Gateway

A general store, cafe and tiny motel mark one of Colorado's westernmost communities, aptly dubbed Gateway. The town's name denotes its location at the entrance to Colorado from bordering Utah, and the surrounding landscape reveals something of both states. This rugged and remote town near John Brown and Unaweep canyons offers access to untouched backcountry adventures in the La Sal Mountains and Uncompahgre National Forest. However, visitors looking for adventure should be aware that sudden rainstorms can quickly flood desert arroyos. The Dolores River also runs from high in the San Juan Mountains through Gateway to the border of Colorado. Class III and IV whitewater rapids rush along the five-mile stretch through challenging Paradox Canyon.

Gateway sits along the 133-mile Unaweep/Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway, which winds through red sandstone in the spectacular Unaweep Canyon. Here erosion exposes fossil-laden layers of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Sheer cliffs, raging rivers and endless skies mark this wild and scenic part of the state. If that's not enough excitement, take aim at the Fire Department's Gateway Dynamite Shoot fundraiser during May and October. Here you can fire away at real sticks of dynamite placed safely downrange.