9 Surprising Secrets of the Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument was first visited by John Otto in 1906. By 1911, President William Howard Taft officially preserved more than 20,000 acres of incredible canyons and red rocks in Mesa County, and it has fascinated visitors ever since.

Is the Colorado National Monument one of the oldest natural wonders in Colorado? Is the CNM a dangerous place to visit? Let's take a closer look at nine intriguing facts about one of the coolest places you can visit anywhere in the Centennial State.

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The Ancient Colorado National Monument

Colorado's Canyon of the Ancients near the 4 Corners Region dates back around 10,000 years when Ancestral Puebloan people, known as the Anasazi lived in Southwestern Colorado. It's quite possible they traveled North to visit what is known today as the Colorado National Monument which dates back 1.7 billion years. Maybe these two fascinating monuments should swap names, right?

Colorado's Most Dangerous Monument

According to Outforia.com, almost 50 people have died inside of Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. By comparison, 30 deaths have been recorded in the Colorado National Monument over the years. National Park Service History has a comprehensive list of incidents in the Monument you can study here.

Elevation at the Colorado National Monument

Enjoy an impressive view of the Grand Valley from the top of the Colorado National Monument which reaches an elevation between 4,700 feet to 7,028 feet. The highest point inside the monument is found along the Liberty Cap trail as it crosses the Monument Mesa.

Keep reading to check out 9 lesser-known secrets about Western Colorado's favorite National Monument.

9 Surprising Secrets of the Colorado National Monument

Hidden within the canyons and rock formations of the Colorado National Monument live more than 400 plant species and nearly 250 animals. Keep reading to learn nine more secrets hidden inside this special park just outside of Fruita/Grand Junction.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

LOOK: 10 Facts You Might Not Know About Colorado's Independence Monument

The best way to really experience the Colorado National Monument is not to view it from the overlooks on Rim Rock Drive, it's to follow the footsteps of John Otto and explore the park for yourself. Scroll on to learn 10 facts you may not have known about one of the most popular destinations inside Colorado's National Monument.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

UP NEXT: Where Are Colorado's Former National Monuments?

Like the mountains themselves, the story of Colorado's National Monuments is one that is always changing. Over the years, new locations are added to a state's list of monuments. In some cases, others are removed. Colorado has abolished two National Monuments since becoming a state. Keep going to take a closer look at both locations in the gallery below.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Source: 9 Surprising Secrets of the Colorado National Monument