North Fork Valley - Northwest Colorado

The North Fork Valley is a land rich in history of coal, fruit and cattle. The first settlers came to the North Fork Valley from Lake city in 1880. Soon Ira Quimbly Sanborn discovered coal in the Somerset area of the upper North Fork in 1899. Then, when the railroad came to the area in 1902, the railroad changed the commercial scale of the fruit industry. Today, the area is known for the worlds best apples, along with peaches, cherries, wine grapes, apricots and pears.

The close by West Elk Wilderness is a magnificent place for hiking and hunting. The entire area is a focal point of back roads and trails leading into the wilderness. Take a drive along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway and record some of this area's uniqueness with your camera.

The town of Hotchkiss contains many orchards, farms and small ranches. Hotchkiss hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Delta County Fair in August, the North Fork Valley Bluegrass Festival and Black Canyon Art Exhibit in June, and the Sheep Dog Trials in May.

Nearby, in Paonia, you'll find abundant orchards filled with sweet and sour cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, pears, nectarines and a large variety of apples. Samuel Wade founded the town of Paonia in 1882 when he brought the first fruit trees into the valley. In addition to Paonia's farmers, the area's economy is based on coalmines and ranching. The area is now known as a New Age community.

North Fork Valley is near: Crawford, Delta, Grand Junction & Grand Mesa Area

North Fork Valley Featured Advertisers

Hubbard Creek Outfitters (License #1115)
Near Hotchkiss in Gunnison National Forest. Family trail rides on well-trained mountain horses. Summer backcountry camping trips. Hunter & rifle sportsman are guarantee a wonderful experience.

All North Fork Valley Advertisers

Electric Mountain Lodge
Adjacent to Grand Mesa in Gunnison National Forest near Paonia: This resort offers cabins, lodge room, camping sites and a restaurant/bar. Snowmobile rentals & tours. Hiking & snowmobiling trails on-site.

Gunnison River Expeditions: Fishing, Rafting & Hunting
Experience the Gold Medal Waters of the Gunnison River in the North Fork Valley near Montrose and Delta Colorado! Guided float fishing, rafting & hunting expeditions with expert guide.

Hubbard Creek Outfitters (License #1115)
Near Hotchkiss in Gunnison National Forest. Family trail rides on well-trained mountain horses. Summer backcountry camping trips. Hunter & rifle sportsman are guarantee a wonderful experience.

North Fork Motel
Along the West Elk Scenic Byway at the junction of Hwys 92 & 133, between Delta & Paonia, these clean cozy guest rooms have cable TV and air conditioning. On the east side of Hotchkiss, walk to everything.

Redwood Arms Motel
On 20 acres this quaint 18 room hotel offers spacious rooms with coffeemaker, air conditioning & Cable TV near Paonia at the base of Grand Mesa, along The West Elk Scenic Loop Byway. Walk to river fishing.

For More Information Contact:

North Fork Valley Maps

Local Area Maps
Montrose/Ouray Area

Snowmobile
Gunnison/Crested Butte Snowmobile Trails

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