The Top 13 Natural Monuments in the West Elk Mountains
West Elk Mountains’s landscape is a beautiful place to explore — something that you can best experience by visiting one of our 13
beautiful natural monuments in the West Elk Mountains. To help you find the one for, you can see all the details you need to explore the best natural monuments, and better plan your next outdoor adventure!
beautiful natural monuments in the West Elk Mountains. To help you find the one for, you can see all the details you need to explore the best natural monuments, and better plan your next outdoor adventure!
Last updated: October 13, 2025
The Visitor Center is open year-round, but be aware that the opening times can vary by season. As with most NPS Visitor Centers, you can expect rangers, exhibits, and a …
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If you want to hike to the inner canyon you need a wilderness permit, which can be obtained at the South Rim Visit Center, and the right gear to get …
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At 11,396 feet, Mount Lamborn isn't the tallest peak in Gunnison National Forest, but it is one of the best peaks in the foothills to climb. The entire hike up …
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Gunnison Point is a wonderful overlook situated just behind the South Rim Visitor Center. It offers incredible views of the Black Canyon.
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Green Mountain is the only 'summit' hike in Black Canyon National Park which gives you a different perspective of the canyon than any other hike in the park. Views of …
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Needle Rock is a 7,797-foot tall rock formation in the Needle Rock Study Area just outside of Crawford, Colorado. The trail leading up the feature dead ends near the cliff …
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When hiking the North Vista Trail I recommend hiking this very short spur trail to this point. There are some beautiful canyon views to be enjoyed!
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Blue Mesa Reservoir is a beautiful spot along U.S. Hwy. 50, nestled between Montrose and Gunnison. This vast, shimmering lake is where the Gunnison River rests before flowing through the rugged walls of Black Canyon.
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Exclamation Point is an incredible viewing point just off the North Vista Trail. This is the final destination for some hikers, but it is possible to continue toward Green Mountain to find a view from higher up.
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Tomichi Point is situated just off the main road and offers incredible views of the canyon. There is also access to the Rim Rock Nature Trail.
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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones in the West Elk Mountains:
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