Meeker, Colorado

By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com

Meeker is a small town in the fertile White River Valley in northwest Colorado. Meeker area attractions include fishing and hunting. It is located at the intersection of State Highways 13 and 64. It is a relatively isolated location, on the north side of the White River at the base of a long ridge called China Wall.

The town was named after Nathan Meeker, who died in what is known as the Meeker Massacre in the Ute War. After the battle, the Ute Indian tribe population were forced onto reservations in Utah.

In its early days, Meeker was established as a hunting center. Former president Theodore Roosevelt even visited once on a mountain lion hunting trip.

Learn more about the area by visiting the White River Museum. Get a unique view on the history of Meeker by looking through antique photos and possessions at the museum. Ute Indian artifacts are also on display.

A scenic drive in the area is along the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway. The beautiful 80-mile trip connects Meeker with Yampa, Colorado.

Meeker is a gateway to The Flat Tops Wilderness Area, a pristine part of Colorado that covers more than 235,000 acres in the Routt and White River National Forests.

The stunning scenery in the area shows the dramatic geologic formations that were created by basalt lava flows. Below the high plateaus and cliffs, you can hike through sub-alpine meadows and alpine tundra.

The wilderness area has countless hiking trails for people of all fitness levels. The hunting is excellent, as is the fishing. Explore the area in the winter by snowmobile or cross-country skis.

The area is also home to Colorado’s largest elk herd. Take Sleepy Cat/Buford or Lost Creek Guest Ranch Trailheads to start your backpacking and photography trip!