Around the Cimarron Valley and Southwest Colorado
The Local area:
Sonrise Mountain Ranch is located two miles up the main road from us. Several miles farther up, the road enters the Uncomphagre National Forest. Along the road are several picnic and campgrounds, majestic mountain views, Silver Jack reservoir, and the Cimarron River, with lots of fishing, hiking and backpacking opportunities throughout the area. You may also enjoy our Disc Golf Course, located on the base property. While enjoying the outdoors, be sure to carry water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Be aware that summer thunderstorms and winter blizzards can move in very quickly.
The nearest gas station and Post Office are located on Hwy 50 just to the west. (Out our driveway turn left, 12 miles back down the dirt road, then left on the highway). For any other services; travel west on Hwy 50 another 25 miles to Montrose (a 45 minute drive from the base).
Regional attractions:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison is located west of us on Hwy 50 (towards Montrose). A 45‑minute drive from the base takes you to the west entrance where there are spectacular views of the canyon and several hiking trails. Watch for the signs for the turn off this side of Montrose. A $7 entry fee applies before 8 p.m. in summer, with free entrance in winter.
The picturesque mining town of Ouray is located about 1 ½ hours southwest of the base. There you'll find spectacular scenery, lots of hiking, a unique box canyon waterfall, excellent 4-wheel drive roads (tours & rentals available), and a Hot Springs pool. Main Street also has lots of opportunities for window‑shopping and good eats.
Telluride sits in a high mountain bowl rich with mining history. The small town boasts some beautiful waterfalls, a high-class ski area, and unique window shopping. The Gondola up the mountain is free in summer and affords spectacular views. To get there, take Hwy 50 West to Montrose, then 550 south (in the direction of Ouray). At the town of Ridgway, head west again on Hwy 62; at Hwy 145 you'll turn left heading south into Telluride. It's about a 2 1/2 hr trip from Cimarron.
The mountain community of Crested Butte is located about 2 hours northeast of us. Going east on Hwy 50 to Gunnison, you'll turn north on Main Street (Hwy 135) to go up to this rustic mountain town-turned ski village. There's a quaint main street shopping area, good hiking and mountain biking opportunities, with excellent skiing in the winter.
- Also just east of the base on Hwy 50 you'll find Blue Mesa Reservoir and the
Curicante National Recreation Area. The region is a good place for water sports in summer and a favorite of ice fishermen in winter. A spectacular rock formation rises above the reservoir, and a beautiful canyon with great river angling is found south of the dam.