Small-Town Treasures in Northwest Colorado

6
 days
Share:

Rangely, Craig, Meeker, Dinosaur and Walden hold court in Colorado's northwest, where Wild West history, niche museums, rugged wildlife and an incredible diversity of scenery await visitors ready to soak it all up on a leisurely road trip.

Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places

Assist with design, construction, and maintenance of trails in State Forest State Park in Walden. Perform as crew member or crew leader on trail construction. renovation and maintenance. Design or install trail signage. Participate in prearranged trail or maintenance days. Or volunteer with Colorado Parks and Wildlife's trailwork projects. 

Day
1
wyman living history museum photo
Activity
Wyman Living History Museum
The Wyman Museum was founded by Lou Wyman. The dream started in 1949 in Elk Springs, Colorado. While Lou was filling up a water barrel for his sheep…
Lunch
Gino's Neighborhood Pizzeria & Grill
Specializing in Italian cuisine including sandwiches, pizza and pasta. Dine-in or delivery
Activity
Museum of Northwest Colorado
With one of the finest collections of Old West firearms in the country, this museum is frequently mentioned as one of Colorado's best. From…
Dinner
Carelli's Italian Restaurant
Italian dishes, pizza, subs, calzones and Stromboli. Fast lunch service or eat-in dining.
Activity
Elkhead Reservoir State Park
West of Steamboat Springs near Craig, the scenic 900 acre reservoir offers a great warm water fishery, 15 basic camp sites, beaches, boat ramp and…
Lodging
Elk Run Inn
Elk Run Inn is a small independent motel offering full kitchens in every room. Conveniently located in town, near restaurants, bars, stores and…
Day
2
Breakfast
Main Street Cafe
Strong cups of coffee, steak and eggs, cinnamon rolls, lunch menu and more.
Activity
Colorado Welcome Center at Dinosaur
Please call for current hours. Knowledgeable volunteers greet visitors to Colorado with area and statewide information. Pick up…
Lunch
Picnic at Plug Hat Trail Overlook at Dinosaur National Monument

Pack a picnic and head to this beautiful overlook off Harpers Corner Road, five miles north of the Canyon Visitor Center (photo credit: NPS).

Activity
Dinosaur National Monument
At Dinosaur National Monument, explore craggy hills, discover fragments of a long ago world where the largest land creatures of all time once…
Dinner
California Wok
Terrific food for dine in or take out. Spicy or mild, there is a flavor for everyone.
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…
Lodging
Blue Mountain Inn & Suites
The Blue Mountain Inn & Suites, Rangely, Colorado's newest hotel.
Day
3
Insider's Tip
Morning Fuel

Wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast featuring cereal, breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, coffee and more during your stay at Blue Mountain Inn & Suites in Rangely.

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…
Lunch
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…
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…
Dinner
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…
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…
Lodging
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…
Day
4
Breakfast
Meeker Hotel & Cafe

A more than 115-year-old Meeker landmark, many notable celebrities have satisfied their appetites at the Meeker Hotel's cafe, including Billy the Kid and Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt. Follow in their footsteps and sink into the history-steeped booths for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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…
Lunch
Blanco Cellars & The Little Cheese Shop
Better Booze & Cheese for the Back County! An Artisan Wine, Craft Spirits, Specialty Beer, Sake & Cider shop specializing in small production,…
Activity
Milk Creek Battlefield Park
The Battle of Milk Creek was the last and longest of the Indian Wars. It occurred on the northern boundary of the Ute Reservation over a week's…
Dinner
Laundry
Located in a historical brick building -the original Steamboat Dry Cleaning & Pressing, The Laundry is serving up locally sorced small plates. …
Activity
Storm Peak Brewing Company
We're a family of beer freaks, music lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. We think the best way to share our passions is through a common language;…
Lodging
Chalet Val d'Isere
Chalet Val d'Isere is a warm and lovely traditional mountain home, the perfect getaway for every season, located in Ski Town, USA and BikeTown,…
Day
5
Breakfast
The Colorado Bagel Co.
Mountain Style bagels made with Colorado water baked fresh daily! We have been Steamboat Spring's favorite bagel shop since 1993. We offer a…
Activity
Fish Creek Falls
Clear and fresh high alpine water roars down Fish Creek Canyon, spilling over the magnificent 280-ft Fish Creek Falls, one of the most popular…
Lunch
Old Town Pub & Restaurant
The Boat's best bet for a comfortable yet upbeat vibe, happy hour, full bar and live entertainment. OTP all day, everyday.
Activity
The BARley Colorado Craft & Draft
The BARley is a celebration of the heritage of what happens before the beer, wine and spirits are made. With 30 beers on tap, a locally sourced…
Dinner
Table 79 Foodbar
Your table is waiting! It's the table with the best view of the action. A front-row seat to the kitchen.
Activity
Cache La Poudre/North Park - Scenic And Historic Byway
Follow the Cache la Poudre river as you drive this scenic byway that connects Fort Collins to North Park.
Lodging
North Park Inn & Suites
Newest lodging. Pillow-top beds, 32" flat screen, HBO, hand crafted log furniture, table/chairs, fridge/micro/coffee, guest laundry, on-site…
Day
6
Activity
North Park Pioneer Museum
Housed in a cabin built in 1883, the museum's exhibits showcase the region's mining, logging, ranching and farming heritage.
Activity
State Forest State Park
The ultimate in rugged Colorado wilderness, 71,000 acres of forest, jagged peaks and alpine lakes. Features 158 campsites and 15 cabins and yurts…
Dinner
All Smoked Up BBQ
Enjoy award-winning barbecue — meats and sauces — on Walden's Main Street.
Activity
Hike the Lake Agnes Trail

Soak up terrific mountain views on this about 2-mile roundtrip hike in State Forest State Park (photo credit: Colorado Parks & Wildlife). Lake Agnes is also a favorite local fishing hole, so pack your rod for the chance to reel in an epic catch.

Lodging
North Park Inn & Suites
Newest lodging. Pillow-top beds, 32" flat screen, HBO, hand crafted log furniture, table/chairs, fridge/micro/coffee, guest laundry, on-site…