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Colorado National Monument

Discussion

6 replies
Posted by Doug Beezley on August 22, 2012 at 10:20 AM
I'm going to be in Grand Junction toward the end of September and have time to explore Colorado National Monument - never visited there before.

Do any of you live in the area and can provide some shooting locations for a sunrise and a sunset sesssion?

Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
Posted by Monika Chace on August 22, 2012 at 12:37 PM
Doug, I actually haven't been here, but it's on the list for a late day shoot. http://www.summitpost.org/mee-canyon/203921. Maybe somebody else on the forum has actually been there. It's also how you access Rattlesnake Arches. You could also make a detour up to Rifle Mtn Park -- falls, ice cave (if it's formed, but I remember going there in climbing season a long time ago & it was "in"), the gap where Christo hung a canvas for a few days before it blew away.....
Posted by Phillip Noll on August 22, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Otto's Trail at sunrise is very nice! Lots to shoot.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on August 22, 2012 at 3:23 PM
Doug, I've shot from up on CNM a few times and there are lots of vantage points. The best advice is to head up there and just slowly drive the 22-mile road during the daytime, making notes of where to shoot from. You can enter from the Fruita or Grand Junction side, doesn't matter. A couple favorites of mine are Monument Canyon and Ute Canyon, and each spot as a sign. Got this one from Monument Canyon back in May of '08. Please be careful when you drive it.. There are a few turns that have no guard rail and are a straight drop down, easy to do if you're looking out the side window at the scenery. :eek:
Posted by Paul Martin on August 22, 2012 at 3:51 PM
If you have a chance, Rattlesnake Canyon has a great collection of arches -- of course you have to hike to see most of them.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on August 22, 2012 at 6:05 PM
All of these are great suggestions so far! Rim Rock Drive (the main route through the park) is full of so much great scenery and wonderful overlooks that you could spend several afternoons or mornings just there. In September you could probably do some of the hikes during the day too without it being dreadfully hot.

I definitely recommend the overlooks that look toward the Coke Ovens for sunrise. Monument Canyon and Grand View overlooks are also good for either sunrise or sunset. Here's a TOPIC I posted a while back after one of my photo trips there. Don't forget to post your photos on the forum once you've visited!
Posted by Doug Beezley on August 23, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your help. Now to get the maps out and locate your suggestions.

Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA