Red Ryder Roundup
- There is no question about it, the Red Ryder roundup is "The Event" in Pagosa Springs - and the oldest community event of the summer. The town is packed, fun is in the air, and there is plenty of activity for everyone in the family.
The rodeo is named after the famous comic strip character, Red Ryder - the creation of noted western artist Fred Harman. A native of Pagosa Country, Harman used his experiences as a working cowboy as the basis for his paintings. Though he had no formal training as an artist, Harman's oil paintings are known and valued worldwide. Harman was an avid supporter of the Red Ryder Roundup from its inception, and his influence carries on to make the rodeo and other events a success.
The rodeo takes place at the Red Ryder Roundup Arena, where covered bleachers and grandstand provide a shaded setting for spectators to cheer the action and enjoy the matchless panoramic view of the San Juan Mountain range to the east and north.
This year's rodeo will feature bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, dogging, team roping and "Scrambled Egg" team roping, girls' breakaway roping, barrel racing and kids' barrels for 14 and under. Stock will be provided by Buster Webb. A specialty act - "One-Armed Bandit" - will entertain Red Ryder spectators this year. A trophy saddle will be awarded to the all-around cowboy and cowgirl. All first-place winners will receive custom-made spurs in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the rodeo.
Located at US 84 and Mill Creek Road just south of the "Y", East of Pagosa Springs.
Fred Harman Art Museum
- Fred Harman, a native of Pagosa Springs, created the comic strip character "Red Ryder" and his sidekick "Little Beaver", which sold to one of the country's largest syndicates and was seen by 45 million devoted followers in over 750 newspapers on 3 continents. Red Ryder films appeared in more than 8,000 theatres, with books and comic magazines selling by the millions.
With the success of Red Ryder, Harman dreamed of "riding a new trail" and began to devote his time and talent to capturing his experiences in the authentic true West on canvas in oils. Harman's paintings reveal with photographic fidelity his knowledge and appreciation of the colorful land in which he lived. In 1969 he was honored at the Cowboy Hall of Fame.
The Fred Harman Art Museum is open daily, located 2 miles West on US 160 in Pagosa Springs.
(970) 731-5785
Chimney Rock Anasazi Indian Ruins
- Guided tours of Anasazi Indian ruins in the summer, cross-country ski in the winter. Nearby fishing and camping. Pagosa Springs/Bayfield.
Navajo State Park
- Spectacular 15,000 acre mesa lake on the Colorado/New Mexico border. West of Pagosa Springs.
(970) 883-2208
Wolf Creek Ski Area
- The most snow in Colorado. Great powder skiing. Near Pagosa Springs. (970) 264-5629 - Information or (800) SKI-WOLF for Snow Report
Pagosa Hot Springs
- Pools open to the public in Pagosa Springs.
Spa Motel
317 Hot Springs Blvd.
(970) 264-5910 or (800) 832-5523
The Springs Resort & Spa
165 Hot Springs Blvd.
(970) 264-4168 or (800) 225-0934
Plan Your Vacation to Witness Nature's Special Events
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