Rial Chew Ranch Complex

Rial Chew Ranch Complex is a collection of early 20th century buildings located within Dinosaur National Monument. The site includes a main house, cabin, root cellar, corrals, and multiple storage buildings that together formed a working farm system.

The Chew family established this ranch in 1900 and operated it for several decades. The property continued functioning under special permits until the early 1970s before eventually becoming part of the monument's management.

The buildings show how ranchers lived and worked in this region, with structures built for daily livestock and field management. The arrangement of structures around the living areas reflects the demands of farm life in remote areas.

The complex is located near US Highway 40 in the Dinosaur, Colorado area, with parking available for visitors. Best access comes through marked paths around the historic structures.

The ranch system relied on Pool Creek's water resources to operate orchards and irrigation systems. This water-based agriculture allowed three generations of the family to thrive in this semi-arid environment.

Location: Moffat County

GPS coordinates: 40.49861,-109.01306

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:47