Crater Lake National Park has officially canceled its popular Ride the Rim cycling event for 2026. The annual event, which typically closes sections of the scenic Rim Drive to vehicle traffic, will not take place this year because of ongoing major construction and rehabilitation projects throughout the park.
Why Ride the Rim at Crater Lake Is Canceled in 2026

Park officials announced the cancellation to prioritize visitor and participant safety amid multiple infrastructure improvements. Key projects underway in 2026 include:

Repairs and paving along East Rim Drive — the primary route used during the event.
Major rehabilitation of the Cleetwood Cove Trail and marina (expected to remain closed through 2029).
Upgrades at North Junction Overlook.
Rehabilitation work on the Rim Village employee dormitory.

These essential upgrades, while temporarily disruptive, will improve road conditions, enhance durability of the historic Rim Drive (originally built in the 1930s), and expand access to more areas of the park in the future. Officials note that a smoother, safer East Rim Drive will make future Ride the Rim events even better when the event returns.

The decision reflects operational constraints from active construction zones, which would make it unsafe and impractical to close roads for the large-scale, vehicle-free cycling event.

What This Means for Visitors to Crater Lake in 2026
While Ride the Rim is off the calendar for 2026, Crater Lake National Park remains fully open to visitors. You can still enjoy many of the park’s world-class attractions, including:

Scenic drives along open sections of Rim Drive (weather and seasonal conditions permitting).
Stunning viewpoints overlooking the deep blue waters of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States.
Hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and ranger-led programs.
Access to visitor centers, campgrounds, and Crater Lake Lodge.

Note that the Cleetwood Cove Trail — the only public access point down to the lake shore — will be closed for multi-year repairs, so swimming, boating, and lakeside access won’t be available during this time. However, the iconic rim-top views that make Crater Lake famous will still be spectacular.

When Will Ride the Rim Return?
Park partners, including Discover Klamath, indicate that Ride the Rim is expected to return in 2027 once major construction phases are complete. In the meantime, cyclists can explore other scenic rides in southern Oregon or plan a standard visit to enjoy Crater Lake’s natural beauty by car, bike (on open roads), or on foot.

Planning Your 2026 Crater Lake Trip
If you were hoping to participate in Ride the Rim, consider adjusting your plans to focus on the park’s other highlights. Check the official National Park Service Crater Lake website (nps.gov/crla) for current road conditions, construction updates, and opening dates for Rim Drive, which typically reopens in mid-to-late June or July depending on snowmelt.
Crater Lake continues to be one of Oregon’s most breathtaking destinations. The ongoing improvements will help preserve and enhance this natural wonder for generations of visitors.

For the latest details, visit the official announcement on the NPS site or follow Crater Lake National Park news.