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With Mesa County entering the "Red Phase" today, some changes have gone into effect at the Colorado National Monument. Fortunately, the changes are few.

In observance of the public health order issued by the Mesa County Health Department, the Colorado National Monument is limiting indoor services.

According to the Facebook post published Friday morning, November 20, the following changes will need to be observed:

  • The Saddlehorn Visitor Center is temporarily closed until further notice
  • The portion of Liberty Cap Trail from the Ute Canyon intersection to the mesa top is closed Monday through Fridays due to trail rehabilitation

That's pretty much it. In the grand scheme of things, these two closures shouldn't put too big a damper on your enjoyment of the Colorado National Monument. There's plenty of fun and enjoyment still to be had. Here are a few features of the monument not affected by the current status:

  • The "A Loop" of the campground and the picnic areas remain open

I've been wanted to get up on the Colorado National Monument and do a little camping. One problem: I've been trying to buy a small, easily portable pop-up camper, and it's practically like trying to find Noah's Ark. Pop-up and teardrop campers are worth their weight in gold right now. People that own them are well aware of what they have, and aren't letting them go very easily.

As you know, the Colorado National Monument is awesome. There's plenty of fun to be had, even with the restrictions. With any luck, the upcoming holidays will offer a little downtime. Make the most of it and enjoy a little time on the monument.

Photos: 10 Reminders to Leave No Trace in Colorado

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