Gateway

A general store, cafe, tiny hotel and beautiful resort mark one of Colorado's westernmost communities, aptly dubbed Gateway. The town's name denotes its location at the entrance to Colorado from bordering Utah, and the surrounding landscape reveals something of both states. This rugged and remote town near John Brown and Unaweep canyons offers access to untouched backcountry adventures in the La Sal Mountains and Uncompahgre National Forest. However, visitors looking for adventure should be aware that sudden rainstorms can quickly flood desert arroyos. The Dolores River also runs from high in the San Juan Mountains through Gateway to the border of Colorado. Class III and IV whitewater rapids rush along the five-mile stretch through challenging Paradox Canyon.