Discover Naturita

Naturita Along the Byway

The Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway passes through Naturita. Long stretches of the route run through a canyon; the byway also follows the Dolores and San Miguel rivers. The route, canyon, and river corridors offer different perspectives for planning your trip: you can focus on the route, the landscape, or the waterways.

Naturita and Nucla are jointly designated as an International Dark Sky Community. The designation was announced on June 7, 2021, recognizing the region’s dark night skies as an abundant and renewable natural resource. Alongside the byway’s landscape, this status draws attention to the night sky as a natural feature. If you want to consider both the landscape and the value of natural resources on your trip, these two themes sit side by side: the canyon and river corridors on one hand, and dark night skies on the other.

The two themes apply at different levels: the byway is a specific route through Naturita, while the Dark Sky designation applies jointly to Naturita and Nucla. When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish between the scenery along the route and the region’s recognition for its night sky.

History and Cultural Heritage

Uravan Ball Park dates to the 1880s and is designated a Montrose County historic landmark. The designation was announced on July 9, 2025. Just outside Naturita, a viewpoint offers a view of the preserved remains of the Hanging Flume. The aqueduct was completed in 1891 to supply water for mining. Since conditions at the viewpoint may change, check them before your visit.

The Rimrocker Historical Society offers presentations on mining, pioneer, and archaeological heritage. It also offers museum and local-area tours. Hours vary; call the society before taking a tour.

Hiking and the River

A 2019 report notes that a boat launch at Naturita Town Park improved river access for boaters to about 30 miles of the San Miguel River between Piñon Bridge and Uravan Ball Park. The roughly 30 miles refer to the river stretch between these points. Before a river trip, check current river conditions and hazards.

The Naturita Flattops Access Trail is a multi-use trail for mountain biking, e-biking, gravel biking, and hiking; it is 2.3 miles long. The access point is on the south side, 1/8 mile west of the Visitors Center on Highway 141. The 2.3-mile figure describes the trail; 1/8 mile indicates the access point’s location west of the Visitors Center. Since trail conditions and access information may change, check both before setting out.

The Unaweep Tabeguache Interpretive Visitor Center is located along the historic, scenic Unaweep-Tabeguache Byway. If you plan to visit, check the opening hours in advance; they may change.

Discover more destinations: Montrose.

Go to the regional travel overview: Montrose County.