Delta County, Colorado, Visitor Guide 2018 by Delta County Independent

DELTA COUNTY Visitors Guide

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

DELTA • CEDAREDGE • CRAWFORD • PAONIA • HOTCHKISS • ORCHARD CITY

A Utopia Of True Vintage & Antique Treasures ��

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WELCOME TO DELTA COUNTY

NEBRASKA

WYOMING

Craig

UTAH

Under the majestic shadow of the Grand Mesa, Delta County is burgeoning with adventure and restful solitude. With elevations from 4,000 feet to 11,000 feet, the lands here reveal unparalleled outdoor adventure; sacred lands that time forgot; abundant tastes for your palate; and an invitation for you to find yourself. The cowboy, the angler, the chef and the dreamer — all can be found in the beauty and fresh air surrounding Delta County. If an outdoor adventure or a pleasant afternoon browsing art galleries and treasures in museums is what you seek, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Let this guide serve as your inspiration. Come and enjoy all that is Delta County, one of Colorado’s hidden treasures! ~Delta County Tourism Council

Glenwood Springs Grand Junction

135

Gunnison

Leadville

Crested Butte

Montrose

DENVER

Aspen 133

Colorado Springs

COLORADO

Pueblo

550

ADVERTISERS INDEX A Simpler Time Bed & Breakfast . . . . . . Alpine Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antelope Hill Orchards . . . . . . . . . . . . AppleFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AppleShed Gallery/Williams Cellars . . . . Aspen Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Lehman Photography . . . . . . . . . . Berg Harvest Mercantile . . . . . . . . . . . Big B’s Delicious Orchards, Juice & Hard Cider Bluebird Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Bridge Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Sage Center for the Arts . . . . . . . . Bross Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cedaredge Creekside Café . . . . . . . . . Cedaredge Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . Chicken Roost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cirque Cyclery/Remedy Juice Bar . . . . . City of Delta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clubb’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clyde’s Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conﬂuence Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creamery Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . Cristee-Meade Building Company . . . . . Daily Home Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Davis Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta County Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta County Memorial Hospital . . . . . . Delta County Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta Dab & Doobie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .

. . . 25 . . . 18 . . . 19 . . . 31 12/15/19 . . . . 14 . . . . 33 . . 19/23 . . 12/19 . . . . 33 . . . . 12 . . . . 9 . . . . 25 . . . . 14 . . . . 16 . . . . 35 . . . . 32 . . . . 9 . . . . 37 . . . . 7 . . . . 7 . . . . 17 . . . . 36 . . . . 6 . . . . 27 . . . . 7 . . . . 30 . . . . 40 . . . . 36 . . . . 17 . . . . 19 . . . . 7

Delta Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delta Parade of Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deltarado Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Devil’s Thumb Golf Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . DeVries Fruit & Veggies . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diamond Joe Café & Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . Egyptian Theatre/Tru Vu Drive-In . . . . . . . . Elsewhere Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairlamb House Bed & Breakfast . . . . . . . . Fort Uncompahgre/U.S. Forest Service . . . . Fritchman Orchards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th & Main Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Mesa Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Mesa Art & Events Center . . . . . . . . Hotchkiss Community Chamber of Commerce Hotchkiss Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hotchkiss Meats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hub, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Impressionz Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kwiki Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leon’s Produce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lily & Rose Home Furnishings . . . . . . . . . . Lost Mesa Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mattics Orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Millennium Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain Harvest Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountain View Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Needle Rock Brewing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . Needlerock Mountain Realty & Land . . . . . . North Fork Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Old Slaughterhouse Music Hall . . . . . . . . . Ollie’s Ice Cream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27 2 27 16 5 9 27 36 2 6 19 2 4 31 30 33 30 38 5 7 19 39 5 19 14 9 12 2 33 37 5 23

Orchard Valley Farms . . . . Our Cozy Cabin . . . . . . . Paonia Creative District . . Peaceful Waters of Paonia . RJ’s Steakhouse . . . . . . . Red Shed Produce . . . . . Redwood Arms Motel . . . Rocking W Cheese . . . . . Rocky Mountain Inn . . . . Rogers Mesa Fruit . . . . . Rogers Mesa Store . . . . . SK Bikes . . . . . . . . . . . Sky Hawk Winery . . . . . . Sparky’s Farm Market . . . Stacy’s on Main . . . . . . . Starr’s Guitars . . . . . . . . Stay Wise Inn . . . . . . . . Stoney Mesa Winery . . . . Tayshen Automotive . . . . United Country Realty . . . Wag’s World Orchards . . . Western Culture Farmstead Williams Cellars . . . . . . . Yost Family Dentistry . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . 19 . . 9 . . 9 . . 23 . . 13 . . 19 . . 23 . . 2 . . 25 . . 19 . . 38 . . 9 . . 12 . . 19 . . 5 . . .5 . . 31 12/25 . . 17 . . 30 . . 19 19/23 12/15 . . 27

A PUBLICATION OF THE DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT 401 Meeker Street • Delta 970-874-4421 www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 3

GRAND MESA

Come Tour Grand Mesa with us. ��

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4 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

If you’re looking for a great place to “unplug,” consider a trip to one of the coolest areas around — Grand Mesa National Forest. With an average elevation of 10,000 feet, summer temperatures are considerably lower than those in the valley below. To reach this oasis of lakes, meadows and forests, take the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway (Highway 65). From Grand Junction take Interstate70 east to exit 49. From Delta, drive east on Highway 92 to the intersection with Highway 65. The Delta route will take you from fruit-laden orchards in the Surface Creek Valley through the small towns of Cory and Eckert to Cedaredge, the retail and arts hub of the valley and home to the Pioneer Town museums and historic village. North of Cedaredge you’ll travel to hillsides covered with piñon and juniper, to forests of spruce, fir and aspen. The forests and meadows provide food and cover for big game animals such as elk, deer and moose. Porcupine, snowshoe rabbits, pine squirrels, chipmunks and yellow-bellied marmots are some of the small mammals you might spot. Sun-splashed meadows filled with wildflowers line the highway. Along the route, you’ll find turnoffs to numerous picnic areas, cabins, lodges and lakes. Camping opportunities abound on Grand Mesa. In addition to privately operated cabins and lodges, the U.S. Forest Service offers cabin rentals, developed campgrounds and more isolated dispersed camping areas. Nearly every lake or pond on Grand Mesa offers good fishing opportunities. Many of the larger lakes and reservoirs are home to lake trout and northern pike. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders will find a variety of trails of varying length, although not all trails are open to all types of use. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Crag Crest National Recreation Trail, a 10-mile-long circular trail rising from east and west trailheads, with a 6.5-mile-long path stretching across the top of Crag Crest. At the crest, the trail is about three feet wide with steep drop-offs on both sides and awesome vistas. Equally spectacular views can be found on the Land O Lakes Overlook, a gentle hike with views of 13 lakes and the valley floor below. Stop by the Grand Mesa Visitor Center for brochures, maps and books detailing the many trails atop Grand Mesa. Forest Service staff can also tell you where the fish are biting. Grand Mesa Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer.

