• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Made in CO
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Made in CO
  • Search
image of town of nucla sign
Nucla, CO photo by Simon Foot

Nucla, Colorado

FacebookTwitter

Located in Montrose County, sitting at 5,787 feet in elevation, Nucla, CO is a small town with a big history. Founded in 1904, its past is deeply rooted in ranching and mining, like most Colorado towns. Residents of the community shout loud and proud about their old west frontier vibe and close-knit community.

Main Attractions

With its rich history, the town and surrounding areas are home to several sites listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties.

Cottonwood and Tabeguache Cave – The Tabeguache Cave was once a shelter for the Tabeguache Puebloans and provides small petroglyphs of those who once lived there. The Cottonwood Cave dates back as far as 270 BCE as a rock shelter and spot where the earliest dated corn was found in Colorado. Both are found along the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway.

Tabeguache pueblo – this single house ruin was once lived in around 1100 AD is still visible today for visitors to see.

Recreation

A bit secluded, Nucla is tucked away on the north side of the San Miguel River, with the San Juan mountain range to the south. Surrounded by mountainous terrain and plenty of BLM and National Forest, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and hunting there is plenty to do!

image of san miguel river
The San Miguel River, photo by slashvee

Bird watching – The Uncompahgre Plateau, which is to the north of Nucla, provides a haven for bird watchers with its ponderosa pine forest, dense woodlands, and mountain meadows.

Camping – Read about the camping near Naturita, Norwood, Nucla and Gateway.

Fishing – Cast in a line in the Naturita Creek or the San Miguel River, plus numerous other creeks in the area ideal for fishing.

Hunting – The most popular game in the area is elk.

Trails – Whether on foot or on a motorized vehicle, there is an abundant amount of trails for both hiking, mountain biking, ATVs, and 4-wheelers.

image of an elk
Hunting Elk, photo by rpbirdman via Getty Images

Accommodations



Booking.com

Activities in Nucla

Towns:

  • Grand Junction (104mi)
  • Naturita (4mi)
  • Norwood (22mi)
  • Redvale (13mi)

Latest in Nucla

Camping Western Colorado Gateway Highway 141

Camping near Naturita, Nucla and Gateway, around the Utah Border

Few people explore the far western stretches of Colorado out near the Utah border. Yet, just…

Camping near Naturita, Nucla and Gateway, around the Utah BorderRead More

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Montrose County

  • All Towns
  • Montrose County
  • Bedrock
  • Cimarron
  • Montrose
  • Naturita
  • Nucla
  • Olathe
  • Paradox
  • Redvale
  • Uravan

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Camping
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Federal Lands
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2021 · Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer