News Release

2023 Tour of the Moon Bicycle Event to Travel through Colorado National Monument

Bicyclists ascend a twisting curve in Colorado National Monument

NPS/Arlene Jackson

News Release Date: September 7, 2023

Contact: Kaitlyn Thomas, 970-216-9476

Fruita, CO – On Saturday, September 9, 2023, the Tour of the Moon recreational bicycle ride will travel through Colorado National Monument. The touring cyclists will travel over Rim Rock Drive, entering the monument at the east entrance off of Monument Road near Grand Junction and exiting at the west entrance onto Highway 340 near Fruita. Cyclists will be limited to the west-bound lane. 

Colorado National Monument and all facilities will remain open to the public during the cycling event. In order to provide safety for the cyclists, the west-bound lane of Rim Rock Drive from the east (Grand Junction) entrance to DS Road will be closed from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Throughout the morning, monument staff recommends vehicle traffic enter the monument at the west (Fruita) entrance and travel in the opposite direction from the bicyclists. 

Event organizers are anticipating 1,600 cyclists riding in the monument from 7:30 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. Campers exiting the campground after 8 a.m. may be subject to delays. Monument staff encourage all other visitors to travel through the park in the afternoon.

Safety Advisory: All vehicle traffic is asked to travel west to east on Rim Rock Drive to avoid congestion. Motorists and bicyclists are strongly advised to travel cautiously around curves and always obey the speed limit.

For additional information regarding the Tour of the Moon recreational bicycle ride, please visit http://www.tourofthemoon.com

The visitor center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For additional information, please visit www.nps.gov/colm or call 970-858-2800.
 

-NPS-