Travel on Rim Rock Drive

A Look Down at Rim Rock Drive from Fruita Canyon Overlook

NPS Photo / Phil Akers

Colorado National Monument's Rim Rock Drive is one of the most spectacular drives in the United States. Redrock canyons, crisp blue skies, and verdant green juniper splash fantastic views along the way for motorists and bicyclists. The road was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp. Admire the craftmanship of the stonework walls along the roads and overlooks. The road can be challenging as it is narrow, and steep in some sections with sheer drop-offs. The road has no shoulders, so bicyclists and vehicles must share the road. Use caution when on tight corners and hills. On the east side of the monument, motorists may encounter large trucks that use four miles of the monument's roadway to access the community of Glade Park. As you travel through this landscape of mesas, canyons and pinyon/juniper forests you may catch a glimpse of resident desert bighorn sheep.

Details

Duration

2-4 Hours

Rim Rock Drive's 25 -35 mile an hour speed limit allows time to take in scenic views of the canyons, mesas and rock monoliths that make up Colorado National Monument. Some overlooks along the route are adjacent to the parking spots, others require a short walk out to the edge of one of the many canyons.

Activity

Scenic Driving

While driving or riding along Rim Rock drive, take time to stop at the many overlooks and perhaps even take a few short hikes. The visitor center and Saddlehorn Campground are 4 miles from the Fruita (northwestern) entrance.

A few things to keep in mind for a safe visit:

• Use your headlights in all tunnels.
• Obey traffic laws and speed limits.
• Do not attempt to proceed around bicyclists unless you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and a safe passing distance. Do not pass in tunnels or on turns.

• When passing bicyclists, please allow at least three feet of clearance between your vehicle and the bicyclist.

• Check carefully for bicycles, pedestrians and vehicles before pulling out onto the road from pullouts.

• Allow other motorists and bicyclists to pass if you are obstructing traffic and there is a safe place to pull over.

• Remember that bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of any vehicle.

Age(s)

17 and Older

While the driver must be old enough to have a driver's license, all ages and abilities will enjoy the trip along Rim Rock Drive.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are only allowed in vehicles, in the campground and on paved surfaces. Pets are not allowed on any of the trails in the monument. Service animals are of course welcome anywhere.

Activity Fee

Yes

Entrance to Colorado National Monument is $25 for passenger vehicles, $20 for motocycles, and $15 for bicyclists/pedestrians. For more information on fees for groups and buses please see Fees & Passes.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Rim Rock Drive is open year-round. During the winter, there may be short closures for snow removal from large storms. In the winter, icy spots can persist in shaded areas when most of the rest of the road is clear.

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

A drive along Rim Rock Drive is open to all. This historic road follows the canyon edges closely giving everyone breath taking views into most of the canyons. Accessible restrooms are available at Saddlehorn Campground, Saddlehorn Visitor Center, Liberty Cap Trailhead and Devils Kitchen Picnic area. A stop at Saddlehorn Visitor Center includes accessible exhibits, theater and giftshop. Across the drive is the accessible crushed granite Alcove Nature Trail. Independence Monument Overlook and Cold Shivers Overlook are fully accessible. Others such as Historic Trails View, Fruita Canyon View and Bookcliff Shelter have accessible elements.