Travel on Rim Rock Drive
Colorado National Monument
For panoramic views of Colorado National Monument's canyons and rock monoliths, a trip along Rim Rock Drive is a must.
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.
Tags
Visitor Photos
No visitor photos yet
Details
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.
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.
Yes
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
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.
Yes — 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.
No
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.