Rimrock Canyon

Rimrock is a short canyon with a few rappels on the Eastern side of Colorado National Monument (Parks Pass required). The 1.5 mile car (or bike) shuttle makes it a nice, quick, low effort adventure.

Drive uphill on Monument Road and drop a shuttle vehicle at (39.02992, -108.64636), which has room for two cars. Continue driving the rest of the 3 miles up the switchbacks and through the tunnel to the top of the Monument. Park at (39.03104, -108.65384) the Cold Shivers parking lot. Hike across Monument Rd and enter the slickrock wash and go down the wash (east) until nearing the rim. From the rim, contour along the rim generally south while being careful to stay on slickrock to protect the soil crust until you reach the start of the canyon and the first rappel at (39.02839, -108.64894).

R1: 100' from a tree in the main watercourse. Some poison ivy is avoidable at the bottom of the rappel. R2: 130' (2 stages) from a tree. A tree slightly DCL of the center of the watercourse will avoid landing in trees below. Consider courtesy rigging to avoid rope grooves and create an easier rope pull. R3: 25' from a tree DCR (can also walk around on canyon left) R4: 100' from a tree rooted high above, but trees DCL (better) or DCR will avoid a narrow V that is a tough lip to negotiate on rappel and may stick a rope. Poison ivy is avoidable at the bottom. Consider courtesy rigging to minimize rope grooves.