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.