Meeker is a small ranching town lying at the western edge of the Flat Tops Byway. There are a few restaurants, shops and lodging options in the historic downtown of a couple blocks. About two thousand people reside in town.
In addition to Old West lodging, the Meeker Hotel has a cafe that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s Northwest Colorado’s only historic hotel – Teddy Roosevelt was a guest.
History
Once the business and banking center for Northwest Colorado, Meeker, today is a steady, agricultural community and the county seat of Rio Blanco County. Though the White River Valley averages less than fifteen inches of rain per year, irrigation makes it some of the best farming land in the state. Coal, lumber, oil and natural gas also play a role in the economy.
The town is named for Nathan Meeker, an agriculturalist, who was killed in the Meeker Massacre in 1879. When the Settlers moved in, Nathan Meeker, an expert in irrigation, pushed a farming lifestyle onto the nomadic Utes. Feeling tension, Nathan Meeker dispatched for armed troops from Wyoming. Although he wasn’t intending war, that’s how it was perceived when an infantry of 153 soldiers and 25 civilians arrived.
Main Attractions
Flat Tops Trail – This enjoyable road connects Meeker with Yampa to the east. Meeker is a little larger than Yampa, but not by so much.
Hunting – Numerous hunting exists nearby in White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness. Meeker is home to one of the largest elk herds in the U.S.
Recreation
Camping:
- A variety of fee and free dispersed camping can be found along the Flat Tops highway.
Fishing:
- The trout filled White River runs through town.
- Lake Avery lies nearly 20 miles east on the Flat Tops highway.
Special Events
Fourth of July – Meeker Range Call celebration featuring the oldest annual rodeo in Colorado, as well as a Meeker Massacre Re-Enactment.
Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials – Five days of sheepdog herding competition held annually in early September.
Things To Do near Meeker
Museums:
- White River Museum
National Lands:
Scenic Drives:
Towns:
