Brains
On the border of Colorado and Utah sits Rangely, CO, home to the only off-road rock crawling park in the state. The small desert town “ranked #23 in the U.S. for “Best Work from Home Cities in 2021,” and has a population of just over 2,000 people. Rangely prides itself on a high quality of life, beautiful mountain scenery, education, and is only about an hour’s drive away from Grand Junction, CO, and Interstate 70. Rangely is an ideal road-tripping stop for any traveler.
In the late 2000s, The Burea of Land Management set aside “560 acres of natural terrain” for the Rangely Rock Crawling Park. The park features an Adventure Rally Course, Endless OHV Trails, and steep sections which “achieve absurd angles, one of them being close to 90 degrees.” Entrance is free, and participants can choose between using 4×4 vehicles, ATVs, dirtbikes, or other options. After a hot and sunny day in the park, crawlers can drive over to Kenney Reservoir where they can cool off, swim, boat, fish, or camp for a cheap price.
The Rangely Rock Crawling Park has one main trail that separates into several, allowing for unique difficulties and speeds. The fast lane remains pretty flat and has the perfect terrain for just cruising around, while the slow lane leads to more difficult rock sections that need to be taken seriously. Shawn Morgan, a frequent rock crawler, stated in an interview that:
“It’s you against the rocks. I like getting into predicaments where you don’t know how you’re gonna get out of it. It gets the heart rate up all right. It scares you to death.”
Thrilling recreational activities like rock crawling have a limited demand because they are dangerous and can result in life-threatening injuries. However, the off-road vehicles market is projected to grow up to 7% between now and 2027, shifting from a $15 billion market to a $25 billion market. This market growth will undoubtedly boost tourism in Rangely and at the Rangely Rock Crawling Park as Coloradans are always looking for new thrill-seeking adventures.
In Western Colorado, the Rangely Rock Crawling Park is sure to offer a unique and affordable experience. It is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers plenty of shopping, dining, camping, and breathtaking views and adventures.
**WATCH: Rangely, CO: Home to the State’s Only Rock Crawling Park
