It’s Monumental ~ A Photo Parade of a Beautiful Place

I grew up in the valley below. Every time we visit my parents, who still live in Grand Junction, I see the Colorado National Monument to the west. Visitors hear the name “monument” and assume it’s a statue but locals and people willing to explore know it’s like a mini Grand Canyon plus Mars. It’s the eastern frontier of the desert southwest and I was so very lucky to grow up there.

I often think of driving the loop up and over, but I never do. In high school, we drove up the road many times, especially at night because that was the best spot to look at the stars and distant heat lightning. Recently, I visited the valley and not only declared I wanted to go to the Monument, we did it. The day was rainy and cold, which made for a gorgeous viewing experience. Water darkened the sandstone cliffs and formations, making the textures more apparent. It collected in shallow bowls carved by other rainstorms and wind. Below, rainbows formed where the clouds passed over the valley.