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Welcome to Southwest Colorado home of the rocky mountains' best
mountains and mesas You’ll be met with awe-inspiring wonders when you arrive in the Mountains & Mesas region. Feel the spirit run through you as you begin to absorb our history and mesmerizing geography. Connect with the spirit of the region’s unique human culture by visiting the ancient civilization of Mesa Verde which was inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans. While you are there, learn about the Ute Mountain Tribe and their unique culture. Embrace the spirit of the land by wandering Victorianstyled silver mining towns found in the San Juan Mountains, visiting one of the charming farming communities set on the Western Slope, or catching sight of the largest tabletop mesa in the world. Spend your days hiking, biking, ice climbing, skiing a powdery hill with million dollar views or just enjoying one of many hot springs. Slow things down with a delicious bottle of wine at a local vineyard, or feast on some
fabulous farm-to-table dining. You’ll soon realize the Mountains & Mesas region is worth experiencing time and time again.
Discover southwest Colorado what you'll find inside:
4. Your Mountains and Mesas Destinations
8. Spring Escapes
10. Endless Summer Fun 12. The Wonders of Fall 14. Snow’s Perfect State 16. Epic Adventure 17. Mountain Crafted & Grown 18. Heritage & History 20. National Parks, Colorado State Parks & Recreation Areas 22. Region Map 24. How to Get Here
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Welcome to
Welcome to
The Grand Valley is a nexus. There is no place else in Colorado where you experience the intersection of so many prized ecosystems. Mountains. Rivers. Lakes. Desert. Vineyards. Canyons. For people who define themselves by the amount of time they spend outdoors, this is their Mecca.
Delta County is an epic outdoor playground filled with larger-than-life adventures and unforgettable scenery any time of year for all kinds of travelers. A home to creative and talented artisan of all kinds, who express their passion for Delta County through food and art. A place full of stories old and new, where people gather at the end of each day to share their experiences over fresh-local cuisine and beverages.
grand junction
Grand Junction is a laid-back, friendly city, serving up an authentic downtown mountain vibe where locals kick back with visitors, recounting their adventures and sharing epic firsts while sipping a fresh pint over a spectacular sunset. Vibrant streets boast 100 award-winning sculptures, perfect for strolling around while exploring boutique shops and enjoying local bites. The Valley is blessed with mild seasonal temperatures year-round, making it the ideal destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It’s time to experience this authentic Colorado mountain town located on the Western Slope and home of Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flattopped mountain. For more information visit
VisitGrandJunction.com
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Delta County
Five small, eclectic communities make up the engaging and adventurous Delta County. With small town charm and big outdoor playgrounds you can be a big kid. The Gunnnison Gorge NCA offers camera-ready breathtaking views around every turn. The Grand Mesa is the largest lake strewn, flattopped mountain in the world, making it one of the largest playgrounds for Nordic skiing, fishing and biking. The North Rim of the Black Canyon, the narrowest, steepest canyon in north America is without compare. For more information visit
DeltaCountyColorado.com
Welcome To
Welcome To
Montrose is a historic Colorado town surrounded by vast stretches of public lands, making it your perfect base camp for yearround outdoor adventure.
Tucked into the Gunnison Valley, you’ll find 4 small mountain towns, ranging in population from nearly 1,000 residents all the way up to nearly 6,000, and then a smattering of even smaller towns that persist from their early days as mining towns. Running south to north, you’ll first find Gunnison, then Almont, then Crested Butte, and finally Mt. Crested Butte.
Montrose
Black Canyon National Park is the crown jewel of all Montrose attractions, combining spectacular views with a satisfying menu of activities ranging from hiking to adrenalinepumping rock climbing. In town, you will find treasures and one-of-a-kind treats in the shops, galleries, and restaurants along Main Street and around Montrose. Play a round of golf at one of three beautiful 18-hole golf courses, or learn about Western Colorado and Ute Indian history at our three museums. The Montrose Regional Airport is the hub for your Western Colorado adventure and offers access to a multitude of ways to play in town or get to area wonders within a short drive. So, whether you’re looking to come faceto-face with the humbling power of nature or simply want to get away for a relaxing weekend, take a deeper look at Montrose.
