North Fork Valley, Colorado
The North Fork Valley lies hidden below the 12,000-foot peaks of the West Elk Wilderness, bordered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and a vast maze of desert canyons. This land is blessed with a climate that supports farms, orchards and vineyards; and a culture that supports artists of all disciplines. Whether you have come to experience nature, sip award winning wines, view fine art or visit an organic farm, there is no place in the world like the North Fork Valley.
Wine Country
The West Elk American Viticultural Area (AVA) ranges in elevation from 5,000 to 6,500 feet, making this one of the highest wine growing regions in the world. Cool nights and low humidity create a unique climate suited to grow the finest Pinot Noir and Riesling in Colorado. Follow the West Elk Wine trail to vineyards and wineries around the valley.
Farm to table
Fresh organic produce are the staple foods of the North Fork Valley. Many organic farms dot the countryside. Organic orchards along the highway offer "you pick" peaches and delicious hand-crafted cider. Dependent on the season, you can find cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, strawberries, apples, nectarines and many more of your favorite fruits growing on local trees and vines. Stay for dinner and pair a bottle of north fork wine with your favorite locally sourced meats.
Natural wonders
Experience nature at its best around this scenic valley. A short drive through the countryside takes you to the edge of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Narrow, polished walls plunge 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River below. Breathtaking vistas are in no shortage on any of the nature trails along the rim. Just down steam lies the angler's paradise of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Trout abound in theses gold medal waters. Hikers and Mountain bikers alike will enjoy the trail network at Jumbo mountain, just behind the town of Paonia. The ancient volcanic neck of Needle Rock juts 800 feet vertically out of the earth near the rural town of Crawford and can be accessed by nature trail.
Art and music
A Colorado Creative District, the North Fork Valley is home to blacksmiths, painters, musicians, glass blowers, and artisans of all disciplines. Local exhibits can be found at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia, and the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss. Live music can be heard at the Blue Sage, the Paradise Theater, Delicious Orchards, and outdoors in Paonia Town Park.
Western Slope SUP is pleased to be a part this amazing valley. Our neighborhood is full of phenomenal opportunities to recreate, taste great food and wine, and experience fine art. Stop in and let us share some friendly local knowledge during your next trip to the North Fork Valley!
Things to do
Organic Farms and u-pick orchards
The North Fork Valley has been home to farms, ranches, and orchards as far back as 1883. Our agricultural tradition is alive and well today. The Valley now hosts a higher concentration of organic farms and orchards than anywhere else in the nation. Many of these working farms only open for visitors during special events such as Mountain Harvest Festival each September. However some farms are available to visit on a regular basis, such as Delicious Orchards, The Living Farm, and Orchard Valley Farms.
Delicious Orchards
Paonia, CO
Delicious has it all. U-pick peaches, plumbs, cherries, apricots, apples, pears and more. Camping is available in the orchard, live music every weekend, and a great farm market. A must-do on any visit to the North Fork Valley.
The Living Farm
Paonia, CO
Self-guided farm tours takes you behind the scenes of a thriving organic farm where you will be able to see firsthand how creating a sustainable “eco-system” is key to a successful farm. Available Fridays and Saturdays June through September.
Orchard Valley Farms
Paonia, CO
Orchard Valley Farms is a fresh fruit lover's dream. Pick your own produce, or purchase at their on-site farm market. Wander the trails through the orchards, vineyards and garden or have a picnic beside the peaceful river.
Wineries
West Elks AVA is noted for its production of white wines. Riesling and Gewurztraminer grow extremely well here as does Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Here they produce some terrific wines. The high elevation and low humidity coupled with cool nights help retain a high degree of acidity as the grapes ripen. This is a positive for all varieties grown in the region, but it makes for especially perfect Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Come out for annual events such as North Fork Uncorked each June, and the West Elk Wine Trail in August!
Mesa Winds Winery
Hotchkiss, CO
Perched atop Roger's Mesa with panoramic views of the West Elks and the Black Canyon
of the Gunnison, Mesa Winds specializes in growing
cool-climate varieties including Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Stone Cottage Cellars
Paonia, CO
Family owned for over 25 years, the Stone Cottage tasting rooms welcomes visitors to the highest elevation vineyard in North America. Sip and savor in the shadow of towering West Elk peaks.
The Storm Cellar
Hotchkiss, CO
A boutique winery specializing in high-quality, aromatic white and rosé wines. Husband-and-wife owners Steve and Jayme, strive to showcase the attributes of their unique, alpine-desert terroir and elevate the Colorado wine experience.
