In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the annual 4th of July Flag Raising Event will be held at Independence Monument View at the Colorado National Monument beginning 9:00am this Saturday, July 4th.

Continuing a tradition Colorado National Monument Superintendent John Otto began in 1911, a Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, joined by other deputies and members of the Search and Rescue team, will climb Independence Monument to raise the American flag high above the valley floor. Climbers anticipate reaching the summit by 11:00 a.m.

Independence Monument View (1.25 miles east of the visitor center along Rim Rock Drive) and Otto’s Trail will offer a great views of the park’s iconic monolith and the famous flag-raising. Park Rangers will be on-site to share about the climb’s history and geology of the canyon, including how historical perspectives on the flag raising itself have changed over time. Climbers can also be seen from other vantage points, including Grand View Overlook.

Learn more about Otto’s 1911 climb here: https://www.nps.gov/…/historycul…/freedom-flies-high.htm

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Fireworks are always prohibited in Colorado National Monument. Fire danger remains high, and several wildfires continue to burn in our region. The monument is under Stage 2 fire restrictions, which includes a complete wood and charcoal fire ban. For your safety, please stay away from cliff edges and pay attention to footing and environmental factors such as smoke, loose rocks and wind. Drive, hike, and bike with caution. Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

About John Otto’s Tradition:

When John Otto, an expert trail builder and the first caretaker of Colorado National Monument, boldly scrambled up Independence Monument on July 4, 1911, he launched a unique tradition honored by the park and community today. After reaching the 450-foot high summit of the iconic sandstone tower, Otto hoisted the United States flag to celebrate Independence Day. He was truly a free spirit.

Today, 100 years after his historic achievement, Otto’s legacy remains a vital community event. About 30 Grand Valley area climbers will follow his footsteps up the west face of Independence Monument on the morning of July 4th with the expert guidance of the Mesa County Search and Rescue team.

The climbing route has historic significance. In order to make the first ascent in 1911, Otto hand-drilled holes up the north and west face of the sandstone monolith and pounded iron pipes into the holes, creating an iron ladder for others to follow.

The Grand Junction Daily News reported Otto’s ambitious climb this way:

“Inch by inch, foot by foot, daring intrepid John Otto, creeping up the giant sides of Independence Monument, the highest and most noble eminence of rock in all Monument Canyon… It is a perilous piece of work he is doing and he should receive great recognition for his feat when he reaches the summit.”

As an outspoken conservationist, Otto developed a remarkable vision for the future of this natural landscape. The same year as Otto’s first ascent, 1911, Colorado National Monument was established by President William Howard Taft. Otto’s vision is the reason that Colorado National Monument exists today for 21st Century Americans to enjoy.

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