Colorado’s Annual Independence Day Climb Is a Must-See Event

The 4th of July is a great day to enjoy the Colorado National Monument. It's a great day to reserve a site at the Saddlehorn Campground inside the monument to enjoy the hiking trails by day, and a unique view of Grand Junction's firework display that evening.

Read More: This Trail Has the Best View of Colorado's Independence Monument

You'll also be able to watch one of the most popular rock climbing events to take place at the Colorado National Monument all year, the Independence Day Climb to the top of the Independence Monument.

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Grand Junction's Independence Day Climb

Weather permitting, July 4th, 2024, will bring the 34th Annual Independence Day Climb back to the Colorado National Monument. It's an inspiring event that allows Coloradans to enjoy our National Monument while rooting for the climbers to carry our nation's flag to the top of Western Colorado's most recognizable rock formation.

Read More: 10 Facts You May Not Know About Colorado's Independence Monument

Watch the Climb Live and In Person

The Independence Monument Overlook, the Overlook at the end of Otto's Trail, and Grand View Overlook offer some of the best places to be able to watch the climbers make their way to the top of the Independence Monument to raise the flag. The flag raising usually takes place between 10:30 AM and 11 AM, once climbers reach the top safely.

If you prefer to watch the climb from the base of Independence Monument, you can park at the Monument Canyon trailhead and hike the trail to where the action is without having to pay an entry fee. Make sure you have good hiking shoes and plenty of water.

Keep going to see some photos of Coloradans climbing the Independence Monument in years past in the gallery below.