence Monument and Coke Ovens Overlook
• Offline access ensures seamless exploration without WiFi or cellular data
• Narration by engaging guides, presenting stories, history, and geology along the route

Scenic Drive through Colorado National Monument with Rich Audio Content

This self-guided driving tour offers an in-depth look at the Colorado National Monument’s dramatic landscapes. Spanning over 45 miles, it features more than 35+ audio stories that bring to life the history, geology, and legends of the area. The engaging narration enhances the experience, making the drive both educational and entertaining.

You control the pace, starting the tour at your convenience and stopping whenever a scenic overlook or trail catches your eye. The audio guide plays automatically as you drive, providing detailed commentary at each stop, from the towering Independence Monument to the colorful layers of Monument Canyon. This setup makes the tour accessible for families, solo explorers, or groups wanting a flexible, informative adventure.

Starting Point at the Colorado National Monument Sign

The tour begins at the Colorado National Monument Sign, where you learn about the area’s rugged cliffs, deep ravines, and sweeping vistas. The narration also weaves in local stories about cattle rustlers, dinosaurs, and the famous hermit of the Canyons. This initial stop sets the stage for understanding the natural and historical significance of the monument.

Although the drive itself is over 45 miles, this first stop provides an engaging introduction that primes visitors for the scenic journey ahead. Remember, admission to the monument costs $25 per vehicle; this fee is separate from the audio tour.

Marvel at Redlands View’s Layered Rock Formations

A highlight of this tour is the Redlands View, where the rock layers resemble a layered cake. The narration explains how these geological formations were exposed over millions of years through erosion. The view offers a striking visual of differing rock types and stratification, making it a perfect spot for photography and reflection.

This stop lasts roughly 10 minutes, giving ample time to take in the scenery and listen to stories about the area’s geological history. It’s an accessible point that introduces visitors to the monument’s complex geological makeup.

The Iconic Balanced Rock at Coke Ovens Overlook

The Balanced Rock View presents a 700-ton boulder seemingly precariously balanced atop a rocky pillar. This natural sculpture is an example of the erosion that shapes the monument’s features. The narration shares insights into how such formations develop over millennia, emphasizing the monument’s dynamic geology.

Spending about 10 minutes here allows for close-up viewing and taking photos of this impressive formation. The story behind its name references coke ovens from the 19th century, highlighting the area’s industrial history.

Exploring Fruita Canyon’s Fruit-Growing Heritage

The Fruita Canyon View offers views into a lush, sheltered valley famed for its fruit cultivation dating back to settlers in the 1880s. The narration explains why this spot was ideal for growing peaches, apples, and grapes, thanks to its water supply and shelter.

This 10-minute stop combines scenic beauty with cultural history, adding dimension to the drive. It’s a good opportunity to stretch your legs and appreciate the blend of natural and human history that characterizes this region.

Short Hike at Window Rock Trail

For those wanting a brief walk, the Window Rock Trail is an easy, half-mile hike taking around 15 minutes. The trail offers dramatic views, with steep areas that require caution, especially with children. The audio narration guides visitors through the trail’s features and safety tips.

This trail allows for a quick immersion into the monument’s landscape and is suitable for families or visitors looking for a light outdoor activity without a strenuous hike.

The Colorful Layers of Book Cliffs at Viewpoint

The Book Cliffs View showcases a striking blend of purple hues from Mancos shale and **tan sandstone, revealing the monument’s layered geological history. The narration reveals how these formations were built up over millions of years, emphasizing the natural processes that created this striking landscape.

A 10-minute stop here provides a chance to appreciate the vibrant colors and learn about the sedimentary layers that define the cliffs’ appearance.

The Historic Saddlehorn Amphitheater

Built during the 1960s as part of the Mission 66 park improvement program, the Saddlehorn Amphitheater offers a glimpse into the park’s mid-century history. The narration explains its purpose as a venue for live music and community gatherings, illustrating the park’s ongoing role as a cultural hub.

This stop also offers scenic views and a peaceful setting for a brief break, lasting around 10 minutes.

