Montrose

Tour Montrose, Colorado

With a history that encompasses not only bits of the Wild West but also inhabitants that pre-date settlers who came from the East, Montrose is an amazing blend of ancient, old and very, very new.

At the Ute Indian Museum just south of Montrose proper, visitors are given a unique glimpse into Native life in the 1700s and 1800s. The Museum is located on the original homestead site of revered Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta. Not only does the complex include a memorial park devoted to Chief Ouray, but it also is the burial place of Chipeta. It has been lovingly restored and maintained with native plants, picnic areas, teepees and walking paths – and there is a memorial to the Spanish Conquistadors who were in the region the year the United States gained its independence – 1776.

There are other museums as well, along with a vibrant shopping area and a number of fine eateries and lodging accommodations. Much of what you’ll find in the shops is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind, and the art ranges from Western and Southwestern to edgy and playful.

In fact, there’s so much to do in Montrose that Outdoor Life magazine named it to its “Top 200 Towns for Outdoorsmen” in 2010.

During the warmer weather months from spring through fall, there are three challenging 18-hole golf courses to sample, and as your very good geographical luck would have it, Montrose is an excellent gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with a seemingly unending range of things to do and see.

Rock climbing is epic, and in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area you’ll find unparalleled rafting and unbeatable fishing in Gold Medal waters. What’s more, the San Juan Mountains are where your camping, hiking and biking memories are waiting to be made – with something great for all levels of outdoor abilities.

Got the need for off-road? Got your cure right here. BLM lands are perfect for badland enthusiasts, but you’ll find a full range of terrain, from forest trails to scree routes.

Make sure your camera batteries are full before you leave for one or all of the six designated scenic or historic byway excursions. You’ll hit elevations of 12,000 lofty feet above sea level as you cross mountain passes – with spectacular vistas all along the way.

Wintertime means more fun, with Telluride and Crested Butte ski areas within driving distance, and snowshoeing even closer in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Yep, there’s snowmobiling as well, along with Nordic and backcountry skiing. All year, all fun.

Pagosa Springs

Things to Do in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Nestled in Southwest Colorado at the base of the Continental Divide, Pagosa Springs is one of the state’s undiscovered gems. Known for its three natural hot springs facilities, “Pagosah” is the Southwestern Ute word for “healing waters”. With 300+days of sunshine, ancient archaeological areas, and pristine forests, Pagosa Springs offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the scenery and enliven your spirit.

Pagosa Springs is the town nearest to Wolf Creek Ski Area. Best known for its early season snowfall Wolf Creek is small by Colorado standards but not only does it collect early season snow but usually has the most snow in the state. Without a large base area resort to stay at most skiers and riders stay in Pagosa Springs.

Surrounded by the largest contiguous wilderness area in the country, the Weminuche Wilderness, visitors to Pagosa Springs enjoy more than 3 million acres of National Forest to hike, bike, climb, drive, run, fish, raft, float, ride or explore our endless trails.

Pagosa Springs also offers visitors a rich geological and cultural history with Chimney Rock Archeological Site, the farthest “outlier” of Chaco Canyon, offering a fascinating historical look into the ancient culture of the Ancestral Puebloan Indians and the Fred Harman and Historical Museums both giving and intriguing insight at the rich past.

Grand Junction

Visit Grand Junction, Colorado

Surrounded by some of the most fantastic – and fantastical – landscapes on the continent. The richly tinted desert landscape, the high mesas and the lush rivers combine to make the valley a magical place. You can ski in the morning on the Grand Mesa riding lifts at Powderhorn resort and ride mountain bikes in the afternoon at the Lunch Loops. The temperate climate also boasts abundant fruit tree orchards, vegetable farms and an increasingly fruitful wine industry.

Grand Junction was originally named after the Grand River which has since been re-named the Colorado River. The meeting of the Gunnison River with the Colorado gave the town it’s name while the valley is still called the Grand Valley. The rivers flow right through the middle of town providing a burst of nature and a scenic retreat from the bustling city that Grand Junction has become.

Things to do Places to See – Grand Junction

Off to the west of the city, where the desert gets serious, visitors encounter jutting spires, enormous domes and yawning, mysterious canyons of the awesome Colorado Monument, but just a short drive to the southeastern hem of the city is the much cooler, much higher pine and aspen forested wilderness of Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world.

Oh, and to the north is a moonscape of weathered rock known as the Book Cliffs due to the layered sediments that make it look like a library shelf.

You’ll find much in the way of water sports – there’s plenty of fishing both on the Mesa and the Gunnison; the Colorado is great for guided white water raft trips that can be expanded to include kayaking.

