Colorado National Monument

10/05/2026

Looking for a dynamic seasonal job in a spectacular setting? Colorado National Monument is hiring for multiple seasonal positions across several work groups. Build valuable experience, support public lands, and work where you will love to explore.

Announcements open TODAY. The application window runs Monday, October 5th through Monday, October 12th, and postings may close early if applicant limits are reached. Use the links below to learn more and apply.

Maintenance Worker: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886854700

Maintenance Worker (Trails): https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886858100

Maintenance Worker (Historic Preservation): https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886899600

Park Ranger (Interpretation and Education): https://www.usajobs.gov/job/887448400

Recreation Fee Technician: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/887289000

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/17/2026

Today, we commemorate Constitution Day and the document that established the framework of the United States.

The U.S. Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 1787. National parks preserve the places and stories connected to the nation’s founding, the development of our government, and the ongoing effort to uphold the ideals expressed in the Constitution.

Today is also a fee-free day at national parks that charge an entrance fee. Plan a visit and explore a place where American history comes to life.

NPS Photo: Independence NHP, Edgar Allan Poe NHS & Thaddeus Kosciuszko NM

09/09/2026

EVENT NOTICE: The annual Tour of the Moon bicycle ride will travel along Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

If you're traveling through on Saturday, please note:

Uphill vehicle traffic will be CLOSED at the East Entrance to DS Road from 7:30am to 9:30am. Downhill (eastbound) traffic will remain open throughout the event. Event assistants will be posted along the route to provide aid as needed and enforce traffic regulations.

Use the West (Fruita) Entrance on Saturday morning and travel only eastbound toward Grand Junction to avoid cyclist traffic. Avoid any westbound travel until after 9:30 a.m. Cyclists will be traveling east to west until sometime after noon. Please drive slowly and carefully to protect yourself and cyclists.

This is a recreational ride, not a race, and all participants are required to obey all traffic laws.

Please follow all signs and cones and look out for staff directing traffic. There will be some adjustments to normal traffic flow around the Saddlehorn area, including the visitor center, campground, and picnic area. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend!

(NPS photo of cyclists climbing a curve on Rim Rock Drive)

09/01/2026

Brake for bighorn! The rut has begun, and desert bighorn sheep are on the move. They have been seen on and next to Rim Rock Drive all morning, climbing rock formations above the road and taking naps right next to the road.

Remember that bighorn rams are more aggressive and defensive during this time. A ram can charge people, cars, or bicycles if he thinks you're a threat to the herd. If an animal changes its behavior as you approach, you're too close. Back up and give them extra space.

While you're driving or cycling, slow down around wildlife, always follow speed limits, and keep a close eye out for bighorn sheep. They are often distracted during the rut and can bolt into the roadway without warning.

Late summer and early fall are fantastic times to observe these agile animals. Make sure you look up for more chances of seeing them, since bighorn are excellent climbers and might be above you. Enjoy observing and photographing them from a safe distance.

NPS photos by K. Thomas of two ewes resting by the side of the road, and of a ram climbing on top of a red rock formation.

08/28/2026

Attention Junior Rangers and prospective Junior Rangers: Colorado National Monument will be hosting National Junior Ranger Day at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center Sunday, August 30, from 11 am to 2 pm. Join Rangers Miki and Leo for fun activities and earn your badge!

08/27/2026

Tonight, starting at 8 pm, join rangers and volunteers to watch the partial lunar eclipse! Max coverage (96%) will be at 10:12 pm, casting a rusty red glow on the moon. Fingers crossed for clear skies.

Date/Time: August 27, 2026, 8 pm - 10:30 pm
Location: Saddlehorn Picnic Area, near the Visitor Center

If driving, please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the event. Please refrain from driving through the parking lot in once the program has started. Carpooling is recommended.

08/22/2026

National Park Week is here! Celebrate with us at the monument!

On Tuesday the 25th, entrance fees to all National Park sites will be free for U.S. residents for the 110th birthday. Stop by the visitor center from 9:30- 4:30 to view the Then & Now exhibit with VIP Terri Ahern and take a trip back in time to see how the monument has changed over the years.

On Thursday evening, join Rangers Miki and Charlie for a lunar eclipse program at Saddlehorn Picnic Area parking lot. The program starts at 8pm, but please arrive early to help protect everyone's night vision.

Evening programs will be held Friday and Saturday night at 8pm at the Saddlehorn Amphitheater. On Friday, learn more about our adaptable desert dog, the coyote.

UPDATE: Due to forecasted rains, the Saturday 8/29 night sky program has been cancelled.

Enjoy the week! National Parks are places to discover and appreciate nature and history. We want to thank you for caring for your public lands.

NPS Photo by VIP Carla DeKalb of a golden eagle in flight, soaring over red rock cliffs under a blue sky.

08/11/2026

Update: due to storms, the astronomy program on Friday August 14th has been cancelled. We are hoping for better weather tomorrow! Looking for something to do in the monument? Check out this week's programs! We have night sky programs on Friday and Saturday.

08/09/2026

Work is proceeding with the Devils Kitchen waterline replacement. Through August 28th, contractors will be repairing and replacing the waterline at Devils Kitchen Picnic Area and parking lot. The restrooms, water, and parking area will be closed throughout the duration of the project.

Access to Serpents Trail will remain open at the Devils Kitchen Trailhead. Port-a-Johns are located at the trailhead parking lot. Remember to bring water with you, as there will be no water at Devils Kitchen until construction is finished. If you're driving through the park, you can fill water bottles at the Visitor Center.

NPS Photo of Devils Kitchen Picnic Area on a cloudy day

08/01/2026

Are ewe being careful with the heat? Temperatures in the monument will range from the upper 90s to the low 100s for the next several days.

Desert bighorn sheep have the right idea: find a cool place to relax in the shade during the hottest part of the day. Plan your hikes for early in the day, when temperatures are a bit cooler. Trails have little shade and the rocks radiate heat. If you do hike, bring plenty of water, salty snacks, sun protection, and a hat. The visitor center is open from 9-5 daily, and has a water refill station and air conditioning.

Be safe and be heat aware! Don't risk a heat illness.

NPS Photo from VIP Carla DeKalb of a herd of bighorn ewes relaxing by a cluster of Mormon tea.