Qutori Wines
Paonia, CO
Located at Root and Vine Market just outside of Paonia, make Qutori your first stop on your tour of North Fork Wine Country. Also a great place for a farm-to-table lunch!
5680' Vineyards
Paonia, CO
Featuring red wines fermented in open vats, barrel aged in French oak, unfined and unfiltered, and barrel fermented and lightly filtered white wines tastings available by appointment, and during special events.
Peony Lane Vineyards
Paonia, CO
Simple agriculture at its finest. The folks at Peony Lane farm without irrigation and embrace natural and sustainable growing practices without pesticides or herbicides. Humbly accepting their role as stewards, producing wine that fully expresses a natural complexity.
Azura Cellars
Paonia, CO
Hand down the most iconic view of Paonia and the West Elks is found from patio at Azura Cellars. Check out their art gallery, and enjoy model yacht sailing at the North Fork Valley’s only yacht club!
Alfred Eams Cellars
Paonia, CO
Featuring red wines fermented in open vats, barrel aged in French oak, unfined and unfiltered, and barrel fermented and lightly filtered white wines tastings available by appointment, and during special events.
Black Bridge Winery
Paonia, CO
Pull up and Adirondack beside the North Fork of the Gunnison River and enjoy the flavors of Black Bridge Winery and Orchard Valley Farms. The North Fork's only river-side winery!
Cycling
The North Fork Valley is a cyclist paradise. Endless miles of road biking can be enjoyed on country roads stretching from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, to the high mesas above the North Fork Valley. Mountain bikers will enjoy technical single track at Jumbo Mountain, Sidewinder Trail, and Crossroads Trails. Be sure to stop in SK Bikes for a tune up or advise before you hit the trails!
SK Bikes
Paonia, CO
Need a tune up or advice on local rides? Renowned cyclist and local Scott Shishim will have you on the trial or cruising down a county road in no time. With 25 years of bike repair experience, there is nothing Scott can't fix. Stop in and ask about single track riding at Jumbo Mountain or some of the best road rides in the state. Located in downtown Paonia.
Jumbo Mountain Trails
Paonia, CO
Enjoy miles of single track riding at the Jumbo Mountain trial system just outside of Paonia, Colorado. Try the flowy, hard packed trails at the foot of the mountain, or go big and climb Jumbo Ridge and enjoy a 1,500' descent!
Sidewinder Trail
Gunnison Gorge NCA, CO
Sidewinder provides almost 20 miles of technical desert singletrack and numerous slickrock sections. The access roads allow you to bite off only as much as you want. There are a few fast/flowy sections and a lot of technical moves to keep you on your toes. The trail is a blast, but don't forget to stop once in a while to enjoy the amazing views.
Hard Cider and Craft Beer
The North Fork Valley has been home to farms, ranches, and orchards as far back as 1883. Our agricultural tradition is alive and well today. The Valley now hosts a higher concentration of organic farms and orchards than anywhere else in the nation. Many of these working farms only open for visitors during special events such as Mountain Harvest Festival each September. However some farms are available to visit on a regular basis, such as Delicious Orchards, The Living Farm, and Orchard Valley Farms.
Big B's Hard Cider
Paonia, CO
Delicious has it all. U-pick peaches, plumbs, cherries, apricots, apples, pears and more. Camping is available in the orchard, live music every weekend, and a great farm market.
Paonia united Brewing
Paonia, CO
Paonia United Brewing Company is dedicated to making and serving high quality, small-batch craft beer. Tasting Room and Beer Garden are family friendly, non-judgmental areas for you to enjoy our hand crafted ales and lagers, and the Paonia way of life.
Chrysalis Beer
Paonia, CO
Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beers are inspired by time honored traditions, using locally grown ingredients aged in oak barrels to create an original Farmhouse style. Find them at the end of Grand Avenue in Paonia.
Lodging
From historic hotels to glamping, castles, farm-stays, and cabins. You will find it all in the North Fork Valley! What you won't find is a Motel 6. From Paonia to Hotchkiss to Crawford, all accommodation is owned and operated by local families. Anywhere you chose to stay you are sure to experience the small town charm that is intrinsic to our corner of Colorado.
The Bross Hotel
Paonia, CO
This 110-year-old historic Victorian lodge is the most prominent building in Paonia. The hotel is located just one block from downtown and a short walk from parks and riverside trails. Rocking chairs on the front porch invite you to sit and enjoy the shade of the large cottonwood trees. The rooms and interior will wrap you in the warm, welcoming comfort of an earlier era.
