24 Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument (Maps, Tips, Hikes)

Rim Rock Drive is the scenic highlight of the Colorado National Monument, winding through jaw-dropping red rock cliffs, deep canyons, and wide-open overlooks that make each mile unforgettable.

This 23-mile drive isn’t just a road—it’s an adventure through some of Colorado’s most stunning desert landscapes!

Let’s check out the key info and the best stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument.

• Starting and Ending Point: You can begin the drive from the West Entrance near Fruita or the East Entrance near Grand Junction.

Either way, you’ll experience the same stunning views and can explore all the top stops along the way. In this blog post, we will start from the West Entrance (Fruita) and finish at the East Entrance (Grand Junction).

• Distance: Rim Rock Drive covers a total of 23 miles through the Colorado National Monument. With plenty of overlooks, viewpoints and short hikes, this relatively short drive is packed with dramatic scenery.

• Drive Time: Without stops, the drive takes about 1-2 hours, but most visitors spend 3-4 hours to fully enjoy each viewpoint and stop. Plan extra time if you plan to do some short hikes along the way!

Colorado National Monument Sign / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable temperatures, ideal for a leisurely drive with less crowding. Summer can get very hot, and winter may bring some icy conditions, so plan accordingly.
• Entrance Fee: It’s $25 per vehicle, covering seven days, which means you can come back for additional visits during the week. This fee supports park maintenance and preservation, keeping Rim Rock Drive beautiful for future visitors.

The $80 America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee, making it a great deal for those visiting multiple national parks. Just show your pass at the entrance to enjoy access without additional fees.

• Gas Stations: There are no gas stations along Rim Rock Drive or within Colorado National Monument. Be sure to fill up in Fruita or Grand Junction before you start the drive to avoid running low on fuel.

Rim Rock Drive / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

• Pets: Dogs are not allowed on trails or in backcountry areas, but they are welcome to stay in your vehicle or at designated parking areas. Always keep pets leashed and close by, as this desert area can be dangerous for animals.
• Facilities: Restrooms are available at several points along the drive, including the Saddlehorn Visitor Center. Be sure to stop if needed, as the distances between facilities can be long.

• Road Conditions: The drive is fully paved, making it accessible to most vehicles, but it includes tight curves and steep sections. Large RVs should use extra caution, especially on the narrow sections of the road.

Colorado National Monument was established in 1911, thanks to the efforts of conservationist John Otto, who was captivated by the area’s stunning rock formations and rugged canyons.

Otto campaigned tirelessly to protect the land, going so far as to carve out trails and even live in the canyons for years to raise awareness about the region’s natural beauty.

His passion ultimately led to the designation of this area as a national monument, preserving it for generations to come.

Construction on Rim Rock Drive began in the 1930s during the Great Depression, providing work to hundreds of men through the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

Rim Rock Drive / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

Crews faced incredible challenges, carving the road into steep canyon walls and maneuvering heavy equipment through treacherous terrain.

This ambitious project took over a decade to complete and stands as a testament to the dedication of the workers who braved extreme conditions to create the 23-mile scenic route.

Completed in 1950, Rim Rock Drive became a marvel of engineering and is now celebrated for offering one of the most scenic drives in the American Southwest.

The road remains much as it was originally built, allowing visitors to experience the landscape as it was envisioned decades ago.

There are plenty of options for places to stay near the Colorado National Monument:

• Fruita: Located right by the West Entrance, Fruita is the closest town to the monument, making it super convenient for an early start or a late sunset visit.

For me, La Quinta by Wyndham in Fruita made a perfect base for exploring the Colorado National Monument. The hotel was comfortable and well-located, just minutes from the park’s West Entrance, which made getting an early start easy.

• Grand Junction: Just 15 minutes from the East Entrance, Grand Junction offers a larger selection of hotels, restaurants, and activities.

I stayed at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Grand Junction Northwest. The room was spacious and included a kitchenette, making it easy to prepare quick meals. The location was convenient, close to stores and restaurants, and provided a cozy base for exploring the Colorado National Monument and nearby attractions.

