host communities

Grand Junction * Elevation 4,586 ft.
Located in the high desert valley where the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers converge, Grand Junction is the largest regional hub between Denver and Salt Lake City. Grand Junction has become known as “Colorado’s Wine Country”, with lush vineyards and more than 18 wineries situated in the heart of the valley. Recently named the 7th sunniest city in America, there are plenty of days throughout the year to enjoy the beautiful areas surrounding Grand Junction. To the west, 23,000 acres of towering reddish sandstone cliffs and rock formations comprise the breathtaking Colorado National Monument. Positioned just east of Grand Junction is the colossal Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world. Home to over 300 lakes, numerous hiking and biking trails, cross country and downhill skiing, and gorgeous scenery, Grand Mesa offers an abundance of recreational opportunities to satisfy any interest. Downtown Grand Junction is another popular destination for visitors and locals alike, featuring an array of quaint shops, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Located along downtown’s serpentine Main Street is an outdoor art exhibit of over 100 sculptures known as “Art on the Corner”. Mesa State College, celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2010, enrolls more than 7,000 students with a campus that encompasses 78 acres in the heart of Grand Junction. With events and festivals such as the Colorado Mountain Winefest, JUCO Baseball World Series, and Country Jam USA scheduled at various times throughout the year, as well as the cultural events within the community and at the college, anytime is the perfect opportunity to explore Grand Junction.

Delta * Elevation 4,990 ft.
Scenic Delta lies at the confluence of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre rivers, and is situated just west of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where the gorges carved in the snaking Gunnison River will leave you breathless. The city of Delta has grassy parks, and numerous murals depicting the local economy, history and the natural surroundings. Delta is a great place to visit and a wonderful place to live and where the people are down home friendly and the views are inspiring. It is a small, rural agricultural community, with livestock, fruit and crops, based at the foot of the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. Delta has had their share of historic range wars, shootings, bank robberies, and Indian uprisings. The town is bountiful with recreational opportunities, including the Devil’s Thumb 18 hole regulation golf course, the Bill Heddles Recreation Center, Confluence Park and Lake with fishing and walking trails, hiking, biking, hunting and skiing.

Ouray * Elevation 7,700 ft.
Ouray has been a special destination of world travelers for more than 100 years. This small intimate community is nestled in some of the most rugged and towering peaks of the Rockies. Set at the narrow head of a valley and surrounded on three sides with 13,000 feet snowcapped peaks - Ouray has been eloquently nicknamed the "Switzerland of America." Millions of years ago, the mountains surrounding Ouray began their formation when immense volcanic eruptions resulted in deep lava-formed craters. Within the last two million years, ice followed the fire and glacial activity created the rugged mountain topography of the San Juans. Glacial erosion of these faulted and fractured zones created valleys and gave birth to high country basins and gulches. These rock alterations created an ideal environment for the deposit of ore. The San Juan range is one of the most highly mineralized sections in Colorado. Your choice of summer recreation is unlimited. Ouray is an enthusiast's dream!! Explore the mountains on foot, horseback, four-wheel drive, raft or climb the shear cliffs - there's a route for everyone. The panoramic vistas, mountainn basins with waterfalls and wildflowers, are waiting to be captured on film - so don't forget your camera!

Durango * Elevation 6,512 ft.
Durango has many claims to fame: from Mountain Bike Mecca to Best Water Town in the West; best scenic train ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to most friendly vacation and ski town; superb and varied restaurants and dining to most outdoor adventures! It’s the kind of town you daydream about—spend a few days here and you’ll find out what the locals already know: this is a real town. The scenery is awe-inspiring and there are endless ways to reinvigorate, rejuvenate and relax. Soar through the Aspens on a Tree Top Adventure, hike miles of trails, or fish our Gold Medal waters of the Animas River. Getting here is a scenic drive or easy flight--Durango offers 14 flights daily and additional winter service for Durango Mountain Resort. Durango guarantees that you will find friendly locals, a magnificent mountain setting, a healthy pace of life, clean air, limitless activities, inspiring art galleries, delicious cuisine and 300 plus days of sunshine.

Pagosa Springs * Elevation 7,105 ft.
Pagosa Springs - what a perfect Colorado town to rejuvenate in on the 2010 Ride the Rockies Tour! Pagosa has some of the best scenery that you will see on the ride with panoramic mountain views, valley vistas, lakes, and the San Juan River that flows right through the center of town. If you get in early enough, enjoy a short raft trip or stretch your legs as you walk around and experience this quaint town. While in Pagosa, you won’t want to miss one of the three mineral hot springs facilities that we are known for. From The Springs Resort with their 23 multi temperature pools along the river to the Spa’s swimming pool, indoor sauna and gender segregated soaking pools to the Overlook with their new rooftop tubs overlooking the bustle of Pagosa Springs or the fantastic mountain views – you are in for a treat. Pagosa is also known for their talented pool of massage therapists, so call ahead for a listing and book an appointment to ease your tired muscles. Pagosa offers delicious food for almost any palate, comfortable pubs and an award winning microbrewery that will be available for your enjoyment in addition to all the fabulous food and activities offered at our “Party in the Park”. Pagosa is known for its welcoming hospitality, stunning views, relaxing hot springs, myriad outdoor activities and refreshing charm. This tour through Pagosa Springs will wet your appetite to return and explore more of what this gem of Colorado has to offer.

Alamosa * Elevation 7,500 ft.
Rich in history, Alamosa is reported to have been built in a single day in June of 1878. Legend has it, inn-keeper Joe Perry served his guests breakfast in nearby Garland City; that night he served them supper in the same building in its new Alamosa location. Now, Alamosa boasts over thirty five restaurants, ranging from authentic Mexican and Thai cuisine to classic American cooking. Explore their inviting downtown, filled with great shopping and dining. As you spend time there, you will begin to see the layers unfold that make Alamosa what it is today, from the early settlers who built the town, to the agricultural prowess that fuels a large part of their economy, to that small town hospitality that makes you feel right at home. Any time of year is a great time to visit Alamosa, with their sweeping views and copious sunshine, there is plenty to do there. Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, ride a scenic railroad, camp, hike, fish, and more!

www.alamosa.org
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Salida * Elevation 7,100 ft.
The History of Salida and Chaffee County is a rich mix of many influences. The area was originally settled by the Ute Indians, for whom many of the local mountain peaks are named. Unlike many other Colorado towns, however, Salida remained essentially a creature of the Denver & Rio Grande. While other industries, the usual mix of mining, quarrying, smelting, agriculture and retail trade—along with the usual 'related' trades of salooning, gambling and prostitution—were practiced at various times and magnitudes in Salida, it was the railroad that defined the community. Located in the Upper Arkansas River Valley, Salida is below the Continental Divide. The Sawatch Mt. Range to the Northwest, Sangre de Cristo Mt. Range to the South, and the Mosquito Mt. Range to the North provide a mild climate known as the Banana Belt; creating ideal conditions for year-round outdoor recreation. Boasting 12 Peaks over 14,000 ft. in elevation, Salida is known for its, hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly fishing, ATVing, camping, horseback riding, skiing, riding, tennis and golf. Salida is also home to the Salida Downtown National Register District which includes many wonderful examples of turn of the century commercial structures. Downtown Salida is home to more than a dozen artist-owned studios, delicious restaurants, unique shops and a large selection of antique stores. “Unpretentious, bike friendly town” is what lead Salida to a ‘Top 10 2009 Best Small Towns’ rating in Outside Magazine. The New York Times featured Salida as a “Haven” describing it as “the outdoors life, with no attitude”. Now that is Colorado!

www.salidachamber.org
Community Map