Colorado National Monument, a U.S. National Park, is a great place to introduce the kids to geology and biology. The colorful, sheer-walled canyons and rock sculptures bear witness to the effects of millions of years of erosion as well as times gone by. But be careful where you step! The biological soil, found throughout the park, is a living groundcover. The potholes, naturally occurring basins in sandstone, collect more than rainwater and wind-blown sediment. When wet, they are the breeding grounds for insects and desert amphibians and, when dry, home to organisms able to survive long periods of dehydration. Yet there is more to this 23,000-acre park than a bit of natural history. Watch birds, reptiles and mammals in this semi-arid environment on the eastern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Enjoy spectacular overlooks on the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive. Hike or horseback ride one or more of the monument’s many trails. Become a Junior Ranger and learn more about the park throughout your stay.