Jacobs Ranch Homestead
Hotchkiss, CO
You will have three bedrooms to choose from in this home featuring extensive Western art. Your host, Becky, and her family have been stewards of this land for over a century. There are over 250 Black Angus cows and calves in the surrounding pastures from Dec until May. If you come in the Spring, you might see babies being born or at least running and bucking.
Leroux Creek Inn
Hotchkiss, CO
Situate yourself in this adobe style villa with breathtaking views of the Black Canyon and North Fork Valley. The property also holds fields of lavender, a duck pond, and horses. Conveniently located just outside of Hotchkiss, CO.
Stone House Inn
Crawford, CO
Located in historic downtown Crawford, Colorado - The Stone House offers the finest and most central accommodations available for your exploration of the wonders of western Colorado - including the marvelous North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Wisehart Springs Inn
Paonia, CO
Come stay in a sculpture! Art Wisehart and his family have transformed this unusual house with round rooms and turrets into a craftsman's refuge. The Wisehart Springs Inn is a family owned business located on 40 acres in the North Fork Valley. Natural springs run on the property which contribute to its beauty. Their vision is to provide a stunning setting in which explore the valley and its many wonderful attributes. With majestic views and a lofty great room, it is perfect for weddings and events.
Kebler Corner
Somerset, CO
Looking to get away and unplug? Stay at Kebler Corner where you can unwind in convenient accommodations. They offer an array of eight tiny-home style cabins, full RV hook-ups and primitive tent sites. Enjoy the breathtaking views with a variety of on-site amenities including river access, fishing and wi-fi access. If you are looking for a memorable vacation experience in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado – look no further!
Sage View Ranch
Paonia, CO
If you like nature you will LOVE Sage View Ranch. Nestled in the North Fork valley of Colorado this 11.5-acre space offers you a place to park your RV, tent camp, bus glamp, stay in the main house or make this the hosting spot for your special event or destination wedding. Customized to your desire by renting all part of or all of this magical space in Paonia Colorado.
Hotchkiss Inn
Hotchkiss, CO
The Hotchkiss Inn invites you and your family to experience the relaxing and recently remodeled atmosphere. providing amenities like a hot breakfast or warm fireplace. Run by Hotchkiss locals who are truly excited for you to experience their hometown.
North Fork Tipi Haven
Hotchkiss, CO
Conveniently located midway between the historic North Fork towns of Paonia and Hotchkiss, The North Fork Tipi Haven is based on a 22 verdant acres. A small stream runs just behind the tipis, and a green lawn sprawls in front. Each tipi has a new IKEA foam mattress, solar lighting, solar shower, and access to a camp kitchen. Near orchards and wineries.
where is the North Fork Valley?
The North Fork Valley, home to the towns of Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford, is tucked away on Colorado’s Western Slope, centrally located between Grand Junction, Montrose, and Aspen. We are 40-minutes from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, 30-minutes from the Grand Mesa, and 30-minutes from the West Elk Wilderness. The town of Hotchkiss forms the western edge of the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. Our corner of Colorado maintains its country charm due to its hidden rural setting, nestled between the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the world’s largest collection of volcanic “laccolith” mountains, and of course, the Black Canyon. We are not on the way to anywhere, but once you are here, there is no place else you will want to be.
Directions
From Montrose, Co: 50 minutes
Follow US 50 West to Delta, CO. Turn right on Colorado State Highway 92. Follow highway 92 for 20 minutes to downtown Hotchkiss.
From Grand Junction, Co: 1 hour
From downtown Grand Junction, take US 50 East across the Colorado River bridge. Follow US 50 East to Delta, CO. Turn left onto State Highway 92. Follow highway 92 for 20 minutes to downtown Hotchkiss.
From Aspen, Co: 2 hours
Follow Colorado State Highway 82 west towards Carbondale. Turn right on Colorado State Highway 133. Follow 133 90 minutes to downtown Hotchkiss.
From Crested Butte, Co: 1 hour 40 minutes
Follow County Road 12 West over Kebler Pass . Turn left on Colorado State Highway 133. Follow highway 133 for 30 minutes to downtown Hotchkiss.
From Denver, Co: 4 hours
Follow interstate 70 west out of town. At Glenwood Springs, exit onto Colorado State Highway 82 East. Follow Highway 82 10 minutes towards Carbondale. At the stop light, turn right onto Colorado State Highway 133. Follow Highway 133 for 90 minutes to downtown Hotchkiss.
