Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MEEKER
POP 2400 / ELEV 6239FT
The picturesque seat of Rio Blanco County, Meeker takes its name from infamous govern-
ment agent Nathan Meeker, whose arbitrary destruction of a Ute racetrack precipitated a
fatal confrontation in 1879. Contemporary Meeker is a small oil town, surrounded by
sagebrush country where Greek American sheepherders graze huge flocks for their wool
and silent pumpjacks rust on the hillsides.
Sights & Activities
White River Museum
MUSEUM
( 970-878-9982;
www.meekercolorado.com
;
565 Park St; 9am-5pm summer, 10am-4pm winter; )
There's a rambling collection of eclectic Western memorabilia here: bear skin coats, a
couple of peace pipes and Nathan Meeker's printing press.
Sable Mountain Outfitters
( 970-878-4765;
www.sablemountainoutfitters.com
;
4-day pack trips $1200)
This outfitter has been con-
ducting hunting, fishing and wilderness trips for three decades. The trips into the Flat Top
Wilderness (
www.flattopsbyway.com
) come highly recommended by locals.
OUTDOORS
JML Outfitters
( 970-878-4749;
www.jmloutfitters.com
; 300 County Rd 75; half-day trail rides from $55, day pack-trips from $300)
It hosts multiday adventures into the Flat Top Wilderness on horseback, allowing guests to
ride between a string of camps and get far into the brush. The excursions are rustic, but
with horses, guides and a camp cook, it's a luxurious way to feel like you've worked for it.
The riders here also have lots of programs for kids.
FISHING, HORSEBACK RIDING
Sleeping & Eating
Meeker gets booked up with hunters from late September to mid-November. Note that JML
Outfitters also has cabins for rent ($70), even if you don't do an expedition with them.
There are several independent restaurants in the small downtown, and lots of fast-food op-
tions on the periphery.