Independence Monument: A Patriotic Landmark

One of the most recognizable features, Independence Monument, is a towering monolith named by John Otto, who explored the area. The narration shares stories of Otto’s exploration and the monument’s significance, emphasizing its prominence over the valley.

Spending about 10 minutes at this viewpoint provides a memorable photo opportunity and a sense of the monument’s commanding presence.

Monument Canyon’s Layered Sandstone and Petroglyphs

The Monument Canyon View highlights the monument’s colorful sandstone layers, sitting atop the Uncompahgre Plateau. The narration discusses the geological forces shaping the canyon and mentions the petroglyphs carved into soft sands, protected under overhangs.

A 10-minute stop here offers a mix of scenic views and a chance to learn about ancient rock art, adding an archaeological aspect to the natural beauty.

The Unique Shape of Liberty Cap and Fallen Rock Overlook

The Upper Liberty Cap Trailhead introduces the Liberty Cap, a domed sandstone formation named by John Otto. This feature resembles a beehive and highlights the monument’s natural monuments.

Just nearby, the Fallen Rock Overlook displays a massive Wingate sandstone piece that once was part of a larger cliff. The narration explains its formation and current position, offering insight into the monument’s geological history. Both stops take around 10 minutes.

Exploring Ute Canyon and Red Canyon Overlook

The Ute Canyon Nature Trail is an 8-mile hike, but the overlook at the trailhead provides a quick view of the canyon’s rugged landscape in about 10 minutes. The Red Canyon Overlook offers a pristine view into an almost untouched canyon, with no trails leading directly down.

Both spots are ideal for shorter visits, allowing appreciation of the wilderness without extensive hiking or climbing.

Devil’s Kitchen Trail and Cold Shivers Point

The Devil’s Kitchen Trail is a moderate two-mile hike that takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The trail leads through sandstone formations that resemble a small room with monolith walls. The audio narration describes these formations and their origins.

The Cold Shivers Point Overlook features a sheer drop on the other side of the guardrail, making it one of the most dramatic viewpoints. Here, the edge is close to the road, providing a thrilling sight that emphasizes the monument’s vertical scale.

Practical Details and Access

This tour is self-guided, and no one meets participants at the start. The Action Tour Guide App must be downloaded while connected to WiFi or mobile data, with the password provided after booking. Once set up, the audio stories play automatically based on location, making it easy to explore hands-free.

Travelers should note that admission to the monument costs $25 per vehicle, separate from the tour fee. The tour is designed for most travelers, with good accessibility and no specific physical demands beyond moderate walking at some stops.

Final Thoughts on the Colorado National Monument Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided audio drive offers a comprehensive, flexible way to appreciate the scenic and geological richness of Colorado National Monument. The engaging narration and offline capability make it a reliable companion for a memorable day of exploration. It’s particularly well-suited for those who prefer to control their schedule and enjoy a personalized experience without a guide.

The main advantages are cost-effectiveness, educational content, and the ability to revisit the tour within a full year after purchase. The only notable consideration is the additional entrance fee of $25 per vehicle, which is separate from the tour cost.

This tour stands out as a practical, informative, and scenic way to experience one of Colorado’s most striking landscapes, especially for families, geology enthusiasts, or anyone seeking an independent adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the audio tour?
After booking, you receive an email and text with setup instructions and a password. Download the Actions Tour Guide App while connected to WiFi or mobile data, then enter the password to access the tour offline.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is self-guided and can be started whenever you arrive at the designated starting point. You control the timing and pace.

Is there parking available at the stops?
Yes, most stops, including scenic viewpoints and trailheads, have parking options nearby.

What about the entrance fee?
The Colorado National Monument entrance fee is $25 per vehicle and is separate from the tour purchase.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour includes stops with easy walks and scenic overlooks, making it suitable for families, but some stops involve steep areas or short hikes requiring caution.

Can I use this tour if I don’t have cellular service?
Absolutely. The app downloads content for offline use, ensuring smooth exploration without cellular connectivity.