Round-Up Drive-In
20881 US Highway 285,
La Jara,
CO
81140
20881 US Highway 285,
La Jara,
CO
81140
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A paragraph from my book, “Drive-Ins of Colorado”:
(Herb Gumper) died of a heart attack while on a fishing trip in July 1964. Herbert’s son Max took over the Roundup, keeping it running for about another decade. Boxoffice reported that he installed a new marquee before the 1971 season, so we know it was open then, but the (La Jara) Gazette didn’t include any ads for it in the summer of 1972.
A November 2022 Google Street View shows little has changed. The property is still covered with junked vehicles and various items as if the place was hit by a tornado.
It’s a stunning setting with mountains visible in the background on all sides, albeit in the distance. There is even a full moon present in the November 2022 street view as well just to make it look even more lovely. Too bad the property will remain a salvage yard in great need of a big, hot fire to clear the land.
Motion Picture Herald, May 30, 1953: “Herb Gumper is about ready to open his new Roundup, 300-car drive-in, La Jara, Colo.”
Boxoffice, July 4, 1953: “Mr. and Mrs. Herb Gumper opened their new Roundup Drive-In Theatre by inviting the public to a free show. The Roundup is north of La Jara on the La Jara highway.”
A May, 2018 street view from Google shows apparently the projection booth sitting atop the shop, which may have been the concession stand, which currently occupies the property.
In a 1966 aerial, the projection booth/concession stand were on the west side of the property. It does appear that both buildings may have been moved to where the screen once sat.
A more accurate address for this theater is 20881 US Hwy 285, La Jara, CO 81140. This points directly to the entrance road.
Please update.
U.S. 285 & County Road Y La Jara, CO 81140