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Rim Rock Drive, Colorado National Monument, Colorado
Photo: Gordon Leggett · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped

Drives Colorado Grand Junction and the Western Slope

Rim Rock Drive

Colorado National Monument, Colorado · Fruita → Grand Junction

Intense22 mi1 hr3,500 ft climbHigh point ≈ 6,700 ftOne way
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The drive

Rim Rock Drive is the road through Colorado National Monument, built in the 1930s. This drive enters at Fruita and climbs by switchbacks and tunnels up the cliffs, then follows the rim above red sandstone canyons, past the view of Independence Monument and Cold Shivers Point. It finishes down the east side toward Grand Junction.

The road is narrow, with sheer drops and low walls, and it is twisty for most of its 22 miles. Desert bighorn sheep and rockfall are the hazards the park names.

Plan on an hour. Cars and bicycles share the road, so the pace is slower than the miles suggest.

Along the way

  1. Fruita
  2. Independence Monument View
  3. Cold Shivers Point
  4. Grand Junction (east entrance)
Elevation
3,500 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 6,700 ft
FruitaGrand Junction
Curves
Twisty most of the way
FruitaGrand Junction
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • There is a park entrance fee for vehicles.
  • Cars and bicycles share the road; lights are required for both in the tunnels and cyclists ride single file.
  • The upper section can close for a few hours or days during snowstorms; the park says the road is otherwise open year-round.
  • Watch for desert bighorn sheep and rockfall.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NPS: Rim Rock Drive current conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does Rim Rock Drive take?

Rim Rock Drive from Fruita to Grand Junction's east entrance is 22.5 miles and takes about 1 hr with stops at the overlooks.

Is there a fee to drive Rim Rock Drive?

Yes. Colorado National Monument charges an entrance fee, valid for seven days per vehicle.

Is Rim Rock Drive open in winter?

The park says it is open year-round, with the upper section closed temporarily during active snowstorms.

Is Rim Rock Drive twisty?

Yes. It has switchbacks and tunnels on the climb and winds along the rim for most of its length.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Rim Rock Drive, from Fruita to Grand Junction