THE STORY OF GRAND MESA

The Spaniards named the Grand Mesa “Mesa Grande,” meaning “large table,” an apt description for the world’s largest tabletop mountain. The story of the Grand Mesa lakes is one of dynamic geological processes and determined men. The work of glaciers and a weathering process known as “slumping” created the depressions, then industrious men used the topography to build reservoirs to provide a dependable, summer-long supply of water to irrigate orchards and crops in the valley.

HELPFUL CONTACTS Community News/Events Delta County Independent 970-874-4421 deltacountyindependent.com Chambers/Visitor Info Cedaredge - 970-856-6961 www.cedaredgecolorado.com www.cedaredgechamber.com Crawford www.crawfordcountry.org Delta - 970-874-8616 www.deltacolorado.org Hotchkiss - 970-872-3226 www.hotchkisschamber.com Orchard City www.orchardcityco.org Paonia - 970-527-3886 www.paoniachamber.com Delta County www.deltacountycolorado.com Public Lands/Parks Colorado Parks & Wildlife www.parks.state.co.us U.S. Forest Service www.fs.usda.gov/gmug Bureau of Land Management www.blm.gov Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park www.nps.gov/blca/

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 5

HISTORIC FORT UNCOMPAHGRE ON THE OLD SPANISH TRAIL

Fort Uncompahgre Living History Museum, located on the northeastern corner of Conﬂuence Park in Delta, is a re-creation of Antoine Roubidoux’s 1828-1844 fur trapping and trading post. The fort has been faithfully replicated, from the dirt ﬂoors to the piles of furs and animal hides on display. The original fort was located along the North Branch of the Old Spanish Trail, so Fort Uncompahgre also serves as an interpretive center for the Old Spanish Trail, remnants of which are still visible just outside of town. The North Branch was basically a trade route — early explorers, trappers and traders used it to trade with the native Ute tribes of Colorado. Spanish and Mexican traders traveled the Old Spanish Trail from Santa Fe and Taos, N.M., through the San Luis Valley and west over the Continental Divide to the Gunnison River, passing by the original Fort Uncompahgre, then north to the Colorado River and on to the Uintah Basin. Self-guided tours of the fort are available on a seasonal basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. There is an admission fee. Additionally, the visitor center provides information about public lands in the area. Western Colorado is the only place in the West boasting three BLM National Conservation Areas — Gunnison Gorge, Dominguez-Escalante and McInnis Canyons — within an hour’s drive of one another. Permits, maps and literature for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are also available at the fort. Stop by to learn about trails, roads and campgrounds on the surrounding forests. Learn more by calling 970-874-8349 or online at http://fortuncompahgre.org/.

Grand Mesa Uncompahgre Gunnison

National Forest Headquarters is TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Visitor information services has been relocated to

�� 440 North Palmer Street • Delta, CO

�� Open Monday–Saturday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Forest Maps, Wood Permits, Literature, America the Beautiful Passes and Christmas Tree Permits may be purchased at The Fort. Forest, Campground, and Trail Information is also Available at The Fort.

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DELTA ACE HARDWARE IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide —7

BIKING

By Ben Lehman www.lehmanimages.com

Delta County’s trails and peaceful, backcountry roads provide a multitude of options for bikers of all ages and abilities. These mountain bike routes are recommended by the DAMB (Delta Area Mountain Bikers):

EASY: ESCALANTE RIM LOOP JUMBO MOUNTAIN

Located just east of Paonia, the single-track trails of scenic Jumbo Mountain are popular with all ages and levels for hiking, running and biking. A vertical climb of about 1,200 feet to the summit will take you to “The Hammock,” where eagles’ nests can be spotted in Jumbo Mountain’s rock face and the views encompass the North Fork Valley’s picturesque hills, farms and vineyards. The trails are on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. You can find trail maps online at MTB Project or Trailforks, or by dropping by The Cirque Cyclery or SK Bikes in Paonia.

While single track trails are planned for the future of this beautiful high desert area west of Delta, mountain bikers can take advantage of historic jeep trails, which now see little use by motorized vehicles. One of the locals’ favorite rides is the Escalante Rim Loop, taken from Escalante Rim Road, which intersects with West 5th Street (Sawmill Mesa Road) approximately 7 miles west of Delta. The loop is technically easy for the most part, but the climbs can be physically challenging. For those who do not like to climb, the best part of the loop can be ridden as a shuttled ride from the top of Sawmill Mesa Road, then across the top on the edge of the Dry Fork of the Escalante, with beautiful views of canyon country below, back to Escalante Rim Road, and back down to the Cactus Park. A detailed map of the area is available at copmoba.org.

MODERATE: COUNTY LINE TRAIL

When the summer temperatures in Delta County approach triple digits, it’s time to get high. Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world, sits at a cool 10,000 feet. The temperatures are usually 15-20 degrees cooler than the surrounding valleys so it’s the perfect summer destination for a ride in the cool and crisp mountain air. Of the many trails open to mountain bikes on the Mesa, one is a project of the Delta Area Mountain Bikers — the County Line Trail. This is a moderate 6.5 mile loop that roughly follows the popular cross-country ski loop. Very little climbing is involved so it’s not as hard on the lungs as the altitude would suggest, but a few rocky sections give it the moderate rating. The well-marked trailhead is easily found by driving up Highway 65 about 33 miles from Delta. This trail is best ridden in a counter clockwise direction.

DIFFICULT: SIDEWINDER TRAIL

East of Delta in the Gunnison Gorge NCA is the challenging Sidewinder Trail. While this trail is rated difficult for most of its length, the north end, particularly that area that intersects the Powerline jeep road, is more moderate, and a good place to test your mettle. The entire trail is 22 miles in length, so many riders opt to take a section at a time, using intersecting jeep roads to return to base. Find a trail map at www.blm.gov, copmoba.org or at MTBproject.com.

