• 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.

Enhanced Traffic Enforcement Begins Saturday, May 16

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Date: May 8, 2009

In the interest of safety for bicyclists and motorists on Rim Rock Drive, new traffic signs have been posted and law enforcement rangers will initiate enhanced traffic enforcement measures beginning Saturday, May 16, Superintendent Joan Anzelmo announced today.

Enhanced enforcement means that motorists and bicyclists will be more closely monitored as they travel through Colorado National Monument to ensure they follow posted speed limits, as well as other traffic laws.

Motorists

  • Obey posted speed limits. 
  • When driving through tunnels, turn on vehicle lights.
  • Yield to bicyclists at all times.
  • Use extreme caution when passing 
    bicycles.
  • Stop completely at all stop signs.

Bicyclists

  • Bicyclists are required to have visible white lights in the front and red lights from the rear when riding through tunnels.
  • Ride single-file along right side of traffic lane and allow motorists to pass. 
  • Bicyclists are encouraged to wear brightly colored & reflective clothing.
  • Bicyclists are encouraged to wear helmets.
  • Obey posted speed limits.
  • Stop completely at all stop signs.

“Our first priority is safety for everyone who visits the Monument,” Anzelmo said.

Did You Know?

Independence Monument

Independence Monument is all that remains of a continuous ridge that once formed a wall between Monument and Wedding Canyons.  A cap of durable Kayenta rock has protected this picturesque 450 feet (137 meters) high monolith from the relentless erosion that carried away the surrounding rock.