970-878-5344 (Meeker)
970-638-4511 (Yampa)
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COME WALK IN THEIR FOOTPRINTS
East gateway located near the town of Yampa in Routt County and West Gateway located near Meeker in Rio Blanco County.
The Flat Tops Trail cuts through the heart of the original White River Plateau Timberland Reserve. This landscape of forest, lakes, streams and pasturelands contains a rich history of exploration, recreation and settlement. Native Americans, trappers, pioneers, miners, cowboys, ranchers and outlaws all left their mark on the land, much of it now protected for public recreation and enjoyment.
The Flat Tops Trail travels through an area that is important in conservation history. In 1906, the White River Plateau Timberland Reserve became the second unit of the newly established National Forest system. Two decades later, in a foreshadowing of the 1964 Wilderness Act, development of any kind was banned around Trapper's Lake, resulting in it being known as the "Cradle of Wilderness." The area's history of preservation and multiple-use land management makes for pristine scenery and unmatched wildlife viewing.
The Flat Tops Trail is a "working" byway dotted with active mines, large ranches, and timber-producing woodlands. The byway also offers pristine lakes and an abundance of public campsites and trails for hikers looking for a leisurely stroll or something more challenging.
Yampa is the eastern gateway to the Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway. The area was first settled by cattle ranchers in the late 1800s leading to the incorporation of the Town of Yampa on April 17, 1906. The town was named for a plant with an edible root reflecting the Ute word "yenta" or "yampa."
Meeker was incorporated on November 10, 1885 and lies at the west end of the byway. Meeker's history is marked by significant conflict among cultures. It is the site of the Meeker Massacre, where in 1879 Native American agent Nathan Meeker and seven others were killed by members of the Ute tribe, who opposed Meeker's efforts to convert them to farming. Just off of the Byway is the 1879 Thornburgh Battle Site. Here, U.S. troops under the command of Major Thomas Thornburgh were ambushed by Utes during a siege that lasted several days. The "Ute Wars" continued for a few years, but in 1885, the tribe was forced to move to Utah.
Other conflicts occurred between sheep and cattle ranchers, usually over grazing rights. Both sheep and cattle ranching continue today and maintain a strong presence in the economy and culture of the area.
Meeker and Yampa retain many landmarks and structures from their early days of settlement. Every summer, both towns celebrate the Fourth of July with traditional parades and other festive activities.
FUN FACTS TO KNOW AND TELL 1) In 1917, a U.S. Forest Service landscape architect Arthur Carhart deemed Trappers Lake the birthplace of the American Wilderness. 2) The Flat Tops Wilderness Area is the second largest wilderness area in the State. 3) Meeker, Colorado was the site of the tragic Meeker Massacre in 1879.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT 1) Yampa Museum and Jail 2) Meeker White River Museum - originally quarters for U.S. Military
BEST TIMES TO VISIT 4th of July Weekend July 25 – 26: Smoking River Pow Wow in Meeker Sept 3 – 7: Meeker Classic Sheep Dog Trials
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