Colorado’s
North Fork Valley
The Other Side of Colorado
Hotchkiss, Crawford, Paonia
Hotchkiss, Crawford, Paonia
Welcome!
Welcome to Colorado’s organic food and wine country—where mornings begin on the farm, afternoons wander from trails to rivers to local galleries, and nights unfold with live music beneath some of the darkest skies in the world.
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Where to Stay
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Where to Eat
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Events Calendar
The other side of Colorado
Arts | Agriculture | Wine | Recreation
What to do
The North Fork Valley is Colorado’s Organic Food and Wine Country offering an incredible array of local specialty foods and world-class—yet accessible—locally-grown and fermented wines.
If that wasn’t enough, the Valley is full of incredible outdoor recreation opportunities from mountain biking to fly fishing, rafting and hiking.
After you visit farms and wineries or explore the outdoors by day, kick back for a sweet evening of live music under some of the best stargazing in Colorado.
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Wineries
Follow the West Elks Wine Trail to unlock an incredible flavor journey and some of the best views in the North Fork Valley.
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Farm Visits
Known as Colorado’s Organic Farm & Wine Region, some of the state’s most highly regarded orchards, vineyards, ranches and farms call the North Fork home.
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Art Galleries & Boutiques
The North Fork is home to countless artists and craftspeople that are both preserving the past through time honored traditions and envisioning a vibrant future with their talented imaginations.
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Outdoor Recreation
Nestled between two of Colorado’s largest wilderness regions, the outdoor recreation opportunities abound in the North Fork Valley.
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Live Music
In the tradition of the Old West, the North Fork Valley loves to gather round the fires for a good pickin’ session.
Where to Stay
Whether you're looking for a cozy inn, a quiet bed & breakfast, a working farm experience, or a campsite beneath a sky full of stars, the North Fork Valley offers lodging as unique as the landscape itself.
Where to Eat
Come hungry. The North Fork Valley is home to an impressive mix of farm-to-table restaurants, cozy cafés, bakeries, wineries, cideries, food trucks, and small-town favorites.
Base Camp to great outdoor destinations
The North Fork Valley offers easy access to some of the most iconic and breathtaking landscapes on Colorado’s Western Slope
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the one of the steepest, deepest and oldest canyons in North America. In fact, some parts of the canyon floor only receive a few minutes of sunlight a day. Even though it’s the least visited national park in Colorado, its recreation opportunities are endless, from hiking, climbing, rafting, to incredible stargazing.
Kebler Pass in the Gunnison National Forest
Discover one of the largest aspen groves in North America on this 30 mile gravel road that is open during the summer season. Connecting the North Fork Valley to Crested Butte, this route offers world class hiking and access to several high alpine lakes perfect for a SUP.
Grand Mesa National Forest
The largest flat top mountain in the world is home to over 300 stream-fed lakes and reservoirs. Enjoy countless chances for fishing and boating as well and several campsites and cabin rentals available. Hike the many forest service trails on the Mesa in the summer and incredible cross country skiing maintained by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council in the winter.
Colorado National Monument
The Colorado National Monument gives visitors the chance to see all of the iconic rock formations of Utah and the Colorado Plateau in one easy to access place right here in Colorado. Cruise the beautiful Rim Rock Drive through the Monument to take in breathtaking canyons, spires and more–you might even see some mountain goats. Stop to hike and take photos at the overlooks, too.
Crystal Mill
Crystal Mill is one of Colorado’s most iconic scenes encapsulating the gorgeous mountain landscape paired with classic pioneering imagery of early mining infrastructure. The Crystal Mill is located 6 miles east of Marble, just before the ghost town of Crystal. It is reachable only in the summer and fall months by a rough, one-lane, 4-wheel-drive road. The trip to Crystal and The Mill can be reached by foot, mountain bike, or guided jeep tour.
Moab
Moab is an adrenaline junkie’s heaven! Everything from climbing, off-roading, bas jumping, and whitewater rafting are a go here. Framed by Utah’s breathtaking red rocks, Moab is a must visit for any outdoor enthusiast.
Telluride
Telluride is one of Colorado’s most remote mountain towns nestled sweetly into a box canyon in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Waterfalls abound here and the skiing and hiking are unmatched. Stay here for the perfect blend of the Old West meets modern day ski town.