Mountain biking is unparalleled no matter which direction you go. Just across the river from downtown is the area known as the Lunch Loops which provide a number of quick riding option as well as the much larger Edge loop which can challenge any rider. To the west of town is Fruita which has excellent riding at 18 Road up against the Bookcliffs and Ruby Canyon a little further west with great singletrack at both venues. The hiking around Grand Junction is likewise an adventure waiting while you to lace your boots; horseback riding can take you through lush forests atop the Mesa or into a shadow-filled canyon. Climbing enthusiasts will enjoy nearby rock climbing, mountain climbing, bouldering, canyoneering – the challenges change with the topography.

And don’t forget you can get off the beaten path and go four-wheeling and motorcross riding through the high desert terrain as well.

The surrounding area has multiple opportunities for adventure check out West Slope travel destinations for more of what to do around the Grand Valley and for more ideas of what to do around the state check out our Summer Vacation Planner to plan out your summer vacation.

Grand Junction Business District

Downtown is a charming mix of old and new, Western and college town. There are enough restaurants to give you ample choices in cuisine and appointment; shopping is just as adventurous as you might expect in a town that continues to spread its wings culturally. It’s eclectic but, at the same time, reassuringly peaceful – a mix of culture and outdoor activity flare.

Music at Colorado Mesa University is a series of more than three dozen concerts; the Math & Science Center features more than 150 interactive exhibits geared for kids; Western Colorado Center for the Arts features exhibits and educational programs; and you can cheer on the boys of summer at a Grand Junction Rockies Minor League baseball game!

Grand Junction offers a little bit of something for everyone and with such a big wide open valley a little space for everyone too. Come for the mild climate and stay for the recreational opportunities and the convenience of a well appointed city. Grand Junction is easy to get around in and has a great variety of activities, a place where you can do a lot all in one day.

Gateway

Find Adventure in Gateway, Colorado

The breathtaking setting for unincorporated Gateway in far western Colorado is the rugged buttes and depths of John Brown and Unaweep canyons, and as its name implies, the town is a gateway from Colorado into bordering Utah.

Offering a great staging area for adventures in the La Sal Mountains and the Uncompahgre National Forest, Gateway gives access to spectacular rock formations and sweeping vistas, but the region is also replete with desert arroyos that can and do flood quickly during sudden rainstorms. Knowing the signs saves lives.

Water enthusiasts find thrills in whitewater rapids of class III and IV that sweep through the five-mile stretch of the Dolores River through Paradox Canyon, and for pure exploration exhilaration, the Unaweep/Taberguache Scenic and Historic Byway can’t be beat. The 133-mile byway takes you through the red sandstone formations of Unaweep, where prehistoric fossils are visible in the many layers of the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Gateway Canyons Resort, Discovery Channel founder John S. Hendricks, provides a wide array of outdoor activity with mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking and climbing, fishing and rafting, kayaking, off-road tours, air tours, several foot races, a large bike race and even an auto museum.

Things to Do in Dolores, Colorado | Adventure Base Camp

Things to Do in Dolores, Colorado: Your Adventure Base Camp

Outside Magazine calls the town of Dolores “adventure base camp for the whole family,” and it’s easy to see why. Tucked into a scenic valley in Southwest Colorado, Dolores is surrounded by the San Juan National Forest, McPhee Reservoir, and the Dolores River. Despite being only three blocks wide, this charming mountain town offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation, a fascinating history, and genuine small-town hospitality. Whether you’re here to fish the river, explore historic sites, or simply relax in Colorado’s high-country beauty, Dolores is a destination worth discovering.

Outdoor Adventures in Dolores, Colorado

If you’re looking for adventure, Dolores is perfectly placed for year-round activities. The nearby Dolores River is a favorite for kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting, while the calm waters of McPhee Reservoir provide excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. Anglers will also find some of the best fly fishing in Southwest Colorado along stretches of the river that run right through town.

Hiking and biking trails are everywhere, from quick in-town strolls to longer excursions. The popular Boggy Draw Trail System, just above Dolores on the mesa, features miles of mountain biking and hiking routes through pine forests with sweeping views of the Four Corners region. When the snow falls, these same trails become prime terrain for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making Dolores a four-season adventure hub.

Dolores, Colorado History

Dolores has a fascinating past that adds depth to its modern-day appeal. Its name comes from the Spanish phrase “Rio de Nuestra Señora de las Dolores” — The River of Our Lady of Sorrows — given by priests Dominguez and Escalante in 1776 as they searched for new routes between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and California.