Gunnison/Crested Butte
Just outside the boundaries of the towns, you’ll find over 2 million acres of public land in Gunnison County. Recreation opportunities on this public land range from mountain biking to skiing to fishing and more. These wide expanses of undisturbed lands offer incredible views including meadows of wildflowers, tall mountain peaks, and the largest aspen grove in the state of Colorado. For more information visit
GunnisonCrestedButte.com
For more information visit
VisitMontrose.com
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Welcome To
Welcome To
Perched at 7,800 feet above sea level, Ouray is nestled at the north end of the San Juan Mountains and at the beginning of the epic Million Dollar Highway section of U.S. Highway 550, approximately 75 miles north of Durango and 35 miles south of Montrose. With spectacular 13,000-foot snowcapped peaks surrounding it and hundreds of miles of historic trails, sulfur-free hot springs, the world-famous Ouray Ice Park and other singular adventures all within walking distance of downtown, the town has earned its two monikers: “The Switzerland of America” and “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Colorado.”
Nestled in southwestern Colorado’s Animas River Valley and surrounded by rugged peaks, Durango is home to some of the best outdoor, historic and cultural attractions in the state. Board the historic 1880’s D&SNG Railroad for breathtaking views and old-world atmosphere, or visit archaeological wonders and ancient cave dwellings at nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Downtown Durango’s National Historic District overflows with historic hotels, award winning restaurants, breweries, art galleries, museums, and boutiques.
Ouray
Ouray was founded in 1876 as a prosperous mining town and was designated a National Historic District in 1983. Two-thirds of Ouray’s original Victorian structures have been restored and are still occupied today, keeping intact the town’s historic charm and friendly community. For more information visit
OurayColorado.com
Durango
The rugged San Juan National Forest offers hundreds of miles of world-class mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing, plus fishing and boating on the Gold Medal Waters of the Animas River. Located just 25 miles north of Durango, Purgatory Resort features 92 trails, five terrain parks and 1,360 skiable acres. Durango is easily accessible by US Hwy 550 from the north and south, US Hwy 160 from the east and west, and the Durango-La Plata County Airport. For more information visit
Durango.org
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Welcome to
Welcome To
Located at the base of Wolf Creek Pass in the mountains of southwest Colorado, Pagosa Springs provides the opportunity to explore 2.5 million acres of breathtaking wilderness while pursuing your favorite outdoor activity or discovering a new one.
Mesa Verde Country offers unobstructed views and uncrowded trails combined with ancient history to create a story as unique as its geography. Located at the entrance to stunning Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos offers visitor services, lodging, dining, and outdoor fun. National Geographic named Mesa Verde Country one of the “50 Places of a LifetimeThe World’s Greatest Destinations,” and it’s easy to see why.
Pagosa Springs
With the majestic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains, you will never forget the thrill of rafting or tubing the San Juan River, the excitement as you explore over 650 miles of trails and the pleasure of a rejuvenating soak in one of our famous, world’s deepest hot springs. Visitors to the area have been soaking in Pagosa’s naturally heated mineral waters for thousands of years enjoying the health, healing and relaxation benefits. Touch history itself with a visit to Chimney Rock National Monument, an outpost of the Ancestral Puebloans where over 200 homes and ceremonial buildings have been preserved. Pagosa Springs is one of Colorado’s remaining undiscovered gems. Discover Colorado’s secret today. For more information visit
VisitPagosaSprings.com
Mesa Verde Country
Explore ancient native villages in Hovenweep, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and Ute Mountain Tribal Park. Drive the San Juan Skyway and Trail of the Ancients scenic byways. Get outdoors and thrill to Phil’s World, Boggy Draw, Sand Canyon. Hike the diverse terrain, and take to the lake and rivers. Learn what farm life is like on a Farm and Ranch tour, or simply explore. Relax and enjoy the wineries, breweries and cideries of this bountiful valley. For more information visit
MesaVerdeCountry.com
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Mountains and Mesas:
spring escapes
Delta County:
Bloom Tours with bikes in Cedaredge and the North Fork Valley Enjoy the blooms and ride from winery to winery. Bring a picnic. Fishing on the Gunnison River Access by boat or by short hikes to the river. The May fly hatch encourages a lot of great fishing. Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials Come witness one of the greatest and most dynamic partnerships in the animal kingdom: a dog, its handler, and their sheep. Black Canyon Audubon Sandhill Crane Days and Wine Tasting Party
Durango:
Wine Experience Weekend Experience three days of educational seminars, wine dinners and unique tastings featuring hundreds of wineries, artisan spirits and craft beers. Taste of Durango The premier food festival and the best summer kick-off party in Durango, CO. Iron Horse Bicycle Classic 50 miles, 5,700’ elevation gain, two 10,000’ passes and a closed highway. Bluegrass Meltdown This mainstay Durango event brings a world-class lineup of bluegrass musicians to perform in historic venues located all along Durango’s Main Avenue.
