Then and Now Celebrating Colorado National Monument
2026-05-24 09:30 - 16:30 (America/Denver) | Saddlehorn Visitor Center, 1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO, 81521, United States
The legacy of Colorado National Monument traces back to the visionaries like John Otto, whose foresight and passion for preserving the beauty of the land led to its establishment in 1911. Over the years, many others have recognized the significance of this unique landscape and worked tirelessly to protect and preserve it.
Join Terri Ahern, on Colorado National Monument’s 115th birthday, as she shares her passion and knowledge of this beautiful landscape through photos and storytelling.
Terri and her husband, Rick, moved to the “best slope” in 2000 after falling in love with the high desert canyon country. She has been a volunteer at the Colorado National Monument since April 2006 as a Trail Ambassador, and assists with special projects in the Cultural & Natural Resources Division and enjoys the annual Desert Bighorn Sheep Count. Terri currently leads hikes for active adults & seniors through New Dimensions Lifelong Learning Institute.

RSVP’s not required, park passes are required for entrance to the park.

Among Canyon Shadows Book Signing with Joyce B. Lohse
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Saddlehorn Visitor Center, 1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO, 81521, United States
On June 20, 1911, a dozen or so invited local guests arrived in Monument Canyon on horseback and in horse-drawn buggies to witness the marriage of Beatrice and John Otto. They traveled for miles along a winding, rocky trail. John Otto had cleared and built the route through the rugged canyon, though guests still had to walk the final portion of the trail to reach the wedding altar. ~Joyce Lohse, Among Canyon Shadows, Filter Press,LLC
To help celebrate the 115th wedding anniversary, Joyce Lohse, author of Among Canyon Shadows, will be signing books on the back lanai of the Saddlehorn Visitor Center alongside our Community Artist in Park, Katelyn Pierce from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Among Canyon Shadows: An Eastern Artist in Western Colorado by Joyce B. Lohse is a historical biography that tells the true story of Beatrice Farnham, an independent Boston artist who traveled to western Colorado in 1911 to paint the region’s dramatic canyon landscapes. The book explores Farnham’s artistic journey, her connection to John Otto, and the enduring spirit of the early Monument landscape.
Joyce Lohse, author of Among Canyon Shadows
Joyce B Lohse combines her journalism background with western history research to write historical biographies for readers of all ages. She is a former administrator for Women Writing the West and has written history articles for magazines including True West, Steamboat, Colorado Central, and Women Out West. Lohse is a fiber artist and a member of the Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA).
Details:
Date and Time : Saturday, June 20, 2026 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
Registration: Not required- Open House
Note: Park passes are required. Carpooling is encouraged. The event may be cancelled or postponed due to the weather.

Desert Mala Necklace Workshop
2026-06-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter, 2300 Monument Rd, Grand Junction, CO, 81507, United States
In this four-hour workshop, Lynnea of DarcMoon will guide you through the process of setting intentions and hand-tying them into your own 108-bead mala necklace. With more than 20 types of gemstones to choose from, you’ll create a piece that is both meaningful and uniquely yours.
Held just before the Strawberry Full Moon and the Summer Solstice, this workshop offers a perfect opportunity to harness seasonal energy and set intentions for the months ahead. Surrounded by the beauty of Colorado National Monument, you’ll find inspiration as you create in a peaceful outdoor setting.
15% of the ticket sale will be donated to CNMA to further our mission of supporting knowledge, passion, and dedication to enable stewardship and preservation of Colorado National Monument.
Participants are welcome to bring a journal to reflect on and record their intentions, as well as a personal bead to incorporate into their necklace if desired.
We will be set up in the shade, but please come prepared for changing weather conditions. Reading glasses are recommended for detailed beading work, and you may wish to bring snacks and drinks to stay comfortable throughout the workshop.
Details:
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 am- 1:00 pm
Location: Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter
Cost: $100
What to Bring:

Water, snacks, picnic lunch.
Hat and sunscreen.
Reading glasses.

What’s Included:

All materials for a 108-bead mala necklace (with 20+ gemstones to choose from)
4 hours of hands-on instruction
Guided reflection on personal intention and lunar energy

Registration: Risk forms must be signed prior to the event.
Note: Program may be cancelled or postponed due to weather. Park passes are required. Carpooling is encouraged.