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 9

DELTA

With a population of about 8,000, Delta is a small city offering all the amenities of an urban area — without the traffic! Clean air, locally grown food, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and high speed broadband make Delta an attractive place to live and work. The city is a regional shopping destination that also boasts top-quality medical facilities — Delta County Memorial Hospital was named one of the top 100 rural community hospitals in the nation in 2018. The city also has an 18-hole golf course, a recreation center with a full-size pool, and one of the few drive-in movie theaters remaining in Colorado. North of Delta, the county-owned Blake Field is busy with takeoffs and landings, and is home base for Ultimate Skydiving Adventures and Rocky Mountain Air Tours. The “gem” of the city is Confluence Park, a 265-acre riparian oasis featuring foot, bike and horse trails, a disc golf course, picnic sites, a stocked fishing lake and river access. Delta demonstrates a strong love for public art with numerous murals, sculptures and floral displays along Main Street and in its parks. Stop by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce office at the corner of 3rd and Main for a map of all the city’s murals.

CEDAREDGE

Nestled at the base of Grand Mesa, at “the edge of the cedars,” is the warm, friendly community of Cedaredge, population 2,300. With a variety of shops, art galleries, motels and restaurants, it’s a great place to launch your outdoor adventure. The town is the “Gateway to the Grand Mesa,” which offers fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, crosscountry skiing, camping and hunting. Your first stop should be the Welcome Center, located just off Highway 65 (the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway) at Pioneer Town. Take time to tour the 19th century western village, which features 25 original or reconstructed buildings, including a jail, schoolhouse, saloon and blacksmith’s shop. The surrounding countryside features dozens of vineyards and orchards producing apples, pears, peaches, apricots and cherries. Cedaredge is the largest community in the Surface Creek Valley, named for the creek that flows from the abundant waters of Grand Mesa. From the walking trails along the creek, you can often glimpse deer, a variety of birds and the occasional fisherman. Other amenities include newly-opened Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center, a unique and challenging 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a skate park, and a climbing wall at Cedaredge Middle School that’s open to the public on Friday evenings 6-9 p.m. from August to May.

ORCHARD CITY Orchard City is the product of three small communities — Eckert, Austin and Cory — which banded together to construct a much-needed domestic pipeline to transport clean, fresh water from Grand Mesa. Each has separate post offices, separate zip codes, and separate histories, but all are part of one common entity. Orchard City retains a rural atmosphere, encompassing an 11-square-mile area in which over 3,100 residents make their homes. The area is dotted with farms, ranches, pastures and orchards. Fruitgrowers Reservoir is known as one of the best waterbirding spots on the Western Slope. Greater Sandhill Cranes come through in large numbers in the early spring and roost for the night in Hart’s Basin to the north of the reservoir. The town park at 11245 2100 Road features pavilions, a playground, 1.5-mile walking path, and softball/baseball/ soccer fields. The ball fields are known as the Field of Dreams, in tribute to a large group of volunteers who banded together to make their dream a reality. 10 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

HOTCHKISS

There is a reason the signs that greet travelers at either end of town declare Hotchkiss to be the “Friendliest Town Around.” Take a walk around the charming small town and you’ll find friendliness at every corner. Located where Highway 92 intersects with Highway 133, Hotchkiss is long on hometown atmosphere and community spirit. By virtue of the town’s location at the natural crossroads of the North Fork Valley, Hotchkiss developed as a supply center for area settlers, many of whom had established cattle and sheep ranches, and extensive orchards, in the last two decades of the 19th century. Hotchkiss is still in the middle of it all — a great springboard for discoveries throughout the beautiful, historic, creative and innovative North Fork Valley! In the central business area, you’ll find numerous shops and restaurants, historic architecture and a museum. Located above the confluence of the Gunnison and North Fork rivers and surrounded by public lands, Hotchkiss is home to the Delta County Fairgrounds, Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery and Gold Medal fishing opportunities. Special events include sheep dog trials, the annual Delta County Fair, and the Farm to Fiddle Festival, which showcases art, agriculture and outdoor adventures.

CRAWFORD

The small community of Crawford is quintessential Americana: cowboys and artists, gunsmiths and poets all call it home, and newcomers are celebrated at an annual community potluck dinner. Founded in 1882, Crawford is nestled in a sweeping valley surrounded by the majestic West Elks mountain range. Crawford Country boasts breathtaking natural geological phenomena and sights, including the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crawford State Park, historic Needle Rock, and the West Elk Wilderness. Each June Crawford celebrates its small-town western charm with Pioneer Days. The home-town celebration culminates in one of the most spectacular fireworks displays on the Western Slope, where viewers experience the magic of sitting lakeside while colorful sparks reflect from the waters of Crawford Reservoir. Crawford Country boasts premier year-round outdoor activities including mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding in summer; snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and more in winter. It even boasts its own public airport. Crawford’s blue skies and crisp, clean air are beckoning!

PAONIA

Located moments off of Highway 133 along the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway, Paonia is a small western community of about 1,500 with agricultural and coal mining roots running four and five generations deep. With a reputation for high-quality, chemical-free food and one of the largest concentrations of small, organic farms, Paonia has earned the title of farm-to-table capital of Colorado. It is also home to Solar Energy International. Paonia’s many shops offer products grown and produced locally, from wool textiles to lavender soaps and goat’s milk cheeses. Dotting the hillsides are vineyards from which award-winning wines are produced. The communities of Paonia, Crawford and Hotchkiss have been designated one of 12 Creative Districts in the state. The North Fork Valley Creative District represents the area’s rich concentration of galleries, studios, filmmakers, food and beverage producers, and literary, musical and visual artists. Take a day to hike 11,400-foot Mount Lamborn, or stroll the historic downtown core’s numerous shops and galleries. Lodging options include motels, inns and the historic Bross Hotel. Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 11

C A O L L FLAVOR F O P I S A Quench your thirst at these businesses and sample the varieties... perhaps take home a bottle or case!

BIG B’S DELICIOUS ORCHARDS, JUICE, AND HARD CIDER 39126 Highway 133 Hotchkiss, CO 81419 (970) 527-1110 • Bigbs.com Open May through December Serving the highest quality juices and Hard Ciders while supporting sustainable agriculture and our community.

BLACK B R I D G E WI N E RY 15836 Black Bridge Rd. • Paonia (970) 527-6838 blackbridgewinery.com Estate Bottled Wine, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Reisling, Chardonnay, Peach Wine, Pear, dessert wines. New this year - Watermelon Wine Free Tastings Enjoy a glass of wine by the river. Open daily 10-6 Memorial Weekend thru Nov. 4.

