Photography Courtesy of Rio Blanco Herald Times©
Written By NICHOLE ZANGARA
As the first town incorporated in northwestern Colorado, Meeker, 160 miles from Denver and nearing its 120th birthday, has changed dramatically since its days as a classic Western town. This out-of-the-way destination, in Rio Blanco County, is now home to 2,400 residents with limitless outdoor adventures and boundless opportunities for every season.
Much of Meeker's outdoor excitement takes place in the White River National Forest. Situated in the Colorado Rocky Mountains with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 14,000 feet, the White River's 2.2 million acres can accommodate any outdoor enthusiast. It therefore makes sense that the White River is recognized nationwide as one of the most popular forests for recreation.
Meeker is the eastern port-of-entry to the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway and is the stomping ground for the largest herds of elk found in the U.S. The White River Valley also boasts an abundance of antelope, mountain lion, black bear and mule deer. In addition to wildlife viewing opportunities, visitors and locals enjoy a variety of mountain biking, backpacking and four-wheel-drive trails. Horseback riding outfitters, river and hunting trips, and mere sightseeing ventures translate into unforgettable memories in and around the splendor of the White River Valley. For spectator's activities, the choices include the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials; Bagpipe Band and Irish Dancers; Border Collie Frisbee Exhibit; craft shows; Calcutta and the Woolgrower's Lamb Feast; the July 4 Range Call Celebration (Colorado's oldest continuous rodeo); and more. Whatever you choose to do on your vacation, make sure to do it in the West's secret hideaway, Meeker, Colorado.
LOCAL STATISTICS:
Location: 40 miles north of Rifle on HWY 13
Population: 2,500
Average Home Price: $75,000
Average Rental: $450
Median Age: 40.1
Average Household Income: $28,000
Elevation: 6,249 Ft.
Median Temperatures: Summer: 90/70F Winter: 40/30F
Days of Sunshine per year: 280
Average Annual Snowfall: 54 in.
Founded: 1882
Industry: Ag/Tourism/Service
Rio Blanch County Population: 7,000
College: Colorado Northwestern Community College
Visitor's Services:
Meeker Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 869 | 710 Market St.
Meeker, CO 81641
(970) 878-5510
Email: meekerco@quik.com
Website: www.meekerchamber.com
Attractions/Services:
Site of the Historical Meeker Massacre
Flat Tops Scenic Byway
Golf Courses
Mountain Hiking Trails
Range Call Celebration
Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials
Annual 4th of July Celebration:
Parade, N.A.R.C Rodeos,
Concert and Pageant
White River Museum:
Recognized by Reader's
Digest magazine
Public Swimming Pool
Cowboy Renaissance Gathering
Largest herds of elk found in the White River Valley
Calendar of Events:
Big Game Hunting 2004 Season Dates:
Elk (only)
October 9-13
Elk & Deer
October 16-24;
October 30-November 5;
November 6-10
Largest herds of Elk found in North America!! |
