Buena Vista, CO

The 21,566-acre national monument was officially designated in 2015 and remains relatively undeveloped. The majority of the monument’s visitors raft through Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River. Depending on water levels, it may be a peaceful float or a thrill ride through class V rapids.

Aspen Ridge Road (Forest Road 185) along the monument’s eastern boundary awes visitors in Autumn with colorful displays of Aspen leaves. High clearance vehicles are recommended for Aspen Ridge Road, and only skilled motorists looking for an extreme 4x4 experience should attempt to travel into the monument on Turret Road (Forest Road 184).

Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted in Browns Canyon National Monument's 6,614-acre Wilderness Study Area. Hikers and horseback riders can access the Wilderness Study Area from the Ruby Mountain Trailhead off County Road 300.

Diverse species of wildlife, from Big Horn Sheep to Golden Eagles, along with unique rock formations and stunning mountain views can be discovered here.