05/24/2023 — Johanna van Waveren

Caretakers of these Canyons

The Colorado National Monument is the 25th unit of the National Park Service, offering breathtaking views alongside wildlife and plant life native to the high desert

Indigenous communities have been taking care of this landscape since the dawn of time, long before European colonizers arrived. This connection to place is still just as strong today, and Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) invites you to become part of a unique legacy – those who held onto hope in times of uncertainty, who have done their part to protect the area for all future generations, despite not knowing who they are or what changes lie ahead. Join CNMA in our hopeful vision of a vibrant community living alongside an undisturbed landscape.

Indigenous people were the first caretakers of these canyons followed by a quirky man named John Otto. John Otto came to the Grand Valley in 1906 to work on the Fruita, CO Water Pipeline. When first witnessing the beauty of the “rugged redrock canyons…it was love at first sight.” It felt like “the greatest spot in creation” to him. He then worked tirelessly to set this land aside as a National Monument so that all people could come to find peace among these monoliths and canyon walls. He was finally successful on May 24, 1911 when President Taft signed a proclamation to create Colorado National Monument, our beloved National Park unit in Western Colorado.

Otto served as the monument’s first custodian for $1 a month then over the years many other staff people helped build trails, protect plants and animals in this high desert ecosystem plus much more. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Works Project Administration (WPA) and local men built structures and the fabulous and scenic Rim Rock Dr. which continues to amaze visitors as they drive along the rim of these red rock canyons.

As time went on and thousands of visitors drove through the monument and hiked trails, it became increasingly necessary for the monument to have additional support particularly with interpretation of park resources, education and scientific research. There was also a desire to continue the stewardship of John Otto and the Indigenous people.

In 1964 Colorado- Black Canyon Nature Association was established by local citizens to continue this important legacy. In 1977, the Association was reestablished as Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA). We are a cooperating association whose sole purpose is to support Colorado National Monument. Cooperating associations are one of the oldest and most enduring partnerships of the National Park Service (NPS).

CNMA provides much-needed assistance to the NPS’s mission by boosting their capability to achieve their goals. With CNMA on board, they can do things in months that would take years alone. We support this mission through our bookstore sales, donations, memberships, programs, and events. Join us as we continue to protect and share this special place.