5 (1)
Colorado
Colorado Monument: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
0
Overview
Colorado National Monument Audio Driving Guided Tour: Discover the stunning red rock landscapes of western Colorado with this self-guided driving tour through Colorado National Monument. This tour invites everyone to marvel at the towering Independence Monument, explore the naturally sculpted Coke Ovens Overlook, and experience the thrilling views from Cold Shivers Point. The drive offers a blend of dramatic geology and wild western beauty.
What to Expect: This audio tour guides drivers through the park, providing stories and insights at key viewpoints such as Redlands View and Book Cliffs Viewpoint. You'll discover the history behind the Civilian Conservation Corps Rest Stop and learn about the area's petroglyphs. Key stops include the Balanced Rock View, Saddlehorn Amphitheater, and the challenging Devil’s Kitchen Trail. This tour uses an easy-to-use app with offline maps.
This self-guided audio tour includes access to Action's Tour Guide App, offering engaging storytelling narrated by a professional voice. It works offline with comprehensive routes and stops. Purchase is per car, offering great value compared to bus or guided tours. The tour allows travelers to go at their own pace, starting and pausing anytime for photos or breaks. Please note that entrance fees and park passes are not included. 
Highlights
Easy-to-Use App: Download the Action Tour Guide App for seamless navigation and audio storytelling.
Affordable: Pay per car, not per person - a budget-friendly way to experience the monument!
Offline Maps: No need to worry about cell service! The tour works perfectly offline.
Go at Your Own Pace: Start, stop, and explore as you wish with this flexible audio tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoy the self-guided driving tour for its flexibility and informative content, but some encounter technical difficulties with the app.
Customers appreciate the flexibility of the tour, being able to stop whenever they want.
They find the tour guide app easy to use.
They mentioned that the audio tour guide is educational and fun for families
They like that the tour has offline maps so they do not need data or wifi.
Some users have technical issues with the app, like GPS malfunctions.
Some have trouble downloading the tour if their is not a strong cell phone signal.
The Journey
Colorado National Monument Overview
Discover the dramatic landscapes of Colorado National Monument, where you'll encounter stunning cliffs, deep ravines, and breathtaking vistas. Unearth the area's colorful past, filled with stories of cattle rustlers, ancient dinosaurs, and the enigmatic "hermit of the Canyons," adding layers of intrigue to the already spectacular scenery.
Redlands View
At Redlands View, witness millions of years of geological history etched into the landscape. The distinct layers of rock, exposed by the relentless erosion of the Colorado River, create a visual tapestry that tells the story of the Earth's ancient past. It's like looking at a natural cake, each layer representing a different era.
Balanced Rock View
Marvel at the precarious wonder of Balanced Rock View, where a colossal 700-ton boulder seems to defy gravity. Perched atop a slender rocky pillar, this natural balancing act is a testament to the power of erosion and a must-see photo opportunity. It’s nature's circus, showcasing an incredible feat of equilibrium.
Historic Fruit Orchards
Step back in time to the 1880s, where early settlers recognized this sheltered valley as an ideal location for cultivating fruit trees. Today, the area still hints at its agricultural past, where peaches, apples, and grapes thrived thanks to the plentiful water and favorable microclimate, providing a sweet taste of history.
Easy Scenic Trail
Enjoy a short and accessible half-mile hike with rewarding views. Perfect for all skill levels, this 15-minute stroll offers stunning vistas. If traveling with children, exercise caution near the edges, as some areas have steep drop-offs.
Book Cliffs Viewpoint
Observe the majestic Book Cliffs, often displaying a striking purple hue due to the Mancos shale at their base. This rough, grayish stone contrasts beautifully with the softer, tan sandstone that forms the higher levels of the cliffs, creating a captivating geological panorama.
Saddlehorn Amphitheater
Experience the historic Saddlehorn Amphitheater, built during the "Mission 66 era" in the 1960s. This revitalized space has served as a hub for live music, plays, educational talks, ranger programs, and community gatherings, embodying the spirit of preservation and community engagement.
Civilian Conservation Corps Rest Stop
Discover a small wooden rest stop constructed in 1937, a testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) efforts during the Great Depression. This humble structure symbolizes President Franklin D. Roosevelt's initiative to provide employment and conserve America's natural resources.
Independence Monument
Behold Independence Monument, a towering monolith named by John Otto, an early explorer with a patriotic spirit. This iconic rock formation soars majestically above the valley, serving as a symbol of the area's natural grandeur and Otto's enduring legacy.
Monument Canyon
Explore Monument Canyon and marvel at the colorful layers of sandstone resting atop the Uncompahgre Plateau. The Ute word "Uncompahgre" means "rocks that made the water red," a fitting description for the iron-rich orange and red rocks that dominate this landscape.
