[Downtown Rico, Colorado. Photo: Granger Meador] 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.
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.
Accommodations
Former Dolores County Courthouse in Rico. Photo: Steven Martin
Commercial buildings in Rico. Photo: Steven Martin
Mining structure. Photo: Steven Martin
Yellow house in Rico. Photo: susanhuntphotography.com
Old church. Photo: susanhuntphotography.com
Main Street in Rico. Photo: susanhuntphotography.com
Rico’s Boarding House and Post Office. Photo: susanhuntphotography.com
Rico Historic Museum. Photo: susanhuntphotography.com
Mountainside in Rico. Photo: susanhuntphotography.com
Dey Building, built in 1892 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Photo: Acroterion
Things To Do near Rico, CO
Federal Lands:
Hot Springs:
- Rico Hot Springs (closed)
Scenic Drives:
Towns:
- 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.