In 1891, the arrival of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad transformed Dolores into a key stop along the line connecting Ridgway, Telluride, and Durango. One of the quirkiest pieces of that history is the Galloping Goose, a half bus–half rail car used to deliver mail and passengers through the rugged mountains. Today, you can see the preserved Galloping Goose at the Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum in Flanders Park, one of the most unique Dolores Colorado attractions.

Dolores River & Riverside Parks

The Dolores River is central to life here. Visitors can walk or float from Riverside Park on the east side of town all the way to Joe Rowell Park to the west, with multiple access points along the way. It’s a favorite area for fishing, picnics, and family-friendly outdoor fun. For anglers, this stretch of the river is a hidden gem for Dolores River fishing, offering peaceful runs and excellent trout waters.

Dining, Shopping & Dolores Colorado Lodging

After a day of exploring, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax in town. Dolores is home to local restaurants serving hearty meals, a popular brewery with craft beers on tap, and charming cafés perfect for breakfast or a mid-adventure refuel.

Shopping in Dolores offers a mix of boutiques, galleries, and antique shops where you can discover local art, handmade goods, and outdoor essentials. When it comes to Dolores Colorado lodging, options include riverfront cabins, cozy motels, vacation rentals, and in-town stays — making it easy to find the perfect home base for your trip.

Why Visit Dolores, Colorado?

With its mix of history, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm, Dolores truly lives up to its nickname as Colorado’s “adventure base camp.” Whether you’re mountain biking on the Boggy Draw trails, stepping into history at the Railroad Museum, casting a fly on the Dolores River, or relaxing with a local brew, this Southwest Colorado gem has something for every traveler.

If you’re planning a visit to the San Juan Mountains or nearby Four Corners region, make time for Dolores. This little town offers a big experience — one filled with natural beauty, fascinating history, and plenty of things to do for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

Mancos

Experience Mancos, Colorado

When Louis L’Amour wrote about the West, more often than not, he was talking about the Mancos River Valley. Nestled below the Mesa Verde Mountains, this riverside town still holds much of the same western charm contained within his many, beloved novels which featured the area. Historic buildings filled with art, quaint shops and a family owned bakery line the streets of downtown where modern day travelers and locals alike navigate amongst stagecoaches, cattle drives and cowboys.

In Mancos, you’ll find farm to table restaurants, farmers markets, natural food markets, coffee roasters and home town burger joints as well as one of the oldest continuously operating bars in Colorado. Stay at a bed and breakfast, historic hotel, guest ranch or a motel in the heart of town. With hot air balloon festivals, main street parades, gallery tours and street fairs, the opportunities to become part of this friendly community present themselves at every turn.

Creativity abounds in this small town. The artisans of Mancos craft beer and rum, leather goods and jewelry as well as world renowned bronze sculpture. Hand made western hats are designed to sit atop famous, hollywood heads along with the local, working cowboys who appreciate this time honored tradition of creating quality goods. This blend of the old and new, in art and in life, makes Mancos, where the west still lives, a must experience location within the communities of Mesa Verde Country.

Cortez

Explore Cortez, Colorado

Located just eight miles from the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez features over 600 acres of parks, trails, and open space. To the North, you’ll find Carpenter Natural Area, with 176 acres and easy access to trails for biking and hiking. To the South, enjoy the 122-acre Hawkins Preserve with the opportunity for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and star-gazing from the slick rock trails to the canyon edge, overlooking McElmo Creek. There are even excavated archaeological sites contained within the preserve, which the Cortez Cultural Center owns.

Parque de Vida

At the heart of it all you’ll find beautiful Parque de Vida with ponds for fishing and feeding ducks, as miles of sidewalks wind through the park systems and bring this community together with outdoor amphitheaters for summer festivals. The Rec Center has something for every age group with pools, a climbing wall, racquetball courts, indoor basketball courts, BMX track, a performance stage, skate park, a playground, fitness area, and more. A 50 meter outdoor pool with a 125 foot double loop water slide, a splash pad with spraying jets and play features including a 60 gallon dumping bucket. All of these amenities are just one block north of Main Street near the Colorado Welcome Center where you can also purchase your tickets for ranger-guided tours at Mesa Verde. The ideal jumping-off point for many adventures, Cortez has a wide variety of lodging, shopping and dining opportunities including local breweries and wineries. A weekly Farmer’s Market features the agricultural heritage and commitment to local, organic foods which are featured at many restaurants in the region. Several exceptional galleries, museums and trading posts reflect the culture and creativity of the Southwest. Cortez remains the trading center of the Four Corners as it has for over 2,000 years with artistry passed down through generations to create a community which celebrates the traditions of the past and a collective vision for the future.

Silverton

Experience Silverton, Colorado

The Warmer Days

The most frequent question Silvertonians field each summer is, “So, when does your town close?”. It’s true that the bulk of our tourist traffic flows in the summer. The scenic train is in full swing bringing thousands of visitors up that majestic canyon. And Silverton’s 4th of July Festival is not to be rivaled with its exquisite fireworks display, Rhubarb Festival, and brass band concert in the park. The Hardrock 100 running race and the Iron Horse Classic bicycle race brings thousands of athletes for each event, and August’s Hardrock Holidays honor the mining tradition that built the town.

But what is little understood by our summer guests is that Silverton doesn’t close. It simply changes pace. As the frenzy of June through August passes, the mountains quiet while everyone and everything takes a breath.

September chill tells the Aspens it’s time for their show, and hills of brilliant green turn yellow, gold, and fire red. There is no better place in the San Juans to test your photography skills during our high mountain fall. Trails are quieter, and that peaceful walk in nature that you might have missed earlier can easily be enjoyed in later seasons.

Winter in Silverton

Winter, brings its own brand of recreation and fun. Take those snowshoes and head up into the woods or along the river. In the crystalline silence, you may see a fox, hare, or even a lynx padding through the snow. Cross-country skiers access groomed trails right from town. Kendall Mountain Recreation Center offers a family-friendly ski hill, and if you have the skill and nerve, nothing beats Silverton Ski Mountain for the ultimate extreme ski experience.

February brings a heckuva good time every President’s Day weekend when Silverton Skijoring hits Blair Street. Imagine the cultural cross-over of epic ski-racing and the finest horse and rider teams in the southwest matching skills to bring a purse race to this tiny community. While hundreds of spectators ring cowbells and cheer their favorite teams, horse and riders race along the course pulling a low-flying skier over jumps and through gates. It’s a popular two-day event, so if you plan to come, it’s best to book your hotel room early.

And no winter outing would be complete without a warm beverage at day’s end, available at any of Silverton’s restaurants or bars, many of which remain open in winter.
Our “off” seasons are November and April, so call ahead for the availability of services during those months.

Gunnison

Explore Gunnison, Colorado

Gunnison is a place that harkens back to the Old West. The community retains its ties to a century of ranching with its wide open spaces, friendly folks and Cattlemen’s Days, one of the oldest rodeos in Colorado. Its location offers easy access to the largest body of water in the state at Blue Mesa Reservoir. Whether it is waterskiing, sailing, fly fishing, or camping with the family, Gunnison provides the perfect recreational and western getaway.

Gunnison History

Named after John W. Gunnison, a US Army officer who surveyed for the transcontinental railroad in 1853. With the mining boom in the 1870s along with an increase of ranchers, there was a population increase during this time. The D&RGW was the main railroad serving this area for about 70 years for townspeople and ore. It was a major producer of hay and other various grains most of which shipped to Crested Butte.

Home to Western Colorado University.

Pueblo

Activities in Pueblo, Colorado

Find out for yourself why this flavorful southwest city was named one of the nation’s four “most livable cities” by Partners for Livable Communities, a Washington D.C. non-profit organization.

Perhaps one of the state’s most faithful chronicles of life in this area is the Colorado Historical Society’s El Pueblo History Museum. Located on the actual site of the El Pueblo trading post built in 1842, the museum is now in the heart of downtown Pueblo. Take a stroll in the Union Avenue Historic District along a mile of painstakingly restored buildings. Shop the outdoor exhibits of southwestern art and pottery. Be sure to walk through the grand old Pueblo Union Depot with its mosaic tile flooring, polished wood wainscoting and stunning, stained glass windows.

History aside, the people of Pueblo spend the summer outdoors-as well as the fall, winter and spring! The mild climate of southern Colorado means bicycles and golf clubs stand at the ready year-round.

The 35-mile River Trail System is a paved ribbon that stretches from Colorado State University-Pueblo on the city’s northeastern fringe clear down to Lake Pueblo to the west, where surreal limestone cliffs rim the 60-mile shoreline of the reservoir. Bicyclists, in-line skaters, joggers and power-walkers populate this recreational roadway.

Along the Arkansas River is Pueblo’s new urban kayak course. Located between the 4th Street Bridge and Union Bridge at Corona Street in downtown Pueblo, the course features seven fun and challenging holes, with easy access and parking at either end.

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