Paradox, Colorado

The Paradox Valley lies approximately 100 miles from Telluride and is on the main route to Moab. The Paradox Valley is a huge collapsed salt dome forming a vast depression. The Dolores River crossed the valley on the short axis. Almost invariably, a valley parallels a stream or river and has been formed by the water flow. In this case,  the river crosses the short axis and is not the cause of the valley; hence the paradox.

The historic Bedrock Store sits close to the Dolores River along the highway. Part of the movie Thelma and Louise was filmed here. The upper end of the valley is extremely arid and desolate. The lower end of the valley beneath the red cliffs is heavily irrigated and supports hay and cattle operation. The small community of Paradox has a post office, community center and fire station.