Coke Ovens
Discover the intriguing Coke Ovens formations, named for the brick ovens used in the 19th century to convert coal into coke, a vital raw material for steel production. These geological features offer a glimpse into the region's industrial past and the processes that fueled America's growth.
Petroglyph Site
Embark on a quest to find ancient petroglyphs, picture writings carved into the stone by early inhabitants. Protected by overhanging rocks, these pictographs offer a rare glimpse into the lives and stories of those who came before, etched into the soft sandstone of the canyon.
Liberty Cap
Admire the Liberty Cap monument, another creation named by John Otto, inspired by a patriotic penny from the early 1800s featuring Lady Liberty. This domed sandstone formation may remind you of beehive shapes, echoing the appearance of the nearby Coke Ovens, blending natural beauty with historical references.
Fallen Rock
Witness Fallen Rock, a massive chunk of Wingate Sandstone capped with durable Kayenta Sandstone. Once connected to the nearby cliff by softer Chinle sandstone, this monument stands as a testament to the ongoing processes of erosion and geological change shaping the landscape.
Ute Canyon Trail Overlook
Skip the strenuous 8-mile Ute Canyon Trail and head straight to the overlook for breathtaking views. This vantage point provides a stunning introduction to the canyon's beauty, offering a taste of the wilderness without the extensive hike.
Red Canyon Overlook
Gaze down into the virtually untouched Red Canyon from this overlook. With no trails leading directly into it, this canyon remains a pristine wilderness, offering a unique opportunity to contemplate the raw, unspoiled beauty of nature.
Sheer Drop Overlook
Experience the thrill of the Sheer Drop Overlook, where the road's edge meets the cliff's edge. Unlike other overlooks, this spot offers an unfiltered view straight down, delivering an adrenaline rush and a profound appreciation for the monument's dramatic topography.
Devil’s Kitchen Trail
Hike the moderate two-mile Devil’s Kitchen Trail, leading to a collection of sandstone monoliths that form a natural enclosure. Peer through arches within these pillars, creating unique windows onto the surrounding landscape and immersing yourself in a surreal, otherworldly environment.
Grand Junction Overview
Conclude your journey in Grand Junction, Colorado's fourth-largest city that still boasts plenty of wide-open spaces. Beyond the Colorado National Monument, explore the Grand Mesa for winter sports or hike the Rattlesnake Arches to witness 35 natural stone arches carved by erosion, offering diverse outdoor adventures.
Know Before You Go
This self-guided driving tour includes access to the Action Tour Guide App with offline maps and engaging audio stories. Purchase is per car, offering a cost-effective experience for the whole group. Please note that entrance fees and park passes to the Colorado National Monument are not included. The tour does not include park passes. This is a driving tour, so there is no specific meeting point. Start the tour when you enter the park. The tour can be used anytime for a year.
Hot Tip
To ensure a smooth experience, download the Action Tour Guide App and the tour content before arriving at Colorado National Monument, as cell service within the park can be spotty. Make sure your phone is charged and bring a car charger!
5
0
Denver
Colorado Gold Rush: A Luxurious Journey Through History
Relive Colorado's Gold Rush! Enjoy luxury transport to explore gold mines, ride a historic steam train, and visit preserved main streets. Perfect for history buffs and adventure seekers, this experience offers a unique glimpse into Colorado's past with comfort and convenience. Bottled water and snacks are provided.
From
$ 350
Book Now
0
0
Colorado
Unearth Colorado's Past: A Ghost Town & Scenic Mountain Private Tour
Ghost Town & Scenic Mountain Tour offers a full-day private Colorado adventure. Explore historic sites like Red Rocks and St. Elmo, touching artifacts and experiencing ghost town atmospheres. Enjoy scenic drives through Kenosha Pass and Buena Vista. Perfect for history buffs and adventure seekers wanting a unique Colorado experience.
From
$ 450
Book Now
5
360
Cañon City
Conquer Colorado's Gold Belt: Thrilling Jeep Tour Through History!
Gold Belt Scenic Byway Jeep Tour: A 6-hour historical journey through Colorado's gold mining towns, reaching 11,000 feet. Explore old railroad tunnels, visit the fourth-largest gold mine, enjoy lunch, and discover Indian petroglyphs and dinosaur quarries. An adventure filled with views and history.
From
$ 329
Book Now
5
480
Denver
Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods: A Majestic Colorado Adventure
Pikes Peak & Garden of the Gods Private Tour offers breathtaking views from Pikes Peak's summit and unique sandstone formations in Garden of the Gods. Enjoy a scenic lunch in Manitou Springs. This full-day adventure, led by five-star guides, promises an immersive experience in Colorado's natural beauty. Ideal for nature lovers!
From
$ 1475
Book Now