20 Attractions to Explore Near Paradox Valley

The Hanging Flume is an aqueduct that was built in the late 1800s to transport water from the Gunnison River to the fields of the Uncompahgre Valley. The flume hangs from cliffs as it winds its way through canyons and gorges, spanning a distance of nearly 9 miles. Built at a time when few roads existed in the region, the flume was an engineering feat that allowed farmers to irrigate their land and greatly increase their crop yields.

Unaweep Canyon is a geological wonder located in Mesa County, Colorado. Formed by the Unaweep Creek, the canyon is unique because it is the only place in the world where two rivers meet but do not merge. The canyon is also home to various plant and animal life, making it a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers. Whether people are looking to explore its natural beauty or enjoy a peaceful hike, its scenic beauty has become a popular spot for photography and painting.

The Uncompahgre National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in western Colorado. It encompasses 1,106,604 acres and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The forest is named for the Uncompahgre Plateau, which is part of the larger San Juan Mountains. The plateau includes some of the highest peaks in the Rockies, including Mount Sneffels, which reaches an elevation of 14,150 feet. The forest also contains several scenic rivers and lakes, such as Blue Mesa Reservoir.

This is a special place nestled within the remarkable canyon country of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Red-rock canyons and bluffs hold geological and paleontological resources spanning 600 million years, as well as many cultural and historic sites from the past 10,000 years. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dominguez-Escalante NCA is a fine example of the spectacular canyon country of the Uncompahgre Plateau.

The Uncompahgre Plateau is located in western Colorado in Montrose County. It is an elevated plateau that consists of high desert terrain. The average elevation is around 7,500 feet and it is home to several mountain ranges including the San Juans and the West Elk Mountains. The area is well known for its unique geological features, including canyons, mesas, and buttes. It is also home to a variety of wildlife. There are many hiking trails and camping areas on the plateau.

A majestic national forest, which is home to over 3 million acres–from plateaus to peaks. This is a beautiful forest best suited to hiking, hunting, and camping.The forest contains three alpine wilderness areas: Uncompahgre, Mount Sneffels, and Lizard Head. Over 3,000 miles of trails and routes provide access to areas of rugged beauty and solitude.

Colorado National Monument is a breathtaking sight, located in western Colorado. The area is known for its dramatic red rock formations, canyons, and mesas. Visitors can explore the monument by hiking, biking, or driving the scenic Rim Rock Drive. There are also several camping and picnicking areas available. In addition to its natural beauty, Colorado National Monument is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, coyotes, and eagles.

Lowry Pueblo is a Mesa Verde Anasazi site located in Montezuma County, Colorado. The site was inhabited ca. 1200-1300 CE and consists of a small pueblo with around 30 rooms. The pueblo is located on a bluff overlooking the Rio Grande River and was likely used as a hunting and gathering campsite. The site was first excavated in the early 1900s and has since been reconstructed.

A beautiful park that was centred around the sixty-acre Confluence Lake, behind downtown Delta. It’s open year-round for recreation, with good places to fish, hike, bike, and boat. It includes Bill Heddles Recreation Center, Fort Uncompahgre living history museum, 18 hole disc golf course, 7 miles of walking and mountain bike single track trails, 70 acre fishing/paddle boarding lake w/ADA accessible fishing peninsula, dog park, RV dump station, and so much more.

The Gunnison National Forest is a U.S. National Forest covering 1,672,136 acres. It borders the White River National Forest to the north, the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre National Forests to the west, the San Isabel National Forest to the east and the Rio Grande National Forest to south. There are seven officially designated wilderness areas lying within Gunnison National Forest that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Sweitzer Lake State Park is a Colorado state park located in Delta County 1 mile south of Delta, Colorado. The 210-acre park established in 1960 includes a 137-acre reservoir. Facilities include a boat ramp, swim beach and picnic sites. Birdwatchers have spotted 170 different species in the park.

Sweitzer Lake is a smaller, day-use state park located in Delta. It's centered around water recreation on Sweitzer Lake. This lake offers a convenient water recreation for those on the Western Slope. Located only minutes from downtown Delta, the 210-acre park boasts exciting fishing and boating. The picturesque lake is 137-acres, providing visitors with a nice swim beach and lots of lakeside picnic tables.

Log Hill Mesa is a small community located in Ouray County, Colorado. The area is known for its scenic views and outdoor activities, and it is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and birdwatchers. Log Hill Mesa is also home to a number of small businesses, including a winery, a brewery, and a distillery. The community is close to the town of Ouray, and it is within driving distance of several major cities, including Denver and Colorado Springs.

No Thoroughfare Canyon is a canyon located in Mesa County, Colorado. The canyon is named for its dead-end shape - there is no way through it. It is a popular hiking destination because of its unique geology and its scenic views. The canyon is made up of red sandstone that has been eroded over time by wind and water. The resulting cliffs and columns are remarkably beautiful. Hikers can explore the canyon on their own or take guided tours.

Tombstone Junction, located in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Kentucky, is a unique Old West-themed attraction that offers visitors a step back in time to the days of the Wild West. This western-themed entertainment complex provides a fun and immersive experience for the whole family, with its lively performances, interactive activities, and authentic western atmosphere.

The monument is located on top of a hill near the city of Grand Junction and can be seen from many points in the area. It was dedicated on July 4, 1935, to commemorate the centennial of Colorado's statehood. The monument is made of white granite and is 195 feet high. A winding road leads to the top of the hill, where visitors can explore the monument and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.

The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is located in Mesa County, Colorado. The area is known for its deep canyons, towering mesas, and abundant wildlife. The landscape is like nothing else you will see in the area, with wide open spaces and steep, rocky cliffs. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping here, so be sure to add it to your list of places to check out on your next trip to Colorado!

Monument Canyon is a geological and archaeological wonder located in Mesa County. Over millions of years, wind and water have carved out a deep canyon in the sandstone MesaVerde formation. today, the canyon is home to a variety of plants and animals, as well as some amazing views. Visitors can hike to the top of the canyon or take a jeep tour. There are also a number of camping sites in the area.

The Montrose County Historical Museum is located in the city of Montrose in southwestern Colorado. The museum's collections focus on the history of the region, with exhibits on topics such as Native American culture, the early days of exploration and settlement, and the area's role in the development of the American West. The museum also maintains a research library and archives, which are open to the public.

The Ute Indian Museum in Montrose County, Colorado is a small museum with a big focus on the history and culture of the Ute people. The museum tells the story of the Ute people from their time as nomadic hunters to their forced relocation onto reservations. The exhibits feature a variety of artifacts, including traditional clothing, tools, and art. The museum also has a number of interactive displays, such as a life-size teepee and a replica wickiup.