Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, Colorado was one destination that I took every girl friend when I was in high school and college. It just seemed the inspiring place to go. It provided easy access to lookout points. It provided longer hiking trails if you wanted to take more time. There were those breathtaking drop offs and the rising towers of sandstone below. All of which provided inspiration for conversation.

Today, many years removed from my high school dating years and many miles removed from by home town of Montrose, Colorado I am still inspired by the 32 square miles of sheer walls and deep canyons. I have since been able to explore much more of these similar formations and terrain in the great southwest along the Great Colorado Plateau. But Colorado National Monument is still a place that provides great photographic opportunity.

The canyon bottom begins at an elevation of about 4,700 feet and rises to the top of the plateau at about 7,200 feet. Independence Monument in this photo is a free-standing monolith that rises 450 feet from the canyon floor.

Colorado National Monument was established May 24, 1911. A variety of wildlife live at the Monument, including bighorn sheep, golden eagles, mule deer and mountain lions.