Photo by Dennis Eymann
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 and San Miguel Mountains in the east and, to the south… Norwood’s own jewel… the Lone Cone. Rugged desert canyons etch the landscape between.
Throughout years of change and growth, Norwood has retained its “old west small town charm”. Travelers can pause for a look through our shops where local artisans sell their wares, dine on fine food, lodge for the night and enjoy our small town hospitality.
Getting Here
Photo by Bob McKeever
Norwood is only 33 miles west of Telluride, a roughly 45-minute drive. Follow Colorado 145 west along the Unaweep-Tabaguache Scenic Byway. You’ll enjoy the scenic forty-minute drive down the red rock rimmed San Miguel River Canyon to Norwood. 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 fell 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.
Looking For Detailed Maps?
The USDA Forest Service – Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest offers a really nice map. Scaled 1/2 in. per mile, the map shows roads, trails, streams, lakes, recreation sites, land ownership, and major points of interest. Please visit their website or contact them at (970) 874-6600 or TDD (970) 874-6660.
You may also visit their local office during the week:
The Norwood Ranger District
P.O. Box 388
1150 Forest
Norwood, CO 81423
(970) 327-4261
Local Statistics
- Population of Norwood: 519 (as of 2011)
- Elevation: 7,015 ft. (2,135 meters)
- Most Famous Peak: Lone Cone, 12,700 ft. (3,871 meters)
- Founded: 1905
- Industry: Tourism, Ranching, Construction
- Average Sale Price: $192,470 (as of 2004)
- Location: 35 mi. west of Telluride and 119 mi. south of Grand Junction on Hwy 145
- County: San Miguel
- Nearest Airports: Telluride, Montrose, Cortez, Grand Junction
- Other Report: San Miguel County Sustainability Report – 2006
For more information, visit www.Region10.net/about/sanmiguel.cfm