As the nation marks its 250th birthday and Colorado its 150th this year, Rangely turns 80 — but the town, located near the Utah border, has semblances of that far wider history embedded in its remote location.
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Oil pumpjacks dot the Martian-like landscape in the northwest Colorado town, signs of the fossil fuel industry that sustained Rangely’s economy into the 21st century. Sealed mine shafts to the west are stark reminders of asphaltite production in the Uinta Basin before the drilling for oil began. Pictographs preserved in rock formations south of town go back hundreds of years more, to when Native American tribes occupied the land.
Much of this history is accessible to visitors throughout the summer. So is the desert territory managed by the Bureau of Land Management, where tourists and residents alike take all-terrain vehicles off-roading, set up their RVs or campers and hike.
“If you’re looking for a getaway that is away from people and to go out and explore, get on the water or ride a [side-by-side vehicle], we’re your place,” said Jeannie Caldwell, Rangely’s marketing director.
But there’s more to Rangely than what first meets the eye, especially on Labor Day weekend, when residents go all out for an annual celebration.
Deep listening in a tank
The TANK Center for the Sonic Arts in Rangely is a steel water tank that was converted into a recording studio and performance space by a group of artists. It’s open to the public on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowing visitors the chance to wallow in the highly resonant sounds inside the structure. The TANK’s season runs through Oct. 31. More information can be found at tanksounds.org/events.
Off-roading adventures
For the adventurous with steel stomachs, maneuvering off-highway vehicles (OHVs), can be a thrill unlike any other. The state’s only designated natural rock-crawling park is on nearly 600 acres of BLM land south of Rangely.. The coarse terrain outside of town leads to stunning outlooks of the desolate landscape.
The park has grown so popular among rock crawlers that Rangely attracted two major events this year:
- The Rangely OHV Adventure Rally occurs annually — this year’s iteration was in May — and earns its acronym, ROAR.
- In mid-July, Rally Colorado held a race, one of eight in the U.S. that determines the winner of the American Rally Association National Championship.
Access to the off-roading park is free throughout the year, according to the BLM. A map of the trails, ranging from easy to extreme, can be found at rangelychamber.com/rock-crawlin.
‘Our own personal lazy river’
Tucked almost inconspicuously behind Rangely, the White River is a town treasure hidden in plain sight. “We call it our own personal lazy river,” said Caldwell, a resident of eight years.
This year, town officials opened a new boat ramp behind Rangely Camper Park. The project was funded in part by the Colorado Office of Just Transition, which provides grants to diversify economies of oil and gas towns. The intention of the ramp is to draw more kayakers and paddleboarders into town for drop-off. (The nearest launch site to it is at the intersection of the White River and White Avenue.)
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Bonus: “When you float the river, there’s a high chance that you’ll see an elk or a deer,” Caldwell said.
Access is free, and no permit is necessary. But be warned: Drought has led to a fairly low-lying river this year, town officials said. Tubes, kayaks, paddleboards and canoes should have no problem gently drifting downstream, however.
Another place for plunging into water sports is Kenney Reservoir east of town. Motorboats, swimming, fishing and paddling are all allowed, with fishing licenses available for sale at Rangely True Value on Main Street.
The White River’s water depth in Rangely is monitored online in real time by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Pictograph excursions
South of Rangely is the Canyon Pintado National Historic District, an expanse managed by the BLM that covers miles along State Highway 139.
Rangely’s tourism guide recommends starting at the south orientation site. Many of these pictographs are listed as “interpretive sites” on Google Maps and named for their blunt figures: “Cow Canyon,” “White Birds” and “Waving Hands.”
Many of these archaeological sites date back hundreds of years to the Fremont and Ute tribes, according to the town’s tourism guide. They require hiking and some scouting to locate, like the “Carrot Men” pictograph west of Highway 139, off County Road 23 and Cottonwood Road. Like much of Rangely, these sites are remote and entered at the visitor’s discretion. In other words, wear a hat, bring a water bottle and watch your feet.
The trails outside of Rangely are also good for birdwatching, and Caldwell said it’s common to spot bald eagles, golden eagles and, for a portion of the year, great-horned owls.
More information on the rock art south of Rangely can be found at rangelychamber.com.
Vintage automobiles up close
Just off Main Street in Rangely is a museum showcasing a personal collection of vintage automobiles that Caldwell said is “unlike any other.” Hundreds of vehicles owned by Bud Striegel are on display at the Rangely Automotive Museum, which is open most days during the summer. Striegel employs a team of mechanics to restore and spruce up the vehicles, including an Indian-brand motorcycle and a luxury McFarlan that date back to the early 20th century.
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Visit rangelyautomuseum.info for more details and museum hours.
