Overview Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument which preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Much more than a monument, towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim…
Overview Saddlehorn Campground is located within Colorado National Monument which preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. Much more than a monument, towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.Recreation Colorado National Monument is famous in cycling communities for its majestic views and challenging climbs, but Historic Rim Rock Drive is also a popular motor tour. Hikers flock to the miles of maintained trails, photographers come year round to capture the spectacular views, and geologists study the unique landscape for its scientific value. Climbers come for the towering sandstone, and wildlife lovers may spot Desert Bighorn sheep, golden eagles, collared lizards, and many other special creatures.Facilities Saddlehorn Campground is located near the Saddlehorn Visitor Center, four miles from the west entrance (near Fruita, Colorado) and nineteen miles from the east entrance (near Grand Junction, Colorado), and is the only established campground within the Monument. There are 79 campsites with three camping loops within the Saddlehorn Campground (Loops A, B, and C). Loop A is typically open early April through the end of October. Loop A will remain on a "day of" reservation basis for the summer due to need for scheduled maintenance. All "day-of" reservation sites open at 8AM mountain time on the day of. Loop B is open year-round. Outer loop sites are reservable 6 months in advance, inner loop sites are reservable 2 weeks in advance. Loop C is open early May through mid/late October, weather dependent. Sites 52-69 are reservable on a day of basis, while sites 70-80 are reservable up to two weeks in advance. All "day-of" reservation sites open at 8AM mountain time on the day of. Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.Due to size of the campgro
Photos
Sunrise From Within a Tent in Saddlehorn Campground — Anthony CordaroFemale Desert Bighorn Sheep in Snow — Donna FullertonFemale Desert Bighorn Sheep in Snow — Donna FullertonChart showing equipment suitability for each site. — NPS/Kendall BessetteTwo male Deset Bighorn Sheep — Richard JansonRainbow and clouds above Monument Canyon — JT DudrowView from Rimrock Dr at Sunset, looking northwest — Norman LathropIndependence Monument in Snow — Donna FullertonIndependence Monument, a tall red rock pillar, rises above a blanket of clouds — Randy LangstraatLightning and clouds viewed from the canyon rim — Larry BennettView of the Milkyway over Colorado National Monument — Cuuck CooperMap of Saddlehorn Campground that shows reservation types for each site. — NPS/Kendall Bessette
How to Get There
Westbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction: take Exit 31 (Horizon Drive). Follow signs through Grand Junction to the park's east entrance. The visitor center and campground are 19 miles (30 km) from the east entrance. Eastbound on Highway I-70 (Fruita): Take Exit 19. Turn south on Highway 340 to the park's west entrance, which is approximately three miles (5 km) from Fruita. The visitor center and campground are four miles (6 km) beyond the west entrance.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND
Heading to SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234778) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND?
SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND has 80 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND?
Westbound on Highway I-70 towards Grand Junction: take Exit 31 (Horizon Drive). Follow signs through Grand Junction to the park's east entrance. The visitor center and campground are 19 miles (30 km) from the east entrance. Eastbound on Highway I-70 (Fruita): Take Exit 19. Turn south on Highway 340 to the park's west entrance, which is approximately three miles (5 km) from Fruita. The visitor cent…
How do I contact SADDLEHORN CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-858-3617 EXT. 300 or email: [email protected].