Gunnison-Crested Butte:
Crested Butte Pole Pedal Paddle (CB3P) April 28 The CB3P is a ski, bike, and kayak endurance race that spans the length of the Gunnison Valley, starting in Mt. Crested Butte, CO and finishing in Gunnison, CO. Gunnison Growler May 25 and 26 The unofficial kick-off to the summer biking season in the Gunnison Valley. 32 and 64 mile race options tour the vast high desert trails of Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, an 8,000 acre public land playground.
Mesa Verde Country:
Spring biking is great at Phil’s World, hit Outlier Cellars afterward in Mancos Native American heritage and history Visit the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Cortez Cultural Center, and Canyons of the Ancients. Tour Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway The Trail of the Ancients is a National Scenic Byway located in the states of Colorado and Utah. 12 hours of Mesa Verde Endurance Mountain Bike Race
Grand Junction:
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horses One of three U.S. wild horse reserves. Kokopelli trail mountain biking This technical trail can be ridden all the way to Moab. Rattlesnake Canyon A scenic hike to the second highest concentration of arches in the world.
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Montrose:
Montrose Water Sports Park Kayak at The Montrose Water Sports Park (WSP), consisting of 1,000 feet of river - one of the largest in the state of Colorado. Stargaze at Black Canyon National Park Black Canyon National Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015, making it only the ninth in the nation and the first in Colorado. Curecanti National Recreation Area Best known for salmon and trout fishing, Curecanti also offers opportunities for hiking, boating, camping, and bird watching.
Ouray, San Juan & Hinsdale Counties:
Mountain Multisport Days Ski epic terrain in the a.m. at Silverton Mountain and in the backcountry off of Red Mountain Pass. After lunch, pull out your mountain bike for Ridgway’s RAT Trails or your trail shoes for Ouray’s scenic Perimeter Trail. Before sunset, send a quick climb at Ouray’s Rotary Park and end your day with a soak in one of Ouray County’s five sulfur-free hot springs.
Pagosa Springs: Hike to incredible waterfalls Spring is a great time to explore one of our many waterfalls. Whitewater Rafting the San Juan River Enjoy a scenic trip through downtown. Soak in the World’s Deepest Geothermal Hot Springs Enjoy a soak in one of 30 hot springs pools in downtown Pagosa Springs. Pints & Pools Craft Beer Festival in April Enjoy a day of soaking at The Springs Resort and Spa followed by an afternoon of craft beer tasting from local and regional craft breweries.
Western Heritage Blooms in Spring Ouray and Ridgway’s local mining, ranching and railroad museums open with new exhibitions. Silverton welcomes the Bar D Wranglers annual Round Up Dinner each May and Lake City celebrates a unique piece of local history with Alferd Packer Days over Memorial Day Weekend.
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Mountains and mesas:
Endless summer fun
Durango:
Mesa Verde Country:
Lake Nighthorse Recreation Enjoy fishing and non-motorized watercraft recreation.
Get inspired touring Balcony House Sunrise Tour or 700 years tour at Mesa Verde.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trips to Silverton Travel by a steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers took over a century ago.
San Juan Brewfest A full day of fun with 50 breweries, 100+ beers, and great live music.
Pagosa Springs:
Chimney Rock National Monument Visit a historic site of the Ancient Puebloans - take advantage of daily tours, or even better, enjoy a full moon tour. Tube or float the San Juan River Rent a tube and float through historic downtown Pagosa Springs. Scenic Horseback Ride Explore the majestic backcountry of the San Juan Mountains by horse. Four Corners Folk Festival Enjoy 3 days of great live music, camping and brews in an outdoor venue overlooking the scenic mountains from downtown Pagosa Springs.
Grand Junction:
Epic Water Sports Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP), kayak, white water rafting, wakeboarding, jet boating, floating/tubing the Colorado river. Epic Gravel Grinding routes Premiere trail connectivity throughout the Grand Valley. 70% wilderness area including OHV Trails Plenty of room for everyone to explore.
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Hike McPhee Trail Overlook, or Badger House Trail in Mesa Verde National Park. Find biking at Mavericks Loop at Boggy Draw great with cooler temperatures in the forest. Cool off with water sports on McPhee Reservoir.
Ute Mountain Round Up Rodeo, June 13-16, 2019 Native American Dances at the Cortez Cultural Center All summer long.
