• View from the Canyon Rim Trail. Photo by Jeff Kochevar

    Colorado

    National Monument Colorado

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  • Rim Rock Drive is OPEN - Visitor Center is OPEN 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Rim Rock Drive is OPEN Be on the lookout for Desert Bighorn Sheep along Rim Rock Drive. There also may be minor traffic delays near the East Entrance over the coming weeks. Watch for construction flaggers on the roadway.

2012-2013 Winter Storm Response Plan for Rim Rock Drive

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Date: December 11, 2012

Winter has arrived at Colorado National Monument. All motorists and cyclists are reminded to use extra caution while traveling across Rim Rock Drive and should be prepared to encounter ice and snow conditions even when roads are clear in the Grand Valley.

During winter snowstorms, Colorado National Monument may temporarily close the upper section of Rim Rock Drive from DS Road to Independence Monument Overlook to all traffic.

Temporary closures of the upper section of Rim Rock Drive during active storms will make clearing routes safer for plow drivers and visitors. Temporary closures may be a few hours to a few days depending upon the duration of the storm. Once the storm has subsided, upper Rim Rock Drive will be plowed, sanded, and cleared within 24 hours.

Throughout the duration of the temporary storm closures, the upper section of Rim Rock Drive will be closed with three traffic gates. The gates are located west of DS Road, at 16 ½ Road and at Independence Monument Overlook. All traffic coming from Glade Park will need to use DS Road or Little Park Road because 16 ½ Road at Rim Rock Drive will be temporarily closed. Glade Park commuters who normally access Rim Rock Drive are encouraged to use DS Road on east Rim Rock Drive during active storms.

Pedestrians and bicycles will not be permitted on the upper section of Rim Rock Drive during active storms and when gates are closed. The gates will be reopened as soon as the upper section of Rim Rock Drive has been cleared.

Colorado National Monument will continue to maintain the east hill of Rim Rock Drive by contracting with Mesa County for plowing and sanding the road when necessary. This provides Glade Park residents with a clear road from the east gate of Colorado National Monument to DS Road during winter.

Information on developing storms and temporary road closures can be found by calling Colorado National Monument's Winter Information Hotline at 970-858-3617, ext. 402 or at the park's website

http://www.nps.gov/colm.

Did You Know?

climbers on Independence Monument

Each Independence Day, local climbers scale the iconic Independence Monument in Colorado National Monument and raise an American flag on top.  This tradition dates back to early park promoter John Otto, whose route up Independence Monument climbers still follow.