Settled in 1879 as a silver mining town, Rico is a quaint community tucked away in Southwest Colorado. It’s situated 27 miles south of Telluride on CO-145. The town motto is “A Slice of Paradise”.
Located in Dolores County, Rico is an incorporated town and Home Rule Municipality with a population of 265 residents in 2010. The name of the town comes from the Spanish word for “rich”. The downtown section features many historic buildings and a bar and grill that’s open year round. The land around Rico is full of natural wonders.
Most of the visitors to Rico come for its outdoor recreation in the surrounding mountains. The Dolores River flows past town, offering an abundance of great fishing spots.The region is also rich in hiking, biking, camping and skiing at Telluride Ski Resort.
The drive to Rico is located on the San Juan Skyway, national scenic byway. It passes through much of Southwest Colorado, circling Ridgway, Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Cortez and Telluride.
Recreation
Read about the camping near Telluride, Ophir and Rico.
Accommodations
Activities near Rico
Federal Lands:
Hot Springs:
- Rico Hot Springs (closed)
Scenic Drives:
- Lizard Head Pass (12mi)
- San Juan Skyway
Towns:
- Ames (18mi)
- Cortez (48mi)
- Dolores (37mi)
- Mountain Village (24mi)
- Norwood (53mi)
- Ophir (19mi)
- Ouray (70mi)
- Placerville (36mi)
- Ridgway (59mi)
- Sawpit (32mi)
- Telluride (27mi)
Transportation:
View the town’s official website.
