The Colorado National Monument is located within the Canyon Lands Basin of the Colorado Plateau physiographic province (SCS 1978). Landscapes are characterized by exposures of colorful, gently dipping sediments that have been differentially eroded to form high plateaus, bold escarpments, and deep canyons. Sandstone monoliths and steep walled canyons sculpted from years of natural erosion provide scenic, educational, and scientific benefits to visitors.
Sally Bellacqua
Island monocline
Visit the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) site to read about Colorado National Monument's stratigraphy.
Did You Know?
John Otto was one of the first white men to camp at Colorado National Monument. He was also the first one to get married in its canyons.