Colo Nat'l Monument hiking suggestions?

We're coming to Grand Junction this Fri. and I'd like some CNM hiking suggestions, or suggestions for cool trails near there. We've been there several times but haven't really hiked the trails much. Last year we did the Serpentine Trail, which was the easiest approx. 1000' of elevation gain I've ever done. We also hiked some of the biking trails at Fruita which was fun. Of course, any photographic hot spots would be much appreciated as well

I've never been there so I can't speak about hiking trails but check out his link from one of our guys for photo ops:

http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=57363&CGISESSID=833c38c84862e6cd06e8d3cc5b76722e&u=29909

I don't think Joshua would mind since I think these were great images!

Check out this hot spot write-up here on the forum. If you have 4WD, this would be a great option nearby.

I certainly don't mind the link to my previous posts. Most of the images were taken from the overlooks but I would recommend the Monument Canyon Trail which visits many of the same formations pictured in my post, just from a lower angle. It is about 6 miles one-way though and would take most of a day to enjoy thoroughly.

Like Todd, I would also enthusiastically endorse the Rattlesnake Arches. It was my favorite place to visit in my Western Colo trip last month. Lots of fantastic photo potential. You will need that 4wd especially in the last couple of miles though.

You might also consider Dominguez Canyons. It's a short drive south of GC, but the trail starting from Bridgeport is not terribly strenuous terrain-wise and goes to a small waterfall and some interesting petroglyphs. You should not be afraid of trains, cows or occasional crowds if you choose to go here though. More info below.
http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo/recreation/wsa/dominguezwsa.html

What Josh said.

Angela, I second Joshua's recommendation for the Monument Trail. It's a point-to-point trail, but I like going in from the bottom and then explore Independence Monument from all sides. You can then continue on a little further up the trail toward the Coke Ovens before returning to the trailhead. You can get a little booklet about the hiking trails of the CNM from the visitor center or stop at REI in Grand Junction for a larger book about many or most of the trails in the area. It's hot, so I recommend a very early start with a couple quarts of water as a minimum.

Todd, nice photo. Looks like an area I'd definitely be interested in since I love shooting waterfalls.

We do have a 4WD Tundra so Rattlesnake Canyon might be another possibility. We'll be in GJ for several days so hopefully we'll have time to hit some different areas.

Have a great trip!
Prepare for the heat! It's supposed to cool down to the low 90's here this weekend. I don't hike much in the monument between May and Sept. but I'm sure there are great photo opportunities.

Actually, it will feel cooler there than it does here. We've been having high temps in the 90's PLUS high humidity which has yielded very sticky, uncomfortable heat indices of 100-105. I'll take hot & dry ANY DAY over hot & humid. We're looking forward to our trip!