Rangely, Colorado Weather Cams
Rangely Airport via FAA
Rangely, Colorado: Oil, Ancients, and the White River Legacy
Rangely, Colorado Weather Cams. Tucked into the high desert of northwestern Colorado, Rangely is a town shaped by geology, enriched by ancient cultures, and transformed by the petroleum industry. Located in Rio Blanco County along the White River, Rangely’s story spans from prehistoric sea beds to Fremont rock art, from Ute hunting grounds to one of the most productive oil fields in the Rocky Mountains.
Ancient Landscapes and Early Inhabitants
Rangely’s geological roots stretch back over 300 million years, when a shallow inland sea covered much of what is now western Colorado. Along the sea’s margins, massive sand dunes formed and eventually compressed into porous sandstone—now known as the Weber Formation. This formation would later become the foundation of Rangely’s oil boom.
The earliest known human presence in the area dates to the Fremont culture, which flourished between 400 BCE and 650 CE. These semi-nomadic people left behind a rich legacy of rock art, granaries, and dwellings. Sites like Canyon Pintado and the Texas Creek Overlook preserve petroglyphs and pictographs that reflect astronomical knowledge, hunting scenes, and spiritual symbolism. The Fremont were skilled basket makers and likely used the region’s canyons for both shelter and ceremonial purposes.
By the 1600s, the Ute people—descendants of earlier hunter-gatherers—had become the dominant Indigenous group in the region. Known as the “Blue Sky People,” the Utes adapted to the rugged terrain and were among the first Native Americans to adopt horses, introduced by Spanish explorers. The Utes used the White River Valley for seasonal hunting and gathering, and their presence is still visible in rock art that includes depictions of horses and rifles.
Spanish Influence and Early Settlement
During the 18th century, much of present-day Colorado was under Spanish control. While the Rangely area remained remote, Spanish expeditions passed nearby, and the Utes traded with Spanish settlers. The region remained largely Indigenous territory until the mid-19th century, when increasing conflict and U.S. expansion led to the forced relocation of the Utes to reservations in 1881.
The first permanent white settlers arrived in the early 1880s. Joseph Studer and C.P. Hill established homesteads, and Hill opened a trading post to serve the sparse population. Supplies were freighted in from Salt Lake City and later from Grand Junction. The town’s name was inspired by Rangeley, Maine, the hometown of one of Hill’s relatives, Lee S. Chase.
A post office was established in 1884, and Rangely slowly grew as a ranching and trading community. However, its remote location and arid climate limited large-scale development—until oil changed everything.
The Oil Boom and the Weber Formation
In 1901, oilmen drilled the first well in the Mancos Shale near Rangely, but it proved disappointing. Over the next three decades, thirteen different companies tried and failed to tap into the region’s petroleum potential. It wasn’t until 1931 that Chevron drilled the Raven A-1 well into the Weber Sandstone. After a year of drilling, the well struck oil at a depth of 6,335 feet and began producing 230 barrels per day in 1933.
Despite its promise, the well was capped due to the Great Depression and low demand for crude oil. It remained idle until World War II, when the need for domestic energy sources reignited interest. Chevron reopened the Raven A-1, and Rangely quickly transformed into a booming oil camp. The town was officially incorporated in 1946.
By 1949, the Rangely Oil Field had 478 wells spread across 30 miles. At its peak in 1956, the field produced 82,000 barrels per day. The Rangely Weber Sand Unit, as it came to be known, became the largest oil field in the Rocky Mountain region. Over time, it has yielded more than 815 million barrels of oil. As of the early 21st century, the field still produced around 20,000 barrels per day, accounting for a significant portion of Colorado’s oil output.
Community and Education
As the oil industry flourished, so did Rangely’s civic infrastructure. Schools, churches, and businesses sprang up to serve the growing population. In 1962, Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) was established in Rangely, providing higher education and vocational training to the region. CNCC remains a cornerstone of the community, offering programs in aviation, dental hygiene, and energy technology.
The Rangely Outdoor Museum preserves the town’s heritage with exhibits on oil drilling, pioneer life, and Native American history. The museum includes historic buildings, drilling equipment, and interpretive displays that connect visitors to the town’s multifaceted past.
Rio Blanco County and the White River Corridor
Rangely is one of two major towns in Rio Blanco County, which was created in 1889 from a portion of Garfield County. The county’s name—Spanish for “White River”—reflects the central role of the river in shaping the region’s ecology and settlement patterns.
The White River Valley has long supported agriculture, ranching, and wildlife. The river’s headwaters begin in the Flat Tops Wilderness and flow westward through Meeker and Rangely before joining the Green River in Utah. The valley’s fertile bottomlands and reliable water supply made it a natural corridor for both Indigenous peoples and settlers.
Rio Blanco County is also home to significant public lands, including portions of the White River National Forest and the Dinosaur National Monument. The latter, located northwest of Rangely, preserves fossil beds and petroglyphs and draws visitors from around the world.
A Town in Transition
Today, Rangely is home to around 2,300 residents. While oil remains a key part of the local economy, the town has diversified with education, tourism, and outdoor recreation. The surrounding mesas and canyons offer opportunities for hiking, off-roading, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Canyon Pintado Historic District, with its extensive rock art panels, is a testament to the region’s deep human history.
Though its fortunes have risen and fallen with the price of oil, Rangely endures as a community rooted in resilience, resourcefulness, and a profound connection to the land. From ancient petroglyphs to modern pump jacks, the story of Rangely is one of adaptation and discovery—etched into stone, soil, and memory.
For more information, visit the Rangely, Colorado official website.