News Release

Rim Rock Drive East Hill Closure Extended through May 11, 2018

Date: May 1, 2018
Contact: Arlene Jackson, 970-858-3617 X 363
Contact: Dan Hallett, 970-858-3617 X346

Fruita, CO – Rim Rock Drive from just inside the east (Grand Junction) entrance to DS Road has been closed for reconstruction. The National Park Service, at the request of the Federal Highways Administration project manager, has agreed to extend the full road closure through May 11, 2018. The west entrance, visitor center and 18 miles of Rim Rock Drive remain open.

United Companies construction staff anticipates the road project will be delayed due to current and expected weather conditions this week. The base layer of asphalt has been laid and the curbing is complete. However, the final layer of asphalt has not been finished and in order to continue to get a high quality product in the safest and most efficient manner, the full road closure has been extended a week.

The No Thoroughfare Canyon trail head parking and the Devils Kitchen Picnic area parking will remain open with some temporary closures on mornings when the new pavement is blended into the remaining surfaces. Those planning to use the picnic area or to hike on the trails for the next couple of weeks should consult the monument’s website to ensure the area will be open. 

All visitors using the trails and picnic area on the east side are asked to follow the safety signage and directions of the construction staff. 

The goal of everyone associated with the project is to accomplish the needed work in an efficient, high quality manner while providing for the safety of the staff, community members and visitors.

Spring hours are now in effect at Colorado National Monument. The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. For additional information please visit www.nps.gov/colm or call 970-858-3617, ext. 360.
-www.nps.gov-

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.