WELCOME TO THE LADY OF TRANQUILITY

Rico, Colorado

If you're looking for a laid back vacation in a restful mountain haven with unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities, you've found the ideal spot - Rico, Colorado. We've got a summertime population of about 500 friendly folks, and a wintertime population of a hardy 200 or so. For those who love quiet mountains more than busy resorts, Rico will certainly satisfy!

Rico has two restaurants open this coming winter. Each has its own distinctive personality and type of food. The Argentine Bar & Grill in the Rico Hotel & Mountain Lodge dishes out five-star cuisine and full bar menu at affordable prices in a comfy, small-town atmosphere. The famous Enterprise Bar & Grill serves as the local watering hole offering delicious burgers with homeade fries, soft tacos and salads. The Enterprise Bar & Grill was featured in National Geographic magazine several years ago.

When you stay in Rico, you'll probably stay at the historic Rico Hotel & Mountain Lodge - a beautifully remodeled miner's dormitory, now B&B. The Circle K Ranch, just south of town, offers a wide range of amenities, from private cabins and motel rooms to RV and tent sites. For the more rugged travelers, the surrounding San Juan National Forest offers ample camping opportunities.

Enjoy shopping at Bluecorn Beeswax, a local manufacturer of beeswax and soy candles and aromatherapy products, as well as Ironclad Embroidery where you can find functional embroidered clothing. The Rico Country Store (and Conoco gas station) has cards, postcards, basic groceries, and a nice book collection. Motherlode Liquors has a great selection of microbrews and wines too.

Live entertainment is offered on occasional weekends around town.

Many historic buildings beckon to the history buff, some remaining from the mining boom of the 1880's. Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Rio Grande Southern water tank that still stands along the well-preserved railroad grade at the original Rico depot site alongside the Dolores River. An historic walking tour booklet and map are available for our guests.

The unparalleled attraction of Rico is her endless opportunities to enjoy mother nature. Climb or backpack in the Lizard Head Wilderness. Ride mountain bikes on any of the numerous Forest Service roads or single-track trails around town. Ride mountain bikes over Lizard Head Pass to Telluride. Drive your jeep over the passes to Durango or Silverton. Fish in the Dolores River or any of her tributaries. Ski cross-country along the river, telemark or snowboard in the endless backcountry, or snowshoe anywhere your heart desires. Rico is a prime home-base for hunting elk, deer, and bear. Or just arrange for a comfy chair on the deck of your hotel and hang out and enjoy the scenic beauty!

If you enjoy restful accommodations, scenic surroundings, and the beauty of nature, you'll want to put Rico on your vacation itinerary. From spring bloom, to fall colors, and winter's frozen recreation, you'll love Rico!