MOUNTAIN VIEW WINERY

5829 5825 Rd. • Olathe (970) 323-6816 mountainviewwinery.com Traditional and Fruit Wines. Tasting room open 10-6 Mon.-Sat. Seasonal fresh fruit. 4

16199 Happy Hollow Rd. • Cedaredge (970) 856-WINE • stoneymesa.com Locally crafted wines, locally made oils, vinegars & foods; local artisans. Outdoor patio. Tasting room. We’ve got a wine for everyone! Won Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology “Winery of the Year” award for 2015 & Best of Delta County 2015, 2016 and 2017. Visit the Art Coop. Featuring Local Surface Creek Valley Artists.

SKY HAWK WINERY @ ROOT & VINE MARKET

40823 Hwy 133 • Paonia, CO 81428 (970) 527-3236 rootandvinemarket.com Cafe • Coffee • Pie • Wine Tasting Local Products

STONEY MESA WINERY

WILLIAMS CELLARS

at the AppleShed 250 S. Grand Mesa Dr. • Cedaredge (970) 856-7006 williamscellarscolorado.com Pap’s Pinot Noir, Nappy Dog Merlot, Hibiscas Kiss, Mescato, 6 Flavors Hard Apple Cider on tap and in bottles.

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3 Delta County Independent 2016 Visitor’s Guide — 5

SADDLE UP FOR FUN

Delta County’s ranching heritage is upheld by the cowboys and cowgirls who delight rodeo fans with their speed and skill on horseback. Cedaredge is home to a gymkhana series sponsored by the Surface Creek Saddle Club. Horse enthusiasts of

all ages compete in barrel racing, pole bending, flags and a fun race every Wednesday evening through Aug. 1. Sign up from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; the grand entry is at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $7 per event, per day. The arena is located at 24114 Grand Mesa Drive, Cedaredge. Two annual celebrations — Cherry Days in Paonia and Deltarado Days in Delta — wouldn’t be complete without fast-paced rodeo action. The North Fork Horse Patrol hosts the Bulls ‘n Broncs War, a dance and a mud volleyball tournament in conjunction with Cherry Days, Paonia’s 4th of July celebration. The rodeo grounds are located at 39696 Mathews Lane, Paonia. Deltarado Days takes place from July 26-29. The rodeo is Friday, July 27, at the Round Up Club Arena, Highway 92 and 1800 Road, starting at 8 p.m. Mutton bustin’ kicks off at 7! Fairtime means family-friendly rodeo competition at the fairgrounds in Hotchkiss. Competitors ages 6 to 18 kick off the fun at the Delta County Junior Rodeo Saturday, Aug. 4. The action continues Monday, Aug. 6, with a team roping saddle shootout. A ranch rodeo is scheduled Thursday, Aug. 9, to be followed Friday night with a rodeo featuring mutton bustin’, team roping saddle shootout finals and 2018 royalty coronation. A fan favorite — the demolition derby — is back Saturday, Aug. 11. Other special events include a tractor pull followed by freestyle motorcross on Tuesday, Aug. 7. Visit www.delta countyfair.com for details.

• Hand Cut Steaks • Fresh Angus Burgers • Creative Pastas and Salads • Home Style Lunches and Dinners • Everything Made from Scratch

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LIVE MUSIC! Most Saturday Nights

Check us out on

or www.rjssteakhouse.com

970-856-3841 For Reservations 2323 S. Grand Mesa Dr. ~ Cedaredge, CO

Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 13

PIONEER TOWN

Pioneer Town is a unique museum and historical village in Cedaredge just off Highway 65, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. The complex covers nearly 5 acres and is readily identiﬁed by three distinctive wooden silos standing next to the Welcome Center. The silos are the last remaining structures of the Bar-I Ranch, established in the early 1880s as a cattle ranch. Start your visit at the Welcome Center for information, brochures, maps and videos of the area. Inside the Welcome Center you will ﬁnd a completely revamped gift shop with many unique and locally crafted items, along with an exciting addition this year of a Civil War diary exhibit. A nominal fee is charged to tour the 25 buildings within the Pioneer Town complex. All are original restorations moved from nearby locations or authentic replicas. The buildings house objects and artifacts from early days with connections to the area’s pioneer families. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. through AppleFest weekend, Oct. 6-7. For more information, call 970-856-7554, check out www.pioneertown.org or visit Facebook at Pioneer Town Museum Cedaredge Colorado.

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BREAKFAST BUFFET

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN

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365 N. Grand Mesa Dr. (Hwy 65) • Cedaredge, CO 2 blocks north of the stoplight

970.856.3366

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CEDAREDGE

DEVIL’S THUMB GOLF COURSE

Located on the south flank of the Grand Mesa at 6,100 feet in elevation, the Cedaredge Golf Club offers a wonderful Colorado golf experience. The 18-hole course has two distinct nines. The front nine is filled with tree-lined fairways, meandering mountain streams and resident deer. The back nine is built along the hillside with several changes in elevation, tight fairways and spectacular views of the nearby West Elk and San Juan Mountain ranges as well as the Gunnison River Valley. The Cedaredge Golf Club offers an affordable, enjoyable golf experience in a beautiful, quiet mountain setting. Various stay-and-play packages are available to serve visitors. Come see why Cedaredge Golf Club has garnered a reputation for being “unique and challenging.” For more information, call 970-856-7781 or log on to www.cedaredgegolf.com.

Nestled among the adobe hills just north of Delta lies Devil’s Thumb Golf Course, named for the thumb-like rock formation that looms above it. The “prairie style” 18-hole golf course lies at the base of the majestic Grand Mesa. Off in the distance, one can see the Raggeds and West Elk Mountains to the east and the San Juan Mountains to the south. For the third year in a row, Devil’s Thumb has been ranked third in the category “Best Western Slope Course.” The recognition comes from Colorado Avid Golfer, which determines the winners of the awards known as CAGGYs through an online voting process. To book a tee time, call 970-874-6262 or visit www. devilsthumbgolfcourse.net.

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DISC GOLF

Disc golf is gaining popularity in Delta County, with courses ranging from a few baskets to a professionallydesigned 18-hole course at Confluence Park in Delta. As the name suggests, disc golf is played in a fashion similar to golf, but using Frisbee-like disc putters and drivers. The object of the game is to have fun and play the course from beginning to end in the fewest throws. While the sport has been around since the 1920s, its popularity has grown quickly in recent years. With two par four holes, water hazards, long distances between holes (it covers a lot of ground), and lots of trees, the Confluence Park course is one of the more challenging courses in the area. In the North Fork area, an 18-hole course recently opened at the Delta County Fairgrounds in Hotchkiss. Located between the fairgrounds and the North Fork River, the course was designed and installed by MOD (MontroseOlathe-Delta) Squad members, and paid for with Colorado Lottery funds. Baskets are also located at Apple Valley Park in Paonia, at Vision School in Cedaredge, and at Tamarac Park at Bluff and East 12th streets in Delta. Because they are smaller in area and the baskets (holes) are placed closer together, both the Tamarac and Hotchkiss courses are perfect for kids. Leagues meet throughout the week and at different courses. Check out the Facebook pages for MOD Squad and the Pumpkin Hollow Disc Conspiracy (Paonia).

