Local's Guide to the Colorado National Monument: Hikes and More!

The Colorado National Monument is THE place to be in Colorado spring through fall. With lots of stunning desert scenery and fun-filled activities for every type of adventurer, there are many reasons to spend a weekend here. Support my channel - buy me a backcountry coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/megintheforest I don't accept sponsored gear or trips. I don't hawk courses. And I don't gatekeep information. My mission is to tell my story completely for free. This channel is completely funded by me. A couple of days will let you enjoy the highlights and see the best of the Monument. But an absolute must-do is to check out a viewpoint at sunset! You really can’t go wrong when it comes to watching the brilliant colors dance across the desert sky! As always, visit with respect! Stick to marked trails and remember, don’t bust the crust! The raised, bumpy black soil you see is alive (it’s called cryptobiotic soil). It’s integral in preventing erosion and providing nutrients in the soil so that plants can grow. Plants are a lifeline in the desert, so be sure to avoid the cryptobiotic soil. For more safety info, check out these resources: Practice Leave No Trace: https://bit.ly/leaveitbetterthanufoundit Hiking Safely in the desert: https://bit.ly/deserthikingtips Desert Camping Hacks: https://bit.ly/desertcampinghacks ✨Free Quiz:✨ Uncover the perfect Colorado mountain town for you: https://bit.ly/yourcomountaintown ✨Follow me… ✨ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Aforestfox/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foxintheforestblog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megintheforest/ ✨ Additional Resources ✨ Purchase Your America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass and enter the Colorado National Monument at no charge (affiliate link): https://rei.pxf.io/4Gxm9G The ultimate list of the best hikes in the Monument: https://bit.ly/4bl1AFj Your Guide to Rattlesnake Arches: https://bit.ly/3x4LwIE ✨Additional 2-Minute Outdoor Tours ✨ Colorado’s Best Hidden Gems: https://youtu.be/7NvgppyxNGE?si=dh4RPv-tCrDjvN8L ✨My favorite hiking gear: ✨ OR Astroman Sun Hoodie: https://alnk.to/fSiBG9O Skratch Labs Hydration Electrolyte powder: https://amzn.to/3FIFQZn REI Flash 22 Hiking Pack: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvVaq REI Cork-Grip Hiking Poles: https://rei.pxf.io/POvVZe Freshette Pee Funnel: https://rei.pxf.io/e15EGO Kula Cloth Pee Rag: https://alnk.to/5Q7pLD5 Garmin inReach Mini: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvV0q Gerber Dime Multi-Tool: https://rei.pxf.io/zx5b3r Duece of Spades Toilet Trowel: https://alnk.to/2Qyx6dv Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp: https://alnk.to/bEkq8CG SOL emergency bivvy sack: https://rei.pxf.io/7a9Oq3 More incredible gear I love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/megintheforest NOTE These are affiliate links. Meaning I get a small kickback from every purchase, no matter the purchase, at no additional cost to you. This is a small way you can show support for my channel and it means a lot, so thank you! #coloradotravel #colorado #coloradoadventure #outdoorlife #outdooradventures #hikingadventures #nationalpark #hikinglife ✨Time stamps: ✨ 00:00 - intro 00:25 - Best time to visit 00:36 - Top hikes in the Colorado National Monument 01:14 - Nearby hikes 01:30 - Rim Rock Drive 01:50 - Saddlehorn Campground 02:01 - Things to do in Fruita 02:32 - Outro 02:43 - Outtakes