Naturita & Nucla Area - Southwest Colorado

Experience Naturita and Nucla, Colorado

NATURITA is along the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway. The drive is spectacular when wildflowers peak in July or during the changing of the aspens in September. Ancient rock outcroppings and red sandstone formations hold fossils from Precambrian times. Surrounded by plenty of BLM land and the Uncompahgre National Forest, this is an ideal destination for hunting and wildlife watching.

Fishing is abundant in the San Miguel and Dolores Rivers. Clear mountain streams provide anglers with a pleasant challenge for trout.

NUCLA is at the base of the Uncompahgre Plateau and the San Miguel Basin. The new town site of Nucla was staked out on a little flat in Tabeguache "The Sunny Side" Park. The colonists, not wanting to waste an acre of good farm land, situated the town site on a rocky hill unfit for farming. The arrival of water via a man-made ditch to the Tabeguache plateau was the beginning of farming and ranching that continues today.

AREA EVENTS INCLUDE: In Early June each year off-roading is highlighted for a weekend at the RANDY SKEES 4X4 JEEP TOURS & POKER RUN. The first Saturday before the 4th of July is celebrated with WATER DAYS. In mid-August music fills the clean mountain air at BLUES IN THE PARK. In mid-November we celebrate our ranching roots with a weekend of COWBOY POETRY.

RIMROCKER TRAIL: This 160 mile trail (from Montrose, CO to Moab, UT) provides 4WD, OHV and bicycle access through some of the West's most stunning scenery: redrock canyons, winding rivers, desert vistas and alpine forests. The first part takes you from Montrose to Nucla it's just over 47 miles. The 2nd part from Nucla to Highway 141; at 26.5 miles from Nucla is the Uravan mining area, which is how the trail was named, the people who worked in the here where known as Rimrockers.

Trails And Single Track are just one mile from downtown Nucla, Park at the Paradox Trail Trailhead with parking and easy access to the Paradox Trail and Nucla Range Trail System.

The WEST END TRAIL ALLIANCE - WETA: Trails and Single Tracks are just one mile from downtown Nucla. Park at the Paradox Trail Trailhead with parking and easy access to the Paradox Trail and Nucla Range Trail System. Airport Mesa Trail near Nucla is a good Beginner trail for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. It's convenient to the towns of Nucla and Naturita and an excellent spot to take a break from driving, walk the dog, or take a quick run. Long Park Paradox View Trail is 2.6 miles is for advanced beginner hikers near the town site of Uravan. Look for traces of copper oxides in the rocks.

Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Byway stretching 130 miles along Colorado Highways 145 and 141, this byway follows the San Miguel and Dolores Rivers near the Colorado-Utah border. It will take you about 3 hours to drive and longer if you stop along the way to enjoy the history: geological formations, Native American buildings, petroglyphs, and hieroglyphics.

A small number of rafting companies offer trips down the San Miguel River. With its class II and III rapids, it's a good river for kayaking as well.

Naturita and Nucla, Colorado - Driving Directions and Location

Naturita is 104 miles south of Grand Junction. Take Highway 50 five miles south to the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic and Historic Highway 141. Nucla is four miles north of Naturita on Highway 97.

Commercial air travel accommodations are handled by Telluride Regional Airport, Grand Junction Regional Airport and Montrose Regional Airport. Please contact your preferred travel agent or airline for flight arrangements.

Naturita & Nucla are near: Dolores, Dove Creek, Norwood, Ouray & Telluride

Featured Naturita & Nucla Area Businesses

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Naturita & Nucla Area Activities & Maps

Scenic Byways:
Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway

Rafting & Kayaking:
Dolores River Rafting & Kayaking
San Miguel River Rafting & Kayaking

Ski Areas & Resorts:
Telluride Ski Resort

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