Gateway Colorado History and RecreationThe unincorporated town of Gateway Colorado gets its name for being the gateway to Utah because of its close proximity to the state line. This small town came into existence through fur trapping, mining, cattle ranching, farming, and lumber milling. Located on the confluence of the Delores River and West Creek, it is situated in a very beautiful area. Prominent red sandstone cliffs, La Sal mountains, Uncompaghre Plateau are in easy access for travelers coming to visit Gateway. During the late 1800's Vanadium and Uranium were found together in a yellow material called Carnotite that is found in sandstone. This area became part of the Uravan Mineral Belt that was comprised of southwest Colorado and southeast Utah. During the early 1900's till 1923 the Uravan Mineral Belt was the largest producer of radium in the world. Recently Uranium has again brought mining interests into this area. Gateway Colorado is located on the Unaweep and Tabequache Scenic Byway that loops around going from desert to high altitude terrain through its 130 mile length. This is an excellent ride on a motorcycle that I have done many times over the years because of the winding road and varied scenery. Unaweep Canyon is on this loop and is special in its own right. The formation of this canyon has much speculation as to how it was actually formed, from a large river cutting it to glacial activity. What is known is that once the Colorado Plateau was formed it raised the center of the canyon floor to 7,120 ft rising above this canyons mouths that are at 5,000 ft, creating a most unusual and beautiful drive. Much has changed in Gateway Colorado since John Hendricks of The Discovery Channel fame decided to develop this town. He started by buying up much of the land and has been busy building a resort, car museum, restaurant, hotel and store. There are outfitters ready to take people on Hiking, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Rock Climbing, and ATV tours. A golf course is also in the planning. The Gateway Auto Museum is a must see with the last 100 year history of the automobile industry and much to learn on each of the many autos that are exhibited from hot rods to classics. Also on display is the 1954 Olds F-88 concept car that was purchased for $3.24 Million and is displayed on a rotating turntable. 6.30 road will take you up The Niche, a steep switch back dirt road that will go to the top of the Uncompahgre Plateau through sage and pinion trees and finally end in aspen and ponderosa pines on top. The Uncompahgre is riddled with deep, steep, rocky canyons and many dirt roads. John Brown or 4.40 rd. travels upwards quickly and links with many old uranium mine roads and will also take you to Moab Utah and the La Sal Mountains that rise above tree line. Right in Gateway Colorado is 4.20 rd. that winds along the north side of the Dolores River and heads up to higher elevation but can be rough and rocky. Hunting is excellent in this area which are units 060, 061, 062 and 40 but will require points to draw a tag. 61 is a trophy area and has great Mule Deer and Elk hunting since the Colorado Division of Wildlife reduced the number of licenses available. While hunting in this area several years ago I almost walked into an old uranium mine shaft in the thick brush that went straight down and I could not see the bottom. Always be aware of this as there are hundreds of miles of these shafts located in this area. Get a map here for directions and different area views. For additional area information on Gateway and some great maps Look Here. Also check out the Gateway Colorado Fire Department for other interesting things going on in this area like the dynamite shoots held right here in Gateway Colorado. Rebates available at REI!
Towns of Western Colorado
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This 43 mile canyon travels from the town of Whitewater and ends at Gateway. Carved out of granite and sandstone it contains two small creeks, East Canyon Creek and West Canyon Creek that flow away from each other from a high point (Unaweep Divide) near the east end of the canyon. In places Unaweep Canyon is 3,000 ft deep and 4.3 miles wide with very steep walls.
