---
id: "100008"
name: Historic Rim Rock Drive
distance: "22.6"
duration: Allow 1 hour to drive or 1 day to explore.
description: Colorado National Monument was established in 1911 by President Taft to preserve "extra-ordinary examples of erosion [that] are of great scientific interest, and it appears that the public interest would be promoted by preserving these natural formations as a National Monument". Rim Rock Drive is one of the most spectacular drives in the United States. Redrock canyons, crisp blue skies, and verdant green juniper highlight the fantastic views along the road for motorists and bicyclists. Several overlooks give you a place to stop and take in the view. Stargazers can choose their favorite overlook and enjoy beautiful views of the night sky. Several hiking trails are located near the road for anyone wanting to stretch their legs and explore the landscape. There are three tunnels along Rim Rock Drive.
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organization:
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/historic-rim-rock-drive.htm
    name: Colorado National Monument Historic Rim Rock Drive
websites:
  - url: https://www.thearmchairexplorer.com/colorado/colorado-national-monument.php
    name: The Armchair Explorer
attractions:
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/places/alcove-nature-trail-colorado-national-monument.htm
    name: Alcove Nature Trail
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/places/ccc-trail-colorado-national-monument.htm
    name: CCC Trail
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/places/coke-ovens-trail-colorado-national-monument.htm
    name: Coke Ovens Trail
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/places/devils-kitchen-picnic-area.htm
    name: Devils Kitchen Picnic Area
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/places/no-thoroughfare-canyon-trail-colorado-national-monument.htm
    name: No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/places/otto-s-trail-colorado-national-monument.htm
    name: Otto's Trail
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
    name: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/places/serpents-trail-colorado-national-monument.htm
    name: Serpents Trail
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/places/ute-canyon-trail-colorado-national-monument.htm
    name: Ute Canyon Trail
  - url: https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/tunnels.htm
    name: West Lower Tunnel
designations:
  - Park Scenic Drive
states:
  - CO
ll:
  - -108.732018954006
  - 39.12070663136987
bounds:
  - - -108.74145
    - 39.02269
  - - -108.63032502821768
    - 39.12071
books: "978-1426219054"

---

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 highlight the fantastic views along the road for motorists and bicyclists. Several overlooks give you a place to stop and take in the view. Stargazers can choose their favorite overlook and enjoy beautiful views of the night sky. Several hiking trails are located near the road for anyone wanting to stretch their legs and explore the landscape. There are three tunnels along Rim Rock Drive.

Exploring the geology of the monument can easily be done from the road. You'll view rock layers dating from the 1.7 billion year old pre-Cambrian gneiss, schist, and granites at the bottom of the canyons, to the much younger sandstones and shales at the top of the road.

The road is challenging, narrow, and steep in some sections with sheer dropoffs. If you are afraid of heights, some sections of Rim Rock Drive could be difficult to navigate. Driving from west to east may be a little easier, because your vehicle will be further away from the cliff edge on most parts of the road.