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

    Colorado

    National Monument Colorado

  • Fire Restrictions in effect

    Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle. Charcoal fires are permitted only in provided grills in the campground and picnic areas. No wood fires. Gas stoves are permitted only in campground and picnic areas. All fireworks are prohibited.

Accident - West Hill of Rim Rock Drive

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
Date: November 1, 2007
Contact: Joan Anzelmo, 970-858-3617 ext. 300

Single Vehicle Accident West Hill of Rim Rock Drive

Colorado National Monument Superintendent, Joan Anzelmo, reports that a single vehicle accident occurred on the west hill of Rim Rock Drive between the two tunnels at approximately 10:30 pm MDT on October 31. The driver and only occupant of the vehicle, a 17 year old area youth, was not injured in the accident.

                             car over the edge

The vehicle left the road way on the east bound lane and plummeted approximately 150 feet down a sharply steep slope coming to rest in an upright position. The occupant had a cell phone and called a friend for assistance. The friend contacted Mesa County Dispatch who then contacted park rangers. Park rangers and Mesa County Sheriff deputies responded to the scene. The occupant was not injured in the accident. The occupant is a minor and his name will not be released.

The vehicle, a 1997 Nissan Maxima, is being towed from the slope today.

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.