Gunnison-Crested Butte:
Crested Butte Bike Week End of June Whether you’re looking to cruise down Kebler on a townie, mash singletrack miles on your XC bike, or experience the joy of lift served downhill at Evolution Bike Park, we’ve got you covered at Bike Week. Crested Butte Wildflower Festival Surround yourself in the symphony of wildflowers that is Crested Butte. Since 1986, we’ve hosted the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, sharing Mother Nature’s colors with flower-lovers in fun, fresh ways.
Montrose:
Montrose Music Series The shows are all Friday nights and FREE. Music will start around 6. The headliner will play at about 7PM. The audience will sit in the driving range area at Black Canyon Golf Course. FUNC (Fun on the Uncompahgre) Fest Enjoy the “FUNC Fest” at the Montrose Water Sports Park with a freestyle kayaking and surfing contest, stand up paddle (SUP) board cross and boatercross, food, beer, live music, and activities for all ages.
Ouray, San Juan & Hinsdale Counties: Off-the-beaten path adventures Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir offer a day-long scenic drive as well as uncrowded fishing, hiking and wildflower meadows. Lift your spirit (and heart rate) with a trail run along the famous Hardrock 100, San Juan Solstice and Ouray 100 routes. Get away from it all with a hut-tohut hike or bike trip along the San Juan Hut System or Hinsdale Haute Route. Free Summer Music Series Enjoy great live music in the most beautiful mountain settings in Ouray, Ridgway and Silverton between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Historic Fourth of July Celebrations Ouray, Silverton & Lake City celebrate the Fourth with unique celebrations from water fights to Wild West shoot outs.
Delta County: Boating and SUP rentals on the Gunnison River Rent or have a guide take you through some of the best Gold Medal Fishing in the State. Hike to the Eagle Rock Shelter an nationally significant archaeological site. North Fork Valley: North Fork Uncorked June 2019 The West Elk wine-makers invite you to explore the beautiful North Fork Valley with North Fork Uncorked. Meet local winemakers; take part in vineyard tours and tasting; enjoy farm-to-table dinners and food-and-wine pairings with local chefs. Guided Specialty Tours with Dr. Noe From geology to paleontology Dr. Noe guides you to some of the little gems in Delta County and ties together the stories of our place.
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Mountains and mesas:
the wonders of fall
Ouray, San Juan & Hinsdale Counties:
Montrose:
Ghost Towns Ouray’s Red Mountain Mining District, Silverton’s Animas Forks and Lake City’s Capitol City are especially lovely amidst the fall colors and are accessible along backcountry 4x4 routes until heavy snows arrive.
Unaweep / Tabeguache Scenic & Historic Byway A fabulous journey through history, geology, culture and nature awaits you on the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway.
San Juan Skyway Fall color drive See some of the most iconic aspen vistas in the state - Ironton Park/Red Mountain Pass, Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass, Lizard Head Pass, Dallas Divide
West Elk Scenic Byway The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway has been described by a forest ranger as “the closest you can come to a wilderness experience in a passenger car.”
Ouray’s Oktoberfest Beer, brats, polka fun and a Jeep winner the first Saturday of October
Pagosa Springs:
Gunnison-Crested Butte:
Fly fish a mountain stream or lake Catch a variety of trout in one of the areas many rivers, streams or lakes.
Chili and Beer Festival Early September The 21st Annual Mt Crested Butte Chili and Beer Festival will kick off the fall season in Mt Crested Butte. With locally made chili, tasty craft beer, and live music, it’s the notto-be-missed party of the season! Kebler Pass Aspen Grove Kebler pass just outside of Crested Butte is the largest Aspen grove in CO. Enjoy the fall color that typically peaks around the second or third week in September.
Mesa Verde Country:
Fall offers perfect weather for exploring. Learn about farm life on a Farm & Ranch tour. Hike Geyser Spring Trail, and sip gorgeous wines at area wineries. Take in awesome views at Lowry & Sand Canyon Pueblos. Harvest Beer Festival Montezuma’s Revenge Chili Cook Off in September.
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Hot Air Balloon Adventure See the incredible landscape via a hot air balloon ride.
Mountain Bike area trails Explore miles and miles of singletrack in the San Juan National Forest. Colorfest Weekend Experience a fall weekend with mass balloon ascensions, live music, craft beer and local foods.
