Road Biking on Rim Rock Drive

Cyclists on Rim Rock Drive

Every day, cyclists enjoy a challenging ride with stunning views along Rim Rock Drive. Please be safe, as drivers often don't know appropriate ways to navigate around cyclists.

Rim Rock Drive is a 23 mile long scenic road, traveling between the park's east entrance in Grand Junction and the west entrance in Fruita. You can turn your ride into a 33 mile loop by using connecting roads outside of the Monument. Parking areas are located by both entrance stations to the Monument.

When making a decision for just how far to ride, you have some options. Consider how much time you have and your level of fitness while planning your ride. For the 33 mile loop, the aggregate climb for a complete trip is 2300 vertical feet. You got this. Most of that elevation change is found on the steep grades just inside either entrance. Allow at least three hours for your ride.

If you would like to ride the Monument without tackling either of the hills (no hate, we totally get that), you can park your vehicle at the visitor center to ride across the top of the Monument and back. When the visitor center lot is full, overflow parking is located at the Saddlehorn Picnic Area.

A water bottle refilling station is located next to the front doors of the visitor center and is open 24 hours a day. Bring plenty of water. You'll need to drink lots of water due to high elevation, a strenuous ride, and low humidity. Snacks are a good idea as well.

Bicycles are only permitted on the road in the Monument. Off-road mountain biking is not allowed here, but several adjoining areas are ideal for it. There are options for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Lunch Loops, Kokopelli and 18 road, and dozens of other mountain biking trails are all located close by. For a flat, paved, scenic ride by the Colorado River, head over to the Riverfront Trail.

Bicycling Regulations and Safety Tips

• Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws including speed limits, passing zones, stop signs, and staying on roads.
• Bicyclists are required to ride single file at all times within the Monument.
• Always ride as far to the right as safely possible and stay alert for animals and rockfall in the road.
• Please allow vehicles to pass you when it is safe to do so. Vehicles need to allow at least 3 feet between themselves and any bicycle they are passing.
• You will likely be moving downhill faster than some cars. Do not pass vehicles in the tunnels or on blind curves.
• Slow down on sharp curves to avoid drifting into oncoming traffic or going off the road. Rim Rock Drive is narrow, with steep drop offs. Going over the edge on some sections of the road could be fatal.
• Bicycles or riders must be equipped with lights visible from the front and rear for safe passage through the tunnels. Bicyclists must use a white light that is visible from at least 500 feet to the front and a red light that is seen from at least 200 feet from the rear.
• Bicyclists are required to stop at Stop signs when entrance stations are staffed.
• Bicyclists are required to pay entrance fees. Annual passes are available and all National Park passes are accepted.
• On the east side of the Monument, cyclists may encounter large trucks that use four miles of the monument's roadway to access the community of Glade Park.
• Summer temperatures can go into the low 100s. It's better to start rides early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat.

Learn more about Colorado National Monument's Cyclist Warning System

Details

Duration

2-5 Hours

Activity

Road Biking

Bikes are only permitted on the road in the monument. Off-road mountain biking is not allowed here, but several adjoining areas are ideal for it.

Pets Allowed

No

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 $15 for bicyclists. For more information on fees for groups and buses please see Fees & Passes.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

A ride along Rim Rock Drive is open to all. This historic road follows the canyon edges closely, giving everyone breathtaking 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. 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.