The drive begins with a steep climb up Rim Rock Drive. You’ll switch back several times before you reach the top of the plateau. About halfway up, stop for a look at Balanced Rock.
Just past Balanced Rock, the road passes through a tunnel that’s been blasted out of the rock.
Stop just before the tunnel to take in this great view of the park, the farms surrounding Fruita, and finally, the western front.
Rim Rock Drive travels the length of the park, and as its name implies, it’s right on the edge for most of the journey. There are plenty of overlooks, right at the side of the road, that require little or no hiking.
I didn’t take many pictures during my first drive around the park, because overcast skies gave everything a dull appearance. But when the sun did come out, the scenery was spectacular.
I spent the night in Fruita, but didn’t get much sleep, because I planned to get up early, and watch the sun rise inside the park. As you’ll see on the next page, that didn’t quite work out as planned.
Note: This trip was first published in 2005.