Delta County:
Mountain Harvest Festival, Paonia Celebrate the harvest with farm dinners, live music, performances and winery tours. Experience the Grand Mesa With over 300 lakes and stunning views of 5 mountain ranges as far away as the La Sals, hikes, biking even camping can be great. Mountain bike on the Escalante Rim Road in the NCA can be perfect in the fall. Only minutes from downtown Delta.
Durango:
Cowboy Poetry Gathering A celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the American cowboy Durango Autumn Arts Festival A favorite in Southwest Colorado, the festival is a well-loved and attended community event, known for the quality of fine art and fine craft and a friendly atmosphere for both its artists and its guests. Peanuts™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express on the DSNGRR During the 1/2 hour train ride to the Pumpkin Patch, children will each receive a trick-or-treat bag to get goodies at the Pumpkin Patch and there will be a special reading of the Schulz’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.
Grand Junction:
The Wonders of the Grand Mesa The largest flat top mountain in the world with over 300+ lakes. Limitless fishing, hiking and biking. Trendy and walkable scenic Downtown Grand Junction with over 100 high-end sculptures Horsethief Bench Loop A stunningly beautiful trail along the canyon above the Colorado River providing an intermediate scenic ride with a few technical sections.
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Mountains and mesas:
Snow's PERFECT STATE
Mesa Verde Country:
Winter trails offer Nordic skiing and snowshoeing for great outdoor fun. Winter biking at various trails also get everyone outdoors. Raise a pint at local breweries and cideries. Heritage sites are still open – visit Hovenweep or CANM Museum & Visitor Center for your history fix.
Gunnison-Crested Butte:
Fat Bike World Championships January 23-27, 2019 Four fun filled days of everything fat bikes. Racing, demos, beer, and new this year the townie crit.
Enjoy the Global Dinner Series in Paonia Sample a variety of foods from around the world during 3 unique dinners.
The Alley Loop February 2, 2019 The Alley Loop is not your typical American Birkebeiner Qualifier. The course starts, finishes, and progresses through the heart of downtown Crested Butte, while meandering over snow laden streets, narrow alleys, and one lane bridges. At any given time, you may be cheered on by alley revelers, find yourself surrounded by Oompa Loompa’s, or skiing along side a crazy connected train of costume assemblage.
Durango:
Montrose:
Annual Parade of Lights and Holiday Kick-off - December 7, 2019
Delta County:
Visit Crawford for the annual Festival of Trees and Parade of Lights
Cat Skiing at Purgatory Resort Snowdown Winter Festival The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Grand Junction:
Powderhorn Ski Resort Snowmobiling on top of the largest flat top mountain in the world - The Grand Mesa Cross Country skiing Professionally maintained cross country trails, groomed & ungroomed. Snowshoeing & Backcountry Skiing
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Montrose is ideally proximally to your Silverton, Telluride, Powderhorn or Crested Butte ski adventure. Cross-country ski and snowshoe in Black Canyon National Park Winter brings the closure of the north rim entrance, as well as a whole new set of activities including cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and back-country camping. Snowmobile Public Lands and Groomed Trails Snowmobiling off-trail among the area’s vast expanses of public lands or on the abundance of groomed trails is great for the whole family!
Ouray, San Juan & Hinsdale Counties: Epic backcountry winter adventures Snowshoe or Nordic ski to a ghost town in Ouray’s Ironton Park. Pack your touring skis or snowmobile to explore the powder fields between Red Mountain and Molas Passes. Enjoy a gourmet dinner and a soft bed in the backcountry at the Red Mountain Lodge and Opus and Thelma Huts. Learn how to ice climb at the Ouray and Lake City Ice Parks. Winter Events: San Juan Skijoring in Ridgway, January Ouray Ice Festival, January Lake City Ice Festival, February Silverton WhiteOut Fat Tire Festival, February Silverton Skijoring, February
Pagosa Springs:
Ski or snowboard Wolf Creek Ski Area Home to the most snow in Colorado, Wolf Creek Ski area features ample powder and short lift lines all season long. Nordic skiing on over 50km of groomed trails Experience the quiet majesty of the snowcovered San Juan Mountains. Winterfest Enjoy the winter beauty of Pagosa Springs with sled and snowshoe races, a morning mass hot air balloon ascension and winter night glow. Cabin Fever Festival Gather for live music, craft beer, food trucks and a huge bonfire in the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs each January.
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Mountains and mesas:
epic adventure
Pagosa Springs:
Ouray, San Juan & Hinsdale Counties:
ATV/OHV Ride up Historic Elwood Pass View alpine meadows, cross streams, and climb your way to the historic Summitville Mine high up in the San Juan Mountains.
