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Colorado Field Guide Established in 2017

Flat Tops Wilderness: Meeker & Rangely

Flat Tops Wilderness: Meeker & Rangely

3 days

More Itineraries

For 82 scenic miles, Colorado's Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway winds its way through lush river valleys, skirts the bountiful Flat Tops Wilderness and tours some of the state's least traveled roads, as well as two delightful Wild West towns.

Flat Tops Wilderness Itinearary Map

Sustainability Activity

Travel Like a Local: There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Insider's Tip

The Reel Deal:

The Colorado Parks & Wildlife fishing app can help you discover 1,300 fishing locations, check conditions and regulations and more. Search CPW Fishing in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

Day 1

Activity

Flat Tops Trail - Scenic and Historic Byway

Winding its way through lush river valleys, the Flat Tops Trail byway skirts the bountiful Flat Tops Wilderness, climbs over two of the state's least-traveled passes and is bookended by the... Read More

Lunch

Trappers Lake Lodge & Resort

A place to recharge & reconnect with what really matters - log cabins, great food, fish and hunting tales spoken, hiking and horses. A beautiful remote area of NW Colorado. It's Colorado's... Read More

Insider's Tip

Hang Out After Lunch: Stick around after your lunch at Trappers Lake Lodge and go horseback riding. The trail boss will guide you up to the top of the Flat Tops Wilderness where the expansive views will take your breath away.

Activity

Ripple Creek Lodge

Ripple Creek Lodge is a historic resort/guest ranch located at the halfway point of the Flat Tops Scenic Byway. We offer trial rides, accommodations in historic cabins, meals, guided fishing... Read More

Insider's Tip

More Adventure at Ripple Creek Lodge: Head over to Ripple Creek Lodge in Meeker. Spend the time before dinner fishing their backcountry streams, have dinner at the lodge and settle in for a cozy night in their vacation cabins.

Day 2

Breakfast

Meeker Hotel & Cafe

In remote Northwest Colorado hides a community of a couple thousand people. The trout-filled White River flows through town and Northwest Colorado's only historic hotel sits on Main Street, its... Read More

Activity

White River Museum

White River Museum, housed in 1880s U.S. Army officer quarters, showcases early pioneers and the stories and artifacts they left behind, including clothing, household goods, an original 1885... Read More

Lunch

Ma Famiglia Restaurant

Our purpose is to provide you with the best value, quality and consistency in food preparation and service. Our restaurant has come a full circle with the Mazzola family starting Mama Mazzola's... Read More

Activity

Rangely Automotive Museum

Classic automotive museum with very rare autos and motorcycles from the early 1900's. The curator has an amazing ability to bring each car to life with its colorful history.

Dinner

El Agave Mexican Restaurant

We provide authentic Mexican food with one goal in mind, to bring you the best, most original flavors from our home in Mexico for breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Activity

Fishing or Swimming at Kenny Reservoir

The lake contains approximately 13,800 acre-feet of water, allowing plenty of room for water skiers and fishing. The south side of the lake contains two swim areas and the docks are seldom crowded.

COTREX

Lodging

Blue Mountain Inn & Suites

The Blue Mountain Inn & Suites, Rangely, Colorado's newest hotel. Read More

Day 3

Breakfast

Main Street Cafe

Strong cups of coffee, steak and eggs, cinnamon rolls, lunch menu and more. Read More

Activity

Rangely Outdoor Museum

The Rangely Outdoor Museum has three historical buildings that house exhibits from dinosaurs to drilling and the pre-historical Fremont peoples to the pioneers, ranchers and oil field workers of... Read More

Lunch

California Wok

Terrific food for dine in or take out. Spicy or mild, there is a flavor for everyone. Read More

Activity

Canyon Pintado National Historic District

The Canyon Pintado National Historic District includes hundreds of archaeological sites, most deriving from the Fremont Culture(c. AD 0_1300) and Ute (c. AD 1300_1881) occupations of the Douglas... Read More

Dinner

Giovanni's

Giovanni's is known for its mouth-watering sauces, fresh dough, and homemade meatballs and Italian sausage. Our homemade Lasagna and Chicken Fettuccini are favorite pasta dishes. We are the home... Read More

Activity

The TANK, Center for Sonic Arts

A sonic wonder, a seven-story steel water tank with a deep reverb, longer and richer than the Taj Mahal's. For Open Saturdays, 9am-1pm, experience The Tank free of charge. Solstice Festival,... Read More

Lodging

Blue Mountain Inn & Suites

The Blue Mountain Inn & Suites, Rangely, Colorado's newest hotel. Read More