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Locals Choice ~ Visitor Friendly �� We are a family owned and operated business offering friendly, high-quality service and repairs. Our technicians are ASE CERTIFIED offering the best technical expertise available for your domestic, import or diesel vehicle. ��

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 17

FARM FRESH

Fruit ranching was one of the first commercial endeavors to take hold in Delta County in the decades following settlement. While there are fewer producing orchards than there once were, harvestime still means mouth-watering cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches and apples. Roadside stands, farmers’ markets and u-pick orchards feature the freshest locally grown fruits and vegetables. Look for sweet cherries around the end of June, pie cherries from late July through mid-August, peaches during the month of August and apples from late August through frost. Paonia celebrates Cherry Days on the 4th of July; AppleFest takes place in Cedaredge annually on the first weekend in October. Then there’s the Olathe Sweet™ Sweet Corn Festival on Aug. 4 featuring — you guessed it — all the butter-covered ears of locally grown sweet corn you care to eat. Just about every community hosts a farmers’ market, and as you explore the countryside you’ll find fruit and vegetable stands (often organic) located on the local farms and orchards. You’ll have your choice of the freshest, most delicious fruits, vegetables, jams, herbs, eggs, lavender and flowers. Area vineyards also sell directly from their well-stocked cellars. The biggest farmers’ market each year happens during the Mountain Harvest Festival in Paonia Sept. 27-30. And if you’re looking to experience life on a farm, you’ve come to the right place. When you tour a farm and you see all the effort that it takes to put that peach in your pie or that steak on your plate, you really appreciate the process of how it ends up on your dinner table. Search for farm-to-table dinners, farm tours and more at the Valley Organic Growers Association website, www.VogaCo.org, or www.Colorado.gov. County tourism coordinator Kelli Hepler (970-4719621) is always happy to direct visitors to the perfect agritourism experience.

18 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

ESH GUIDE TO AREA R F M R FA FRUITS & VEGETABLES Welcome to the Delta County area, where you’ll find the

“Best Fruit and Vegetables in Colorado!” Antelope Hill Orchards 22274 Antelope Hill Eckert/Orchard City 835-3111 or 835-3112

Sweet Cherries, Pie Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines. bingcherry.com Open 7 Days A Week.

AppleShed - Fruit Stand 250 S. Grand Mesa Drive Cedaredge • 970-856-7007

Open Daily Williams Orchard • Peaches & Apples

Berg Harvest Mercantile 73 Samuel Wade Rd., Paonia (970) 527-3480

Organic cherries, peaches, apples and pears Freshly made fudge, coffee, soft-serve ice cream, breakfast, lunch, vintage candy and more! Spring hours: Mon.-Sat. 7-4, Sun. 8-2 Summer hours: Mon.-Sat. 7-8, Sun. 8-6

Big B’s Delicious Orchards, Juice and Hard Cider 39126 Hwy 133 • Paonia 970-527-1110 www.bigbs.com • info@bigbs.com

Local Organic Fruit & Produce U-Pick • Camping • Hard Cider & Wine Tasting • Cafe for Breakfast & Lunch

Big B Fruit Stand

769 2075 Rd., Delta • 874-8136 Hwy 92 corner of Read

Your local produce provider for over 35 years. Variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, chilies, tomatoes, canned goods, homemade taffies, jams & jellies

Delta Farmers Market

Downtown • Delta • 874-1240

June thru September, Every Saturday & Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Everyone Welcome Check us out on Facebook

Red Shed Produce

DeVries Fruit & Veggies

Corner of 1800 Rd. & Hwy. 92 Delta • 970-874-8888

The Friend ~ ly Farm South of Delta on Hwy. 50 between mile marker 85 & 86 • (970) 323-6559

Open 9-6 Daily July thru Oct. Large variety of locally grown fruits & vegetables. Baked Goods & Frozen Yogurt. Oct. — Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch and Hayrides.

Tomatoes, Peaches, Olathe Sweet Corn, Sweet Cherries, Pickles, Peppers, Okra and Much More. Open Everyday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tomato Patch U-PIK • Corn Maze Pumpkin Patch • Chili Roasting

Rogers Mesa Fruit

Hwy. 92 & 3100 Rd. Hotchkiss, CO 81419 • 970-872-2155

Fritchman Orchards

Cherries, Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, Pears & Apples. Organic & Conventional. Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. 8-12

13686 Hwy. 65 (3/4 mile north of Eckert) Packing Shed 835-3628 or Erik 970-640-2925 Cherries • Peaches • Pears • Apples Open 7 Days A Week 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sparky’s Farm Market

Leon’s Produce

June thru Oct. Mon.-Sat. - All “in season” fresh fruits & vegetables. Call on U-Pik Fruit, Frozen Pie Cherries, Tart Cherry Juice, Local Honey, Jams & Jellies, Gift Shop, Homemade Ice Cream, Smoothies, Fresh-Baked Fruit Pies. Picnic area. Educational Ops for Kids. A favorite place of local folks & tourists.

31164 Hwy 92 • 5 miles west of Hotchkiss • 970-872-7737

19111 H Road • Delta • 874-4249

Tomatoes, Chili Peppers, Potatoes, Beans, Onions, Cantaloupe & Chili Roasting

Mattics Orchard

8163 High Mesa Rd. • Olathe, CO 970-3235657

Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 7 days a week Family Owned & Operated Apples, Peaches, Pears, Tomatoes, Chile, Peppers, Squash, Cantaloupe, Sweet Corn, Watermelons, Eggplants & Much More.

Orchard Valley Farms & Market

15836 Black Bridge Rd. • Paonia • 527-6838

Jewel of the North Fork - Home to Black Bridge Wines Shop the market, pick your own fruit, veggies & berries. Walk the farm trail, picnic by the river. Local products, beef, balsamic vinegar, infused olive oils. Open daily 10-6 Memorial Weekend thru Nov. 4th. orchardvalleyfarms.com

Wag’s World Orchards 20553 Nowhere Rd. • Eckert 1-888-604-4673 Wholesalers 970-778-5327

Fresh local peaches, apples, cherries, plums, nectarines, berries, pears, tomatoes, pie fills, jams, dried fruit and veggies, raw local honey and all kinds of garden veggies and more! Thanks for your support of our farm and agriculture in beautiful Delta County!