Canyoning Ouray is home to some of the highest quality alpine canyons and waterfalls to descend in the United States; Outside magazine recently chose canyoning in Ouray as one if its “Best Southwestern Adventures.”
Backpack a segment of the Continental Divide Trail 80 miles of the Continental Divide Trail runs through Pagosa Country, featuring unequivocal scenery, rugged terrain and fields of wildflowers.
Rock Climb along the Piedra River Pick your line on some great rock faces along the Piedra River Trail.
Ice Climbing Cold temperatures and expert “farming” combine each year to make the ice conditions in Ouray’s Uncompahgre River Gorge superb for the fast-growing sport of ice climbing.
Horseback riding: West Mancos Trail
Overlanding The Alpine Loop Backcountry Scenic Byway boasts 5 high mountain 4x4 passes that top 12,000 feet, ghost towns to explore, mountain meadows and hikes to take, and plenty of camping opportunities for a multi-day, off-road adventure.
Gunnison-Crested Butte:
Montrose:
Mesa Verde Country:
Hiking: Sand Canyon Trails Biking: Lemon Head, Phil’s World / Coco Race Abajo, Phil’s World
Mountain bike the historic trails of Gunnison Valley With 750+ miles of mountain bike singletrack in the Gunnison Valley, our trails are some of the best in all of Colorado. For close to 50 years now, we’ve been building trail all over our mountains.
Grand Junction:
Our trail systems are one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets; ride bikes, OHVs, explore on horseback or simply don hiking boots. Nearby public lands serve up endless scenic places to explore with no crowds and pleasant year-round temperatures no matter the season.
Durango:
Hike one of eight Colorado 14ers Mountain Bike over 300 miles of world class trails Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Ride the rails into the Heart of Colorado’s Most Stunning Mountains. 16
Black Canyon National Park Hiking, biking, XC Skiing, snowshoeing, birding, and more! Biking Buzzard Gulch, Cerro Summit, Sunset Mesa Hiking Curecanti National Recreation Area Rim Rocker Trail Spanning a distance of 160 miles, the Rimrocker Trail provides 4WD, OHV and bicycle access through some of the West’s most stunning scenery.
Delta County: Skydive over Mountains and Mesas Learn to skydive with Ultimate Skydiving Adventures and get a bird’s eye view of the entire valley from Grand Mesa to the San Juan Range. Fly Fish the Gunnison Gorge Guided fly fishing trips put in at the end of the Black Canyon and take off through the Gorge for world-class fly fishing and gourmet meals.
Mountains and mesas:
Mountain crafted and grown
Gunnison-Crested Butte:
Crested Butte Creative District Crested Butte was officially certified as a Creative District in the summer of 2016. With over 70 creative businesses in the historic downtown Crested Butte alone, there are endless opportunities to explore locally created products.
Grand Junction:
See Palisade and Grand Junction Wine Country on two wheels Rent a bike and plan a multi-day trip during Spring Barrel Tasting or Colorado Mountain Wine Fest, rated #1 in the country by USA Today. Fruit and Wine Byway Starting in downtown Palisade, experience three different routes ranging from 5- to 25-miles long leading to more than 30 stops, including 26 wineries, fruit stands, farms and orchards. This is Colorado’s award-winning Wine Country!
Durango:
Dine Like a Local in Durango From award-winning cuisine to craft brews and artisan cocktails, Durango is a foodie’s paradise. Durango’s Craft Spirits, Cocktails and Brews Visit nearly 40 independent breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, and nonalcoholic soda producers and coffee roasters.
Mesa Verde Country:
Outlier Cellars Cidery, Mancos
Montrose:
Storm King Distilling Horsefly Brewing 2 Rascals Brewery Colorado Boy Brewing Olathe Sweet Corn
Ouray, San Juan & Hinsdale Counties: Crafted Sips and Bites In addition to being on the Crafted Beverages of Southwest Colorado and Colorado Spirits Trails, Ouray, Silverton and Lake City offer beverage enthusiasts 7 craft breweries, 1 distillery, many craft coffee roasters and a local honey operation. Don’t miss the locally-made chocolates each town has to offer, too. Ridgway Farmers Market Every Friday from May through October you can find the best Uncompahgre Valley produce in Ridgway’s Town Park. Firkin Fest West In October, Ridgway celebrates special, cask-aged craft ales at this unique beer festival.
