Roan Plateau Area

The Roan Plateau rises 4,000 feet above the Colorado River Valley. From Rifle, the view of the Roan Plateau is the imposing Bookcliffs and Anvil Points.

A drive or bike ride up to the top of the plateau offers so much more. The top of the Roan a wonderland of stunning views, deep canyons, waterfalls, aspen forests, and meadows. A dirt road runs along the edge of the cliffs for miles and miles. What other scenic drive in Colorado has views from atop a 4,000-foot cliff? When you go, don’t forget to bring your toys! The Roan Plateau has miles of trails and jeep roads. It is an ideal place for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, ATVing, hunting, horseback riding, and camping. To get there you’ll usually need a high-clearance vehicle. Thrill-seekers can take the direct route up the historic JQS Trail (look for the road zig-zagging up the cliff-face), while the more comfortable Cow Creek Road wraps around the backside for the rest of us.