Rio Blanco County is a hidden gem in northwest Colorado. Often bypassed by crowds heading to more famous resort towns, it offers wide-open spaces, rich frontier history, and spectacular access to the great outdoors.

Here is a guide to its two main towns and the incredible natural amenities surrounding them.

Meeker: The Gateway to the Flat Tops

Nestled in the White River Valley, Meeker (population ~2,500) is the county seat and a quiet town with deep historic roots. It perfectly balances its Wild West heritage with its role as a premier basecamp for outdoor recreation.

        The Flat Tops Wilderness: Just east of town lies the second-largest wilderness           area in Colorado. Encompassing over 230,000 acres of high plateaus, glacial                lakes, and dense forests, it is a paradise for backpacking, horseback riding and priminative camping.

• The White River: Flowing right through the center of town, the White River is famous among anglers for its excellent trout fishing (brown, rainbow, brook, and cutthroat). You can easily access the river right from Meeker Town Park, which also features walking paths, sports courts, and picnic areas.

• Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway: This stunning 82-mile drive connects Meeker to Yampa, taking you right through the heart of the White River National Forest. It’s a “working byway,” meaning you’ll likely share the road with cattle and sheep drives, especially in the fall.

• Hunting & Winter Sports: Meeker is known worldwide for its trophy big-game hunting, particularly elk. In the winter, the area transforms into a snowy playground with 178 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and fantastic cross-country skiing routes.

• Heritage Sites: Downtown Meeker is steeped in history. The White River Museum, housed in the 1880s U.S. Cavalry officer’s quarters, offers a fascinating look at pioneer life and the infamous Meeker Massacre.

Rangely: High Desert Adventure

Located in the far western edge of the county near the Utah border, Rangely (population ~2,380) sits in a striking high-desert landscape. Known as a “Mini-Moab,” it offers a completely different vibe than the alpine forests of Meeker.

          Rangely Rock Crawling Park: This is Colorado’s only designated natural rock crawling park. Spanning over 560 acres of rugged BLM land, it offers thrilling four-wheel-drive trails for all skill levels, from beginners to extreme off-roaders. Entrance is completely free.

• Kenney Reservoir: Located just five miles east of town, this bright blue oasis is the perfect place to beat the summer heat. It’s popular for boating, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even cliff diving—and it’s rarely crowded.

• Canyon Pintado National Historic District: Located south of town, this canyon is an open-air museum featuring hundreds of archaeological sites, including incredible petroglyphs and pictographs left by the Fremont and Ute cultures over the last thousand years.

• Unique Attractions: Beyond the outdoors, Rangely has some truly unique sites, like the Rangely Automotive Museum (featuring rare classic cars and motorcycles) and the TANK Center for Sonic Arts—a literal water tank turned into a world-class concert venue due to its incredible acoustics.

• Dinosaur National Monument: While the main visitor center is in Utah, Rangely is only 20 miles away from this massive preserve of deep river canyons and prehistoric history