Touring Moffat County: Godiva Rim
The Godiva Rim is a great way to get off the beaten path and enjoy all of Moffat County.
Located in the heart of Moffat County the Godiva Rim is an imposing anticline overlooking the entire Yampa Valley. Looking to the west you can see Browns Park, the Vermillion Basin, and Sand Wash surrounded by Douglas Mountain, Diamond Mountain and Cold Springs. Looking to the east you can see the area encompassed by Black Mountain, Bakers Peak, Medicine Bow Mountains, the Gore Range of the Continental Divide, and the White River wilderness.
On your way to Browns Park or Sand Wash it is a great side loop of about 25 miles, taking two hours round trip from Colorado Highway 318.
To access the Godiva Rim take U.S. Highway 40 to Maybell, turn west onto Colorado Highway 318. The road follows the Yampa River Valley 6 miles before crossing the river at Sunbeam. Continue on Colo. 318 another 7 miles across Peck Mesa and descend to the Little Snake River Valley. Moffat County Road 21 flanks the river on the east side. The road is paved to this point. Turn north onto C.R. 21, the road is gravel and well maintained, travel north 3 1/4 miles to BLM Road 2124, the Godiva Rim access road. Turn east on BLM Road 2124 and ascend the ridge. There are several lookouts to the west as you climb. The road is suitable for 2 wheel drive vehicles in good weather, but should not be attempted when wet conditions exist. The climb to the rim is 5 1/2 miles to the east. Upon reaching the crest of Godiva Rim the road turns north and follows the crest for 4 1/2 miles. There are many places to stop and view the valley to the east. The road drops off steeply on the north end to Moffat County Road 71. Turn west on Moffat County road #71 for 1 1/4 miles and return to C.R. 21. Turn back south and return to Colo. 318.
The views are spectacular at sunrise and sunset. For a special treat with the full moon rise over the Rockies you may even see Lady Godiva riding along the ridge, hair flying!
Plan ahead, be prepared, have plenty of water, snacks and fuel. Be aware of road conditions and always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Charge those camera batteries and enjoy Moffat County’s hidden treasures day or night.
For more information contact the Moffat County Tourism Association at http://www.visitmoffatcounty.com or 970-824-2335 or 866-332-8436.
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