RC & I spent about 2 days around Colorado National Monument (CNM) and McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, just south of Grand Junction, Fruita, and the Colorado River. It was my first time being that far west in Colorado so there was a lot of new scenery for me. It’s a semi-arid canyon lands ecosystem so much different than being up in the Rockies. The area is criss-crossed by trails but we would be mostly sightseeing on this visit, with only a couple short hikes. Still, we barely scratched the surface of all there is to see. The area is a wonderland for those interested in geology or paleontology.

The best way to see CNM is from Rim Rock Drive, which runs about 23 miles along the canyon rim with 15-20 viewpoints. Sometimes a short walk is needed to get the most expansive view.

McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area borders CNM on the west and offers an even larger area to wander (or ride/drive with an appropriate set of wheels).

We hiked the 1/2-mile loop at the Fruita Paleontological Area. There are many interpretive signs to explain what you’re seeing in this area where many dinosaur bones have been unearthed (with some on display in Fruita at the Dinosaur Journey Museum), and a few left behind for us to see. Also nearby is Dinosaur Hill with a 1-mile interpretive loop.

The Devil’s Canyon area has a couple interpretive loops – Mr William’s Geology Trail – that is highly recommended for geology fans. We did the 2.5-mile Devil’s Canyon loop, with 11 very detailed interpretive signs. I made sure to get photos of all the signs but too-often forgot to take a photo of the scenery the sign referenced. 😦

The arches in Rattlesnake Canyon would be a great destination in the McInnis Canyon area. It wasn’t on our agenda (this time).