• Campgrounds: If you’re up for camping, Saddlehorn Campground is located inside the monument, close to Rim Rock Drive.

This campground is open year-round, but sites are limited and can fill up fast in peak seasons, so booking ahead is a good idea.

Balanced Rock View is one of the first sights you will see when driving in from the West Entrance (Fruita).

This striking rock formation features a massive sandstone boulder perched on a narrow base, creating the illusion that it could topple at any moment.

Balanced Rock / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

GOOD TO KNOW: The rock is made of Entrada Sandstone, which is softer than the harder rock layers beneath it. Over millions of years, wind and water have eroded the softer stone around its base, giving the rock its unique “balanced” look.

The Historic Trails Overlook offers a glimpse into the past, especially regarding the Fruita Dugway, which was once a crucial route for ranchers moving cattle up into the Colorado National Monument.

The overlook provides sweeping views of Grand Valley and the Colorado River.

The is an interpretative board at the overlook that explains how the 1907 trail was used and offers insights into the area’s early ranching history

View of Grand Valley / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument

The next stop is Distant View. This stop provides a sweeping panorama of Grand Valley, showcasing the agricultural lands and distant views of the Grand Mesa. You’ll be treated to views that stretch for miles.

Distant View / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive 

Fruita Canyon View is one of the most striking viewpoints in the Colorado National Monument, offering a sweeping vista of Fruita Canyon and the winding Rim Rock Drive below.

From this vantage point, you can see how the road horseshoes its way through the canyon, curving and climbing toward where you stand.

Fruita Canyon / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

The Book Cliffs View is known for its breathtaking panoramic vistas of Wedding and Monument Canyons, as well as distant views of Fruita, Grand Junction, the Book Cliffs, and the Grand Mesa.

Many visitors consider it one of the most stunning viewpoints along Rim Rock Drive!

The shelter at this location, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), offers an exceptional spot to enjoy the landscape, with its dramatic cliffs and vast valleys stretching in every direction.

Book Cliffs View / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

GOOD TO KNOW: This view is also a popular spot for events, including weddings, with the backdrop of the canyons and cliffs providing a dramatic setting. This could be the perfect spot if you’re planning a special event!

The next stop is the Window Rock Trail. It is a short, scenic 0.3-mile well-maintained loop with minimal elevation gain. It begins near the Saddlehorn Campground.

You will be treated to dramatic views of red cliffs and formations below, including landmarks like the Independence Monument, Pipe Organ, and Sentinel Spire.

Pipe Organ on Window Rock Trail / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive 

Pipe Organ on Window Rock Trail / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

The Canyon Rim Trail is a short, great hike with expansive views along the edge of Wedding and Monument Canyons.

This 0.5-mile one-way trail begins behind the Visitor Center and guides you through the rugged desert landscape, ending near the Window Rock Trail, which adds another 0.25 miles if you choose to continue.

Wedding Canyon and Independence Monument / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive 

Along the Canyon Rim Trail, you’ll encounter stunning, high sandstone cliffs, shaped by millions of years of erosion, and you’ll see formations like the Praying Hands, Pipe Organ, and Independence Monument.

The trail is set within the pinyon-juniper woodland, where hardy trees like pinyon pine and Utah juniper create a unique and sparse “pygmy forest” against the desert backdrop.

The Visitor Center offers information on current park conditions, maps, and trail guides, as well as exhibits on the area’s geological, historical, and ecological significance.

The visitor center also houses a theater where you can view a film about the monument. There is a bookstore as well offering maps, gifts, and souvenirs.

There is a free water refill station and restrooms available as well.

The Alcove Nature Trail is a short, family-friendly trail located across from the Visitor Center.

This 0.5-mile one-way trail is mostly level and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It leads into a scenic box canyon with an alcove.

Alcove Nature Trail / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument

Otto’s Trail is a short and relatively easy scenic hike, with a few slight inclines. It was named after John Otto, the monument’s first custodian and passionate advocate.