Western Culture Farmstead & Creamery

39883 Mathews Lane • Paonia • 970-417-0213 westernculturefarmstead.com Farm Fresh Goat Milk, Artisan Craft Cheeses & Yogurt. Farm tours available.

Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 19

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VISION CHARTER ACADEMY 230 NW Cedar Ave

CEDAREDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 380 N Grand Mesa Dr

COMMUNITY CENTER 140 NW 2nd St

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GRAND MESA ARTS & EVENTS CENTER

CEDAREDGE TOWN PARK

195 W. Main St

Main St & SW 5th St

MAIN ST

R RD

CEDAREDGE POST OFFICE

CEDAREDGE TOWN HALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

155 SW 2nd St

245 W Main St

CREEK RD

PIONEER TOWN CHAPEL OF THE CROSS

MESA RD

CEDAREDGE HIGH SCHOOL

388 S Grand Mesa Dr

CEDAREDGE LIBRARY

575 SE Deer Creek Dr

180 SW 6th St

PP Y H O

CEDAREDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

CEDAREDGE CEMETERY

845 SE Deer Creek Dr

205 SE Independence Ave

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OW RD

CEDAREDGE GOLF CLUB 500 Jay Ave

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1575 RD

TO DOMINGUEZESCALANTE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

ECKERT CEMETERY TR A P C LU B R D

13418 Hwy 65

BOAT RAMP

Confluence Park

NORTH RD

RV DUMP STATION

BILL HEDDLES REC CENTER

Confluence Park

531 N Palmer St

ECKERT POST OFFICE

FORT UNCOMP

12570 Hwy 65

Confluence P

C EN LU E NF AK L E

S ER W O IR R VO G IT R U SE FR RE

301 Main St

TO UNCOMPAHGRE PLATEAU

CITY HALL 360 Main St

4TH ST

G RD

5TH ST 6TH ST

DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT

11245 2100 Rd

401 Meeker St

N F LU

E N C E

211 W 6th St

2100 RD

501 Palmer St

DELTA LIBRARY

COUNTY COURTHOUSE

MAIN ST

ORCHARD CITY TOWN PARK FIELD OF DREAMS

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

D R

M S

DELTA CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS DELTA FAMILY CENTER CORY CEMETERY 9431 Hwy 65

F RD

ORCHARD CITY TOWN HALL

910

822 Grand Ave

9661 2100 Rd

AUSTIN POST OFFICE

22009 Canal St

9340 Hwy 65

AUSTIN RD

CORY POST OFFICE

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20 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

R IV E

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DEVIL’S THUMB GOLF COURSE 9900 Devils Thumb Rd

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MEMORIAL HALL 175 N 1st St

HOTCHKISS LIBRARY 149 E Main St

HOTCHKISS TOWN HALL 276 W Main St

HOTCHKISS K-8 SCHOOL 465 Lorah Ln

TO HOTCHKISS NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY

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BLAKE FIELD AIRPORT 870 1575 Rd

HERITAGE HALL 403 S River Ln

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POST OFFICE 103 E Bridge St

HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD HISTORICAL MUSEUM

DELTA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

180 S 2nd St

DELTA TRAP CLUB

I RD

RIVERSIDE CEMETERY

NORTH FORK POOL 333 Bulldog St

1575 RD

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PAONIA JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL 846 Grand Ave

TO GUNNISON GORGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

POST OFFICE 125 Grand Ave

W E

TECHNICAL COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES PAONIA CAMPUS

O Rd

TH End of F25 Rd

�� NORTH FORK MONTESSORI SCHOOL

TO CRAWFORD AIRPORT 1825 RD

A ST

1825 RD

1050 Hastings St

51 Fir St

CRAWFORD LIBRARY

PIONEER RD

DELTA HIGH SCHOOL 1400 Pioneer Rd

ITL

HISTORIC CRAWFORD TOWN HALL

1600 RD

GARDEN OF MEMORIES CEMETERY D St & Elm Ave

2250 Hwy 50

TO NEEDLE ROCK

POST OFFICE

545 Hwy 92

F RD

US FOREST SERVICE

HG RE

TO TECHNICAL COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES & GRAND MESA CHOICE ACADEMY

MI N CR NES O EE K R TA D

BETHLEHEM CEMETERY

425 Hwy 92

218 4th St

A CR AW FO RD RD

MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK

1080 Pioneer Rd

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY

R IV E

430 Box Elder Ave

2ND ST

Mathews Ln

GARNET MESA ELEMENTARY

16TH ST

PAONIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NORTH FORK SCHOOL OF INTEGRATED STUDIES

VOLUNTEER PARK

7th & Howard

910 Grand Ave

3RD ST

214 Grand Ave

G RD

VISION CHARTER ACADEMY

TO NORTH FORK AIRPORT

600 A St

DELTA MIDDLE SCHOOL

PAONIA TOWN HALL

1501 E 3rd St

3RD ST

4th St & North Fork Ave

N R O D B R M SA LA E M

DELTA COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

7TH ST

CLELAND PARK

PAONIA TOWN PARK

HARTIG DR

360 Meeker St

RILEY LN

POST OFFICE

155 Stafford Ln

251 Meeker St

682 1725 Rd

URGENT CARE

DELTA MUSEUM

MESA VIEW CEMETERY

1800 RD

DELTA CITY CEMETERY

STAFFORD LN

Confluence Park

4TH ST

800 Shady Ln

GRAND AVE

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Park

ORT UNCOMPAHGRE

RD AV E

PAONIA MUSEUM & BOWIE SCHOOLHOUSE

2 3rd St

ATION

CR AW FO

Shady Ln

PAONIA LIBRARY SA

1055 E 3rd St

PAONIA RIVER PARK

RIV ON

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TO PAONIA STATE PARK

R S ER

438 Bulldog St

Riverside Dr

S River Ln

HOTCHKISS HIGH SCHOOL

8017 Trap Club Rd

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26 Hwy 92

D RD

TO BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK & CURECANTI NATIONAL RECREATION AREA CRAWFORD

RESERVOIR Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 21 SWEITZER LAKE

PAONIA MUSEUM AND HISTORIC BOWIE SCHOOLHOUSE

The Paonia Historic Park, located at 700 Highway 187, is home to two museums — the Bowie Schoolhouse Museum and the Paonia Museum. Each has unique features that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the history of Paonia, the North Fork Valley and Bowie. To arrange a visit, call Judy Livingston at 970-527-3970. The Bowie Schoolhouse, built in 1907, was originally part of the mining camp of Bowie. The school was in use until 1950 when rural schools were disbanded and Delta County became a consolidated district. In 1979, the Adolph Coors Co. bought the entire town of Bowie and offered the school to anyone who would move it. History lovers came together and undertook the task. The school contains the original desks as well as other artifacts from that time. The school also houses the ledgers used to record miners’ wages at the Bowie Mine. The Paonia Museum was moved to its present site in 1997. The house was built by James Parks in Midway in 1904. The house is furnished with artifacts from this area, including the original switchboards used by Paonia operators and a large collection of black and white photographs that date back to the 1800s.

