We have been home since Sunday afternoon. Camper Van emptied, Marcia got the laundry done (I do laundry on the road, she does it at Condo), and Camper Van is in the RV Storage next door with Cameras active, auto generator setup (although with all this sunshine, it won't be needed until later in the Winter), and when it cools down, I will give it a good cleaning inside and out.
But back 10 days ago we were in Fruita Colorado, and while waiting for Marcia's prescription to be ready, we took the Colorado National Monument - Rim Rock Drive. I had known about this scenic drive for many decades, but never took the time to drive it. With a free Sunday, awaiting her pills from Walgreens on Monday, off we went. Not only did we drive it from Fruita to Grand Junction, we then turned around (after locating Walgreens) and drove it back to Fruita.
Both of the above pictures look down on Fruita...Grand Junction would be to the far right.
Established as Colorado National Monument in 1911, there have been some efforts to turn it into a National Park. Wikipedia says it best: "Sheer-walled canyons cut deep into sandstone and granite–gneiss–schist rock formations. This is an area of desert land high on the Colorado Plateau, with pinyon and juniper forests on the plateau."
The views along the road and the numerous pullouts is amazing. There are many hiking trails, but with the summer heat, we did not see people taking hikes.
There are three tunnels on Rim Rock Road. If you are in a high vehicle, the center provides 16' of clearance...but the sides only provide 10' 6". There is a campground with 79 sites, with water and bathrooms available. Cost is $22, or $11 with the National Park Senior Pass.
We were lucky enough to see two Bighorn Sheep.
Rim Rock Road is about 30 miles in length. Figure it will take you 90 minutes to drive the route. It took us half that long when we did our return trip. Cost is $25, or if you have a senior pass, it is free.
Those red rocks are just gorgeous. One of these days I'll head that direction. I forgot about my Senior Pass. I'll have to start looking for those parks to camp in.
ReplyDeleteDon't expect electricity in the NF and BLM campgrounds...but if it is cool enough, they will do for you and the pets. There are plenty of commercial campgrounds in Moab and in Fruita/Grand Junction...but they cost $$$$$$!
DeleteBeautiful and captivating views. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Linda...if you ever get down to Colorado, be sure to take the drive.
DeleteSummer is just not long enough! There are so many places that we want to visit and see in Colorado. We have barely even scratched the surface in that state. Looks like you had a great trip!
ReplyDeleteColorado is such a pretty state, SO MUCH THERE in the Rockies. 58 peaks that rise above 14,000 feet, commonly known as fourteeners or 14ers...of which I will do ZERO in my lifetime! LOL
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