When I hear “monument” I think of statues.  Or other man-made structures like the Washington monument.  Not so for the Colorado National Monument.  This is a large area of canyons and rock formations that have been carved by 150 million years of erosion, similar to the Grand Canyon or Arches National Park.  There is a 23-mile main road that runs the length of the monument and winds its way to the ridge top – and I do mean it winds.  Close to the canyon edges.  For someone who is not fond of heights, this was not a good time.  But I will admit the views from ridge top more than make up for the hair-raising and nail-biting turns of the road to get there.

Jean