Naturita brings together several distinct reasons to visit: the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway passes through town, while history and outdoor activities offer other points of interest. If you’re looking for a hotel in Naturita, you can start by deciding whether the scenic road route, dark night skies, historic sites, or trail and river activities will shape your stay.
The Byway and Dark Night Skies
For long stretches, the Byway runs through a canyon and follows the Dolores and San Miguel Rivers. It connects the town to a longer road route, with the canyon and rivers defining the character of much of the drive. Naturita, together with Nucla, is also designated an International Dark Sky Community. The designation was announced on June 7, 2021, and recognizes the value of the region’s dark night skies as an abundant and renewable natural resource. Unlike the Byway, the designation applies to both communities and to the region’s night skies.
Historic Sites and Tours
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 overlooks preserved remnants of the Hanging Flume. Completed in 1891, the aqueduct supplied water for mining. These offer two different ways to explore local history: the Ball Park is a designated landmark, while the Flume is a structure with a clearly identified water-supply function. Conditions at the viewpoint can change; check before visiting.
The Rimrocker Historical Society offers presentations on the area’s mining, pioneer, and archaeological heritage, as well as museum and local tours. Hours vary; call for information. This offers a different way to explore history than the Hanging Flume: the Flume centers on a specific engineering structure, while the Society offers programming on several heritage topics.
Trail and River
The Naturita Flattops Access Trail is 2.3 miles long and is a multi-use trail for mountain biking, e-biking, gravel biking, and hiking. The trailhead is on the south side, 1/8 mile west of the Visitors Center on Highway 141. Trail conditions and access information can change; check before setting out.
A 2019 report describes a boat launch in Naturita Town Park that improved river access for boaters to about 30 miles of the San Miguel River between Piñon Bridge and Uravan Ball Park. The 2.3 miles refers to the length of the multi-use trail, while the roughly 30 miles refers to a stretch of river between two named points; the figures therefore describe different kinds of travel. Check river conditions and hazards before setting out on a trip.
Planning Your Visit
The Unaweep Tabeguache Interpretive Visitor Center is located along the historic, scenic Unaweep-Tabeguache Byway. Hours may change; check before you arrive. Hours at the Rimrocker Historical Society also vary, so call ahead for information.
Explore more destinations: Montrose.
See the broader travel overview: Montrose County.
