High on the Colorado plateau and amid spectacular red and orange sandstone and granite formations, is the Colorado National Monument near the city of Grand Junction. The monument is over 32 square miles of arid high desert pinyon pine and juniper forests, unique and diverse wildlife, and miles of trails overlooking deep canyons and rock formations with names like the Kissing Couple, Coke Ovens, and the Grand Valley. The monument is often referred to as a smaller, but no less dramatic or beautiful natural wonder as the Grand Canyon.
Currently the monument has not reached the worthy designation as a US National Park, despite efforts by local citizens as early as 1907, and recommendations by Washington politicians and even PBS documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns (National Parks: America’s Best Idea) to upgrade site’s status.