Pagosa Springs:
Riff Raff Brewing Company Sample some “earth-powered beer.” Riff Raff uses the heat from the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring in the brewing process. Pagosa Brewing Company Home of some of the best, award-winning craft beer in Pagosa Springs, plus an extensive food menu. Mountain Pizza and Taproom Enjoy the taste of brick oven pizza and the novelty of a “pour your own beer” tap wall, featuring beers from all over the region. Geothermal Greenhouse Locally grown, sustainable foods using heat from Pagosa Springs’ geothermal waters.
Delta County
Wine Country Enjoy the West Elks AVA and surrounding area wineries. Over 16 wineries to choose from in Delta County. Historically one of Colorado’s premier fruit growing regions since the late 1880s, the fruit is available at some U-pick stands, produce stands and in the markets. Sip the harvest, eat it in a pie and everything in between. This growing climate allows for high quality meat production as well. 17
Mountains and mesas:
heritage and history
Montrose:
Ute Indian Museum Museum of the Mountain West Montrose Historical Museum Rimrocker Historical Society - West End Montrose County
Delta County:
Farm Heritage Celebrations Delta County’s agriculture heritage is on display throughout the year at the county’s numerous agriculture-related festivals and events. Farm, winery and ranch tours are available May thru October. Be sure to visit Pioneer Town in Cedaredge - look for the three wooden stacked silos. Fort Uncompahgre in Delta is a must see and is the Official Interpretive Center for the Old Spanish Trail.
Durango:
Durango’s Downtown Art Galleries The History of Durango and the D&SNGRR Native American Studies and Culture Animas Museum
Mesa Verde Country: Cortez Cultural Center
Mesa Verde Farm & Ranch Tours – experience what life on a farm is like! Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (CANM) CANM Visitor Center & Museum
Grand Junction:
Amtrak Ride from Denver to Grand Junction, part of the most popular and scenic train tour in the country. Museum of the West, Grand Junction Dinosaur Journey, Fruita Hike alongside real dinosaur bones! 18
Gunnison-Crested Butte:
Crested Butte Center for the Arts Center for the Arts Crested Butte is home to popular signature events and a wide variety of indoor and outdoor attractions. Visitors young and old enjoy a year-round schedule of live music, dance and theater performances as well as art exhibits, speakers and much more. Summer 2019, the newly renovated and expanded center will open to the public. Gunnison Pioneer Museum Five-acre campus and Gunnison’s cultural and historic 1880s history! Buildings include: Gunnison’s first post office (1876), Denver & Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Train, two rural school houses with furnishings, antique car museum and log cabin chapel.
Pagosa Springs:
Chimney Rock National Monument Offering daily tours of ancient Puebloan ruins similar to Mesa Verde National Park and special “Full Moon” tours highlighting the spiritual significance of the site. Hike Treasure Mountain Follow in the footsteps of early explorers through vast fields of wildflowers, discover hidden waterfalls, and pursue the legend of buried treasure that gives name to the mountain and Treasure Falls. The World’s Deepest Hot Springs Experience the all-natural, healing waters of the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, a site that has been visited by American Indians, explorers and travelers for hundreds of years.
Ouray, San Juan & Hinsdale Counties: Gold & Silver Mining History The mining-town charm of tiny Ouray, Silverton and Lake City lives on today. Don’t miss their exceptional local museums dedicated to mining, ranching, geology, pharmaceuticals and railroads, visit mine tours and explore high country ghost towns. Catch a concert or movie in the historic Wright Opera House in Ouray, Sherbino Theater in Ridgway and Mountaineer Theater in Lake City. Colorado Creative Corridor All that history, culture and beauty continue to inspire creatives today in Ridgway, a Certified Colorado Creative District. Catch one of their monthly, themed Moon Walks or tour the entire Colorado Creative Corridor through Carbondale, Paonia, Crested Butte, Ridgway and Salida. Ouray’s Historic Hot Springs The Ouray Hot Springs Pool just celebrated its 90th Anniversary, the Wiesbaden Hot Springs Vapor Cave was sacred to Ute Chief Ouray and the Box Canyon Lodge and Twin Peaks Hot Springs sit on historic bath house and sanitarium sites. Learn more by visiting the Ouray County Museum or really soak in western Colorado’s hot springs history by touring the entire Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop. Mining Competitions Traditional hardrock mining skills are on display and up for awards at the Hardrocker’s Holidays & Highgraders’ Holidays Mining Competitions in Silverton and Ouray in August.
