Colorado National Monument loop

The Colorado National Monument loop is considered a difficult touring cycling route. It features strenuous climbs and long descents, especially along Rim Rock Drive. Riders should have good to very good fitness to tackle the approximately 2,300 vertical feet of elevation gain over the 33-mile loop.

The primary cycling route, Rim Rock Drive, is a 23-mile paved road with steep climbs, hairpin turns, and switchbacks. The road is narrow in many sections, often without a shoulder, and passes through dark tunnels. Cyclists should be prepared for demanding ascents and descents through dramatic red rock landscapes.

The route offers breathtaking panoramic desert vistas and towering red rock monoliths. You'll find numerous overlooks to stop and enjoy the views, including Red Canyon Overlook, Upper Ute Canyon Overlook, and other spots like Balanced Rock View, Coke Ovens Overlook, Grand View, and Artist's Point.

Yes, there is an entrance fee for cyclists to access the Colorado National Monument. This can be a 7-day pass or an annual pass, which may cover multiple riders. You can find more details on the National Park Service website (nps.gov).

The ideal times to cycle this loop are during spring and fall. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, allowing you to avoid the intense heat of summer and enjoy the ride more comfortably.

Yes, the Colorado National Monument Visitor Center is a key stop along the route. Here, you can refill water bottles, use restrooms, and explore interpretive displays about the monument's geology and history.

This route is famously known as the "Tour of the Moon" due to its inclusion in the 1980s Coors Classic races, traversing its unique, alien-like landscape. Rim Rock Drive itself is an engineering marvel, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, featuring tunnels through solid rock and providing access to spectacular, otherwise remote vistas.

Due to the dark tunnels along Rim Rock Drive, front and rear lights are required for all cyclists. The road is also narrow in many sections with no shoulder and steep drops, so caution and single-file riding are essential for safety.

While cycling, you might spot various wildlife native to the high desert environment. Common sightings include bighorn sheep, coyotes, lizards, and golden eagles, adding to the natural beauty of the ride.

The provided information does not specify regulations regarding dogs for cyclists on the Colorado National Monument loop. It's best to check the official National Park Service website (nps.gov) for the most current pet policies within the monument.

Yes, while primarily following Rim Rock Drive, the route also passes through sections of the ADT - Colorado C - Q - Seg 6, Purple Route, and Serpents Trail, among others.