Nestled atop Wright’s Mesa at 7000 feet, Norwood has spectacular vistas of high alpine and wild desert country.
Far horizons are ringed by the La Sal Mountains in the west, the Uncompahgre Plateau to the north, the San Juan Mountains in the east and, to the south is Norwood’s own jewel, Lone Cone Peak. Rugged desert canyons etch the landscape between.
Norwood’s abundance of outdoor opportunities, mild climate, and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the Four Corners’ and Colorado’s best-kept secrets.
Throughout years of change and growth, Norwood has retained its “old west small town charm.” Equestrian and agricultural heritages are deeply interwoven in the lives of Norwood’s residents. Cattle drives are common and summer hosts the largest monetary rodeo on the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association circuit. Norwood’s history takes center stage in September, with the Pioneer Day celebration, honoring long-term local residents with a parade, traditional feast and old-time children’s games. One of America’s most infamous historical figures found his start in Norwood – Butch Cassidy. We invite you to learn about Norwood’s pioneer history! Click here or swing by the Norwood History Museum while you’re in town.
How To Get To Norwood
A true hidden gem and a hub of outdoor recreation on Colorado’s Western Slope, Norwood is perfectly situated atop Wright’s Mesa between the deserts of Western Colorado’s canyon country and the rugged San Juan Mountains. Norwood is located on the eastern edge of Colorado’s famed “West End,” along Colorado Highway 145 just 30 miles west of Telluride and 20 miles east of Nucla-Naturita.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Unaweep-Tabaguache Scenic Byway, down the red rock rimmed San Miguel Canyon where the San Miguel River flows along side. As you top out on Norwood Hill, you will gasp at the majestic 12,700 foot Lone Cone Mountain as it stands as silent sentinel over Wright’s Mesa. As the sun sets beautifully behind the Blue and La Sal Mountains to the west in Utah, you will feel as if you are in a wide valley surrounded by mountains. Just a couple more miles to the ranching community of Norwood, where western hospitality awaits you.
Things To Do Around Norwood
Numerous opportunities for hunting, fishing, dirt biking and off-roading, mountain biking and cycling, hiking and climbing, kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding, boating and rafting, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing abound for outdoor lovers. Action lovers find year-round fun surfing the mesa with ATVs in summer and snowmobiles in winter. Horseback riding enthusiasts ride year-round in Norwood’s mild climate. The San Miguel River, Uncompahgre Plateau, Lone Cone Mountain, Miramonte Reservoir and acres of public land are just minutes away. Norwood is the perfect place to savor the outdoors. Visit our Outdoor Recreation page to learn more about recreational opportunities around Norwood!
Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Where To Stay In Norwood
Norwood offers a number of quaint hotels and inns as well as a variety of vacation rentals, bed and breakfast and Airbnb options. Hotel options include the historic Hotel Norwood as well as the Backcountry Inn and Norwood Inn. Looking to stay off the beaten path? JAM Ranch and Pilgrim’s Road Vacation Rental and B&B are a just couple of Norwood’s cozy vacation rental and bed and breakfast options!
Norwood also offers ample camping options, most of which are designated free camping areas. Camping can be found along with river access on BLM land along the San Miguel River on Highway 145 between Norwood and Placerville. If sunrises, sunsets and star gazing is your thing, camp under the wide open sky at Miramonte Reservoir. Other options for camping include designated camping areas along the Thunder Road trail system, located just two miles south of Norwood, as well as alone the Busted Arm Draw road which is located off Lone Cone Road (44ZS), 15 miles south of Norwood. Camping can also be found anywhere within the Uncompahgre National Forest.
For RV campers, Norwood has an RV dump station which is conveniently located in town at the intersection of Summit Street and Cedar Street and is open seven days a week. Visit the Town of Norwood or call (970) 729-0112 for hours and information.
Please visit these resources for more information on camping on Wright’s Mesa.
- GMUG National Forest
- Miramonte Reservoir/Dan Noble State Wildlife Area
- San Miguel River BLM Camping Information
What To Eat In Norwood
Wright’s Mesa is well known for its farming and ranching heritage. Folks have been laying down roots on Wright’s Mesa, farming the area’s fertile land for well over a century, and continue to make farming and ranching a way of life today. Norwood has long-prided itself on its ability to self-sustain its community and provide locally sourced produce and meats to local and neighboring food economies.
From pizza, sandwiches, salads, appetizers featuring locally sourced produce at Maggie’s Pizza, to organic, farm-fresh produce, locally raised meat, eggs, milk and cheeses, and various grocery options from the FRESH Food Hub and Indian Ridge Farm, as well as local artisan handmade bread from Blue Grouse Bread, Norwood has your food needs covered! Check out Norwood’s dining and grocery options within our Business Directory!