This 0.7-mile round-trip trail begins near the Visitor Center.

The trail leads to an impressive overlook that provides one of the best perspectives of the Independence Monument, the tallest free-standing rock formation in the park, which Otto famously climbed in 1911.

Along the trail, you will have panoramic views of Wedding Canyon and Monument Canyon.

There are benches and interpretive signs along the way that add context to the history of the area and Otto’s contributions to preserving these landscapes.

The Independence Monument View offers one of the most iconic overlooks in Colorado National Monument, showcasing the towering Independence Monument—the park’s tallest free-standing rock formation, reaching a height of approximately 450 feet.

Independence Monument View / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

GOOD TO KNOW: This impressive natural structure stands prominently in Monument Canyon and has a rich history; it was first climbed by John Otto, the monument’s founder, who completed his ascent in 1911.

Each Fourth of July, a tradition of raising the American flag at the top of the Independence Monument commemorates Otto’s legacy, drawing climbers and spectators alike to honor both the country and this remarkable natural feature.

The next stop is Grand View.

True to its name, Grand View provides a panoramic perspective of Monument Canyon, with striking vistas of the rock formations and deep canyon walls that make the monument famous.

Grand View / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

The next stop is Grand View.

True to its name, Grand View provides a panoramic perspective of Monument Canyon, with striking vistas of the rock formations and deep canyon walls that make the monument famous.

Grand View / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

PRO TIP: This stop is especially popular for sunset viewing when the light casts warm hues across the canyon, highlighting the layers of sandstone and shale.

There are interpretive signs at the overlook that provide context on the geological history and the monumental forces that shaped this landscape.

Monument Canyon View is one of the standout overlooks along Rim Rock Drive. It offers a remarkable perspective of the expansive Monument Canyon below.

This viewpoint provides direct views of iconic formations, including the towering Independence Monument and the massive Kissing Couple rock formation, both of which stand prominently in the canyon’s landscape.

Monument Canyon / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive

The sheer scale of the canyon is breathtaking, as it stretches through layers of red and tan sandstone, showcasing millions of years of geological history.

There are interpretive signs detailing the canyon’s formation, as well as insights into the unique rock structures.

The Coke Ovens Overlook gets its name from a series of natural rock formations that resemble old coal coke ovens.

GOOD TO KNOW: Coke ovens were used in the mining industry to heat coal, extract impurities, and create coke, a fuel used in industrial processes like steelmaking.

Coke Ovens Overlook / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument

The Coke Ovens Trail is a short, easy hike that will take you to one of the park’s most iconic features—the Coke Ovens.

These natural rock formations resemble old coal coke ovens, and the trail offers fantastic views of them.

The hike is about 0.5 miles one way with an elevation change of around 180 feet The trail takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Coke Ovens Trail / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive

GOOD TO KNOW: The formation itself is a result of the natural erosion of Wingate Sandstone.

Artists Point offers expansive views of Monument Canyon and is one of the best-known overlooks along Rim Rock Drive.

From this viewpoint, you can take in panoramic vistas of towering red rock formations, deep canyons, and mesas.

Artists Point / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive

Artists Point / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive

GOOD TO KNOW: It’s a perfect spot for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the warm colors of the rocks are enhanced by the soft light.

The Highlands View overlook is the highest viewpoint along Rim Rock Drive, offering a spectacular vantage point over Monument Canyon.

From here, you can gaze out at the distant Book Cliffs and Roan Cliffs, which are visible in the far-off horizon.

This spot is particularly notable for its view of the rock formations and the layering of the canyon walls, which tell the story of billions of years of geological history.

The Upper Ute Canyon Overlook provides a dramatic view of Ute Canyon, named after the Ute Native American tribe that inhabited the region into the 1800s.

It offers one of the Monument’s deepest canyon vistas, with steep cliffs that contribute to its intense landscape.

Upper Ute Canyon View / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive

From here, you can spot a “mummy” shaped rock formation across the canyon, which is a unique feature often highlighted in descriptions of the overlook.

