Colorado National Monument celebrating centennial

Special events scheduled throughout 2011

Colorado National Monument, turning 100 in 2011. features expansive views of the Grand Valley. PHOTO BY BOB BERWYN.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — While Utah gets most of the glory for its spectacular Red Rock scenery, Colorado has its own little slice of canyon country, some of which is protected in the Colorado National Monument. The wind and water-carved edge of the Colorado Plateau near Grand Junction includes spectacular Grand Valley overlooks, classic sandstone cliffs and spires and plenty of hiking, not so far from home.

The 20,000-acre monument is preparing to celebrate its centennial in 2011. It was founded almost single-handedly by John Otto, who lived in a tent or cabin near one of the monument’s most famous landmarks for almost 30 years. Otto is one of the many iconoclastic figures who are part of the history of the American conservation movement in general, and the national park system in particular, including Teddy Roosevelt, John Muir, and here in Colorado, Enos Mills.

Alternately described as a promoter, outdoorsman, patriot and climber, Otto worked tirelessly to gain recognition for the area. He pioneered many of the climbing routes in the monument and built some of the trails that are still used today.

Before moving to Colorado, Otto was active as an advocate for miner safety in California, and was jailed for a while for insanity after he wrote letters to elected officials about his views. He described himself as a socialist and tried to offer advice on some of the labor troubles of the day.

Otto was hired as the monument’s first official ranger in 1911 at a salary of $1 per month. He continued to live in the park for the next 16 years, building and maintaining the trails to make the area accessible to visitors.

The National Park Service celebrations will start with free entry and a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve and continue throughout the year.

See the full schedule of events at the Colorado National Monument website.

Rocky Mountain PBS has a video online with more information about Colorado National Monument, including a narrator reading excerpts of John Otto’s diaries.

Published by Bob Berwyn

Environmental journalist covering climate change, forests, water, mountains and biodiversity.

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