DELTA COUNTY MUSEUM

Among the noteworthy exhibits at the Delta County Museum, located at 251 Meeker Street in Delta, are artifacts relating to the 1893 robbery of the Farmers & Merchants Bank in Delta, a world-class display of butterflies and moths from around the world, a diorama-type exhibit of two early stores in Delta, Renfrow’s and Schmidt Hardware, and a collection of dinosaur bones found in the Dry Mesa Quarry outside of Delta. Step into the courtyard to view the 1890 Delta city jail, an old homestead cabin, and a collection of 10 bells representing school, railroad, church and ship-related bells. The museum also includes an exhibit of cameras, an eight-foot-long case clock that once stood in the palace of King Louis XIV of France, and a King’s Robe, a gift from the King of Siam. For those interested in research, the museum contains the county’s only microfilm file of all the newspapers which have been published in Delta County since 1883. There are many other surprises to discover when you visit the museum at the corner of 3rd and Meeker. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be reached by calling 970-874-8721. Note: Summer hours are subject to change.

HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD HISTORICAL MUSEUM The Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum, located at 180 S. 2nd Street in Hotchkiss, has exhibits showcasing historic venues, local clubs and organizations, and an old time doctor’s office. Also on display are enlarged photographs from the Danny Cotten collection, a chuck wagon, arrowhead collections and other Native American artifacts. The museum includes a bookstore, a research library, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting room and a fully furnished pioneer cabin. The museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. until Labor Day, then Saturday afternoons during the rest of the season. The Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Society provides leadership and support for its members who preserve and interpret the history of Hotchkiss and Crawford and the surrounding areas, in order to make the past more meaningful to all. For more information call the museum at 970-872-3780 or visit hchm.freehostia. com or Facebook. Call Marilyn Tate 970-872-3693 if you are interested in books of local history.

22 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

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Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide —23

FISHING

When it comes to fishing, local angler Don Benjamin recommends the Grand Mesa’s Ward Creek Reservoir. “I always catch fish there,” he says. Plus, it’s easy to get to — just 8 1⁄2 miles north of Cedaredge, just off Highway 65. Actually, Benjamin says, you can catch fish on most of Grand Mesa’s lakes. There are over 300 lakes on the mesa and 100 of the most fishable are outlined in the Colorado Parks & Wildlife booklet ‘Fishing the Grand Mesa.’ The booklets are available at the Grand Mesa Visitor Center at the intersection of Highway 65 and Forest Service Road 121 and also in Cedaredge at Pioneer Town and Leisure Time Sports. When fishing Grand Mesa, Benjamin recommends using artificial flies in the mornings and evenings especially wooly worms or any fly that resembles mosquito larvae. And for those who haven’t yet gotten the hang of fly fishing, Benjamin recommends using a spinning rod with a long leader and a casting bubble. With bait or spinners, you’ll find success any time of the day. To practice low impact fishing and good catch-and-release tactics, it’s best to tamp-down the shaft barbs on single fly or bait hooks and clip treble spinner hooks down to a single hook. Remember to wet hands before touching a fish you plan to release and return them gently into the water. Colorado Parks & Wildlife regularly stocks several lakes on Grand Mesa. Island Lake, the largest lake on Grand Mesa, provides fishing for rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat and splake. The Colorado weight record for splake trout was caught at Island Lake — it weighed one ounce shy of 19 pounds! Stop by the Grand Mesa Visitor Center to get started on your next fishing adventure or use Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s website http://cpw.state.co.us/ where you’ll find the fishing and stocking report under the ‘Things to Do/Fishing’ heading. Before the weather gets too hot in the valley, Benjamin heads to Confluence Park. Located in Delta, Confluence Lake is managed as both a seasonal trout fishery and a warm water fishery. CPW reports fishing is good for catchable-sized rainbow trout in the spring and fall, with fair fishing for naturally reproducing largemouth bass, sunfish and crappie in the spring and summer. At Crawford Reservoir, located one mile south of the town of Crawford, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has reduced the number of northern pike and stocked the lake with black crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish. This new management strategy has paid off as these fish species have increased in numbers and size. For a family outing close to town, check out Volunteer Park in Paonia or Sweitzer Lake just south of Delta. The kids will also enjoy a visit to the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery, just a few miles west of Hotchkiss. The hatchery receives rainbow trout eggs from various sources throughout the U.S. After the eggs hatch, the young fish are placed into concrete tanks in the hatchery building. When they reach 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length, they’re moved to outside raceways where they grow to the proper size for stocking. The hatchery visitor center is open Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and the facility is open for self-guided visits during daylight hours seven days a week. For hatchery information call 970-872-3170. 24 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

GOLD MEDAL WATERS

The Gunnison River in the Black Canyon National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is a Gold Medal wild trout fishery that stretches over 28 miles from Crystal Reservoir to the town of Austin and provides many diverse wading and float fishing opportunities. In the gorge, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Gunnison River continues to be one of the highest quality Gold Medal fisheries in the west with 5,000 to 10,000 trout per mile over six inches long. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and brown trout from 12 to 20 inches, with the possibility of larger fish. The easiest fishing access to the Gunnison River in the national park is via the East Portal Road. Float fishing access is available from various points in the Gunnison Gorge. Foot access is available but trails leading into the canyon are very steep and should only be attempted by those in excellent physical condition. Visit Black Canyon website https://www.nps.gov/blca or the Gunnison Gorge website https://www.blm.gov/visit/ gunnison-gorge-nca for additional information.