This viewpoint also provides a chance to experience an echo effect. The canyon walls amplify sounds, so you can enjoy the fun of shouting and hearing your voice bounce back from the rock faces.

Mummy Shaped Rock Formation / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive

Mummy Shaped Rock Formation / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive

The next stop is the Fallen Rock Overlook.

The overlook provides a unique perspective of the surrounding terrain, including the massive boulder that appears to have fallen from the cliffs, creating an unusual and dramatic landscape.

GOOD TO KNOW: After this stop, the road climbs to the highest point on Rim Rock Drive at 6,640 feet.

Fallen Rock Overlook / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

Fallen Rock Overlook / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

Fallen Rock Overlook / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

Next on the rim Drive is the Ute Canyon View.

Many visitors to Colorado National Monument consider the Ute Canyon View to be one of the most spectacular overlooks in the park, and it’s easy to see why! From this vantage point, you can gaze across the canyon and take in sweeping views of Monument Canyon.

Ute Canyon View / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive

One of the highlights is the pair of rock windows and arches visible in the Wingate sandstone cliffs across the canyon to the left. These natural formations are especially striking and add a unique element to the view.

The Red Canyon Overlook is a fascinating stop along Rim Rock Road in Colorado National Monument.

This canyon is unique due to its geological formation, known as a “hanging canyon” or “canyon within a canyon.” The Colorado Plateau’s uplift caused two distinct canyons to form.

Red Canyon Overlook / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

From the overlook, you’ll see a U-shaped canyon with a smaller V-shaped cut in the canyon floor, creating the visual effect of two canyons stacked on top of each other. This is a striking example of how erosion and geological forces can shape the landscape in complex ways.

The colors of the canyon walls are especially vivid, with deep reds and oranges, creating a stunning contrast against the surrounding landscape.

Red Canyon Overlook / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument 

Cold Shivers Point is an overlook situated on the edge of a 300-foot sheer cliff, which will give you an incredible, panoramic view of the canyon below.

Cold Shivers Point / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive

It’s particularly notable for the sense of vertigo it provides, with the steep drop intensifying the “cold shivers” sensation. The name, while not definitively explained, likely refers to the chill that many feel when gazing down at the canyon’s vastness.

GOOD TO KNOW: This overlook is wheelchair accessible, making it an easy stop along Rim Rock Drive.

Our next stop is the  Devil’s Kitchen Trail.

It is a popular hike in the Colorado National Monument that leads to a stunning rock formation resembling a natural “kitchen.”

The trail is relatively short, about 1.5 miles round-trip, but it does involve moderate elevation gain and some rocky terrain, making it a bit of a scramble toward the end.

Devils Kitchen Trail / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive 

Devils Kitchen Trail / Best Stops on Rim Rock Drive 

The path winds through unique desert landscapes, including pinyon and juniper trees, and culminates at the rock formation—a room-like space surrounded by towering sandstone walls, which makes for an excellent spot to rest or take photos.

GOOD TO KNOW: The trailhead for Devil’s Kitchen is located near the east entrance of the monument, close to the town of Grand Junction.

Our final stop is Serpents Trail, often called the “Crookedest Road in the World,”

It is a historic hiking trail along the Rim Rock Drive originally built in the early 1900s as the first road into the monument by engineer John Otto.

The trail climbs about 700 feet in elevation over roughly 2.5 miles one way, with dozens of hairpin turns that wind along the side of the canyon. Though no longer used for vehicle traffic, it serves as a hiking route that showcases both Otto’s engineering skills and incredible canyon views.

The trail’s numerous switchbacks offer sweeping views of the surrounding mesas, red rock cliffs, and valley below.

GOOD TO KNOW: When the trail first opened to early automobile traffic in the early 1900s, cars had to drive up in reverse. The reason was that early cars used gravity-fed fuel systems, which couldn’t draw fuel when facing uphill. Driving backward allowed these systems to work properly, especially on steep trails like the Serpents Trail.