National Monument Archives - Colorado Central Magazine

The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

January 3, 2017August 2, 2016 by Mike Rosso

By Anthony Guerrero

In March 2013, President Barack Obama, using executive authority under the Antiquities Act, designated 242,000 acres in Taos, New Mexico, as public lands. This area became a national monument known as the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. As a result, the land, its rich Hispanic and Native American heritage and the wildlife habitat are protected and preserved. The monument ends right at the Colorado and New Mexico border. Some citizens in Colorado believe this designation should be expanded to include a portion of the San Luis Valley.

The Wheeler Geologic Area – Formerly Colorado’s First National Monument

August 17, 2016March 1, 2016 by Mike Rosso

Will Citta enjoys an overview of the formations at the Wheeler Geologic Natural Area northwest of Wagon Wheel Gap. This was taken on the western half of the loop trail. Photo by Kenneth Jessen.

By Kenneth Jensen

The Wheeler Geologic Natural Area northwest of Wagon Wheel Gap offers some of the most unique and beautiful formations in Colorado. The site has an interesting history. During the start of the mining era in Creede, the formations were accessible by horseback and not considered remote. In 1908, the site became so popular that it was designated by President Theodore Roosevelt as the Wheeler National Monument, named for George M. Wheeler, head of the 1874 survey of Colorado.