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�� Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 25

DOMINGUEZ ESCALANTE CANYONS The Dominguez and Escalante Canyons offer unparalleled opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. A large portion of the BLM-managed land in Delta, Mesa and Montrose counties has been set aside as a National Conservation Area (NCA). Red-rock canyons and sandstone bluffs hold geological and paleontological resources spanning 600 million years, as well as many cultural and historic sites. Ute tribes today consider these piñon-juniper-covered lands an important connection to their ancestral past. The Gunnison River flows placidly through the desert landscape that’s home to rare plants, Indian rock art and rugged rock formations. The Escalante, Cottonwood, Little and Big Dominguez creeks cascade through sandstone canyon walls that drain the eastern Uncompahgre Plateau, creating the landscape we see today. A variety of wildlife calls the area home, including mule deer, golden eagle, turkey, elk, mountain lion, black bear, the collared lizard and desert bighorn sheep. These animals — slightly smaller than the high-country Rocky Mountain bighorns — are well-adapted to arid desert canyons in the West. Elevations in the NCA are approximately 4,800 to 8,200 feet. The canyons are named for Spanish missionary explorers Father Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Father Silvestre Vélez de Escalante, although they never set foot in the canyons when they led an expedition through western Colorado in 1776. The Hayden Survey named a creek the Rio Escalante and the one downstream Rio Dominguez to honor the two priests who eventually explored more territory than Lewis and Clark. To enter Escalante Canyon, drive north of Delta on Highway 50 about 10 miles to the well-marked turnoff southwest onto Escalante Canyon Road. The hardpacked 17-mile dirt road is traversable by car. The road drops down and crosses the Gunnison River, then continues through privately-owned pastures. BLM signs mark public access. You will find picnic tables and restrooms at the “potholes,” a popular area where Escalante Creek tumbles through a narrow rocky passage. Dominguez Canyon is more primitive. Those who choose to visit must, for the most part, hike in. Halfway between Delta and Grand Junction, at the end of Bridgeport Road, is access to a pedestrian bridge over the Gunnison River. The bridge, a one-mile hike from the parking lot, serves as a gateway to the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area. Access can also be gained by floating the Gunnison River. Campsites and put-ins can be located on a map of the area which can be found on BLM’s website, www. blm.gov. 26 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

HISTORIC LANDMARKS

Three historic landmarks in Escalante Canyon have been named to the state’s list of Most Historic Places. Capt. H.A. Smith’s Cabin, a handcarved structure in stone, and the Walker Cabin represent the hardy homesteaders who lived in the canyon in the 1900s. Both structures can be found on the main road. The third landmark, a water wheel, is located in a channel off the Gunnison River.

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A publication of the Delta County Independent 401 Meeker, Delta (970) 874-4421

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Visit us at www.deltacounty independent.com

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�� Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 27

GUNNISON RIVER

The Gunnison River begins its journey where the East and Taylor rivers meet in Almont. West of Gunnison, the river broadens out into the three reservoirs that make up the Curecanti National Recreation Area — Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal. These reservoirs provide a variety of recreational opportunities, water storage and hydroelectric power. Below Crystal Dam, water is channeled through the Gunnison Tunnel to irrigate farms and ranches in the Uncompahgre Valley. Upstream from Delta, the narrow channel is dwarfed beneath the 2,000-foot volcanic rock walls of the Black Canyon National Park. Where the river narrows, rapids offer thrilling whitewater adventures. At other points the floor of the canyon widens and the river is characterized by shallow ripples.

NORTH FORK OF THE GUNNISON RIVER

Near the Gunnison Forks Day Use Area 13 miles east of Delta, the North Fork of the Gunnison River joins the Gunnison River. The North Fork flows from below Paonia Reservoir, through Somerset, Bowie and Hotchkiss during its 33-mile journey. You can access the “North Fork” at the Paonia River Park. Through a collaborative effort, a former instream gravel pit is now a public park with restored river banks, picnic areas and hiking trails. As the Gunnison River continues west, it slices through Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness lies at the center of the conservation area. The Gunnison Gorge offers unsurpassed recreational opportunities, from whitewater rafting to big game hunting. Anglers from all over the world visit the Gunnison River for its outstanding Gold Medal trout fishing and annual stonefly hatch. Visit www.blm.gov for a detailed map.

DELTA-ESCALANTE-BRIDGEPORT

As the channel broadens, the river transitions to a placid, gentle float. Major river improvement projects between the Gunnison River Pleasure Park and Delta have enhanced fish passage and made the river safer to float, so those who wish may continue their journey downstream where the Uncompahgre River merges with the Gunnison River at Confluence Park in Delta. As it flows west to join the Colorado River some 40 miles downstream, the Gunnison cuts through the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Beautiful scenery, hidden rock art and solitude draw boaters to the lower stretch of the Gunnison River. Opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and exploring abound. In this area, the river can be accessed at the Escalante Bridge. Take Highway 50 west from Delta, watching for the Escalante Road turnoff between mileposts 55 and 60. Turn left on the dirt road and travel three miles to the river. A popular downstream stop is Bridgeport. Primitive camping is available and a hike up Big Dominguez Canyon offers an opportunity to view bighorn sheep and visit a historic water wheel. 28 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

Nature Connection photo

GUNNISON GORGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

Large expanses of adobe hills, arroyos and piñon-juniper canyons and uplands comprise the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA), a 62,844acre parcel of public land managed by the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office. At the heart of the NCA, the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area encompasses a spectacular black granite and red sandstone double canyon formed by the Gunnison River. The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area offers outstanding recreational opportunities such as worldclass trout fishing, hunting, whitewater boating, and backcountry hiking and camping. It includes a 14-mile stretch of the Gunnison River extending from the northwestern boundary of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to a point approximately one mile downstream from the confluence of the Smith Fork and the main stem of the Gunnison. While motorized travel in the wilderness area is limited to designated routes, the Peach Valley Recreation Area features a challenging single track and primitive dirt road trail system open to motorized recreation. You can access these “badlands” by taking 2200 Road south from Austin (about six miles east of Delta off Highway 92). Follow the BLM map signs for Peach Valley Road, which runs the entire length along the western edge of the NCA. The Sidewinder Trail, a 20-mile single-track trail suitable for hikers, equestrians, motorcyclists and mountain bikers, is one of the longest in the Gunnison Gorge. By linking to other routes, trail enthusiasts can enjoy sections of Sidewinder without committing to its entire length. Access the northern portion of the trail by taking 2200 Road and turning southeast on H-75 Road.

EAGLE ROCK SHELTER

The NCA contains a number of prehistoric and historic sites, including rock art, cabins, campsites and mines. Thousands of years ago, some of the earliest humans known to inhabit North America found shelter on a ledge by what is now known as the Gