Date: September 2, 2007
Contact: Joan Anzelmo, 970-858-3617 ext. 300
CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY
AT COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT
On Saturday, September 29, 2007 Colorado National Monument will host two public events as part of National Public Lands Day. In honor of National Public Lands Day no entrance fees will be charged.
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Walk, Run or Cycle without Motorized Traffic on Rim Rock Drive The portion of Rim Rock Drive from the Visitor Center east to the DS Road/Glade Park turn-off will be closed to all motorized traffic. No skateboards or inline skating will be permitted due to the volume of people expected. Pedestrians may have their dogs on the road surface only. All dogs must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet and under owners’ control. All pet waste must be cleaned up by the owners with their own plastic bags. Trash cans will be available for pet waste at the visitor center parking lot.
12:00 noon Rededication of Newly Reconstructed Rim Rock Drive
After a two-year road construction project, the park will host a rededication ceremony to celebrate one of the greatest scenic drives in America. The rededication of Rim Rock Drive will take place at Independence Monument Overlook with brief remarks and a ribbon cutting. Visitors may choose to walk the 1.1 mile road from the Visitor Center to the overlook; shuttle buses will also be provided for those that prefer to ride to and from the ceremony. Buses will depart from the Visitor Center between 11:30 – 11:45 a.m. In addition, a parade of antique cars, lined up opposite the overlook, will depart east bound across Rim Rock Drive to celebrate the newly finished road. At this time, motorized traffic will resume in both directions.
Event Parking
Parking will be available at the Visitor Center and Saddlehorn Picnic Area for all participants.
Road Closures from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Rim Rock Drive from the Monument’s East Entrance Station to the DS Road/Glade Park turn-off will remain open in both directions for motorized vehicles and cyclists. Motor vehicles will not be permitted to continue west on Rim Rock Drive past DS Road/Glade Park turn-off. Park access willbe closed at West Glade Park Road/16 1/2 Road. The road from the Monument’s West Entrance Station will remain open in both directions to and from the Visitor Center, Saddlehorn Campground and picnic area.
For Additional Information visit www.nps.gov/colm