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Mountains and mesas
national and State Parks & recreation areas Grand Junction:
Gunnison-Crested Butte:
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
Black Canyon of the GunnisonÂ
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
Gunnison National Forest
Colorado National Monument
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Study Area Demaree Wilderness Study Area Little Book Cliffs Wilderness Study Area Palisade Wilderness Study Area Grand Mesa National Forest James M. Robb Colorado River State Park Highline Lake State Park Grand Valley Birding Trail Grand Mesa Birding Trail
Delta County:
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Hartman Rocks Recreation Area Taylor Park Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery Gunnison Sage Grouse Birding Trail
Montrose:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Curecanti National Recreation Area & Blue Mesa Reservoir Gunnison Gorge Wilderness
Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area
Camel Back Wilderness Study Area
Dominguez Canyon Wilderness
Black Canyon Birding Trail & Unaweep Seep Natural Area
Adobe Badlands Wilderness Study Area
Sewemup Wilderness Study Area
Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Study Area
Mesa Verde Country:
Needle Rock Wilderness Study Area
Hovenweep National Monument
Paonia State Park Crawford State Park
Mesa Verde National Park Yucca House National Monument
Sweitzer Lake State Park
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery
Cahone Canyon Wilderness Study Area
Fruitgrowers Birding Trail
Cross Canyon Wilderness Study Area Menefee Mountain Wilderness Study Area Rare Lizard & Snake Wilderness Study Area Squaw/Papoose Canyon Wilderness Study Area Weber Mountain Wilderness Study Area Ute Mountain Tribal Park Mancos State Park - yurts & ice fishing
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Canyons of the Ancients Birding Trail La Plata Birding Trail
Ouray, San Juan & Hinsdale Counties:
Pagosa Springs:
Powderhorn Wilderness
Chimney Rock National Monument
Uncompahgre Wilderness
Navajo State Park
American Flats Wilderness Study Area
Rio Grande National Forest
Bill Hare Wilderness Study Area
Williams Creek Reservoir
Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area
Echo Canyon Reservoir
Larson Creek Wilderness Study Area
Wheeler Geologic Area
Powderhorn Wilderness Study Area
Piedra Birding Trail
Red Cloud Peak Wilderness Study Area
South San Juan Wilderness
Weminuche Contiguous Wilderness Study Area
Continental Divide Trail
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Weminuche Wilderness
Whitehead Gulch Wilderness Study Area Ridgway State Park Uncompahgre National Forest San Juan National Forest Uncompahgre Birding Trail Black Swift Birding Trail Silver Thread Birding Trail
Durango:
San Juan National Forest Vallecito Lake Durango Fish Hatchery City Parks & Recreation Tres Rios BLM Special Recreation Management Area: Grandview Ridge, Animas City Mountain, Skyline, Turtle Lake, East Animas Climbing Area Lake Nighthorse
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Link all of our incredible natural resources via our region's Scenic Byways: Alpine Loop (Ouray, San Juan & Hinsdale Counties) Dinosaur Diamond (Grand Junction) Grand Mesa (Grand Junction, Delta County) San Juan Skyway (Ouray & San Juan County, Durango, Mesa Verde Country) Silver Thread (Pagosa Springs, Hinsdale County, Gunnison-Crested Butte) Tracks Across Borders (Durango, Pagosa Springs) Trail of the Ancients (Mesa Verde Country) Unaweep Tabeguache (Montrose, Grand Junction) West Elk Loop (Delta County, Gunnison-Crested Butte)
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Four distinct seasons, a rich cultural and geologic history, and adventure at every turn, make the Mountains and Mesas of southwest Colorado your destination.
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Getting here from there: Major Airports:
Driving to the Region from Denver:
Denver international airport (DEN) flydenver.com
Interstate 70 west from Denver, south on US Highway 550
Albuquerque international Sunport (ABQ) abqsunport.com
US Highway 285 south from Denver to west on US Highway 50 or US Highway 160
Regional Airports:
Interstate 25 south from Denver to west on US Highway 160
Grand junction regional airport (GJT) gjairport.com
Driving to the Region from Albuquerque:
Montrose regional airport (MTJ) flymontrose.com
Highway 550 north from Albuquerque to US Highway 160 east or US Highway 50 east
Gunnison–Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) flygunnisonairport.com
Interstate 25 north to US Highway 84 north, to US Highway 160 west
Durango-la plata county airport (DRO) flydurango.com
Interstate 25 north to US Highway 285 north, to US Highway 50 west
Cortez municipal airport (CEZ) cityofcortez.com/113/Airport