Rulison Detonation Site

The Rulison Detonation site is located on the Battlement Mesa 12 miles southwest of Rifle and 8 miles southeast of Parachute on County Road 302.

On September 10, 1969 the federal government detonated a subterranean nuclear bomb more than 8,000 feet below ground in an attempt to break loose natural gas deposits found in the tight sandstone formations. Longtime residents of the area can still remember the shockwave that came through town and even knocked picture frames off the walls. This unique event is commemorated by a plaque at the site, but travelers should know that the plaque is installed on private property and is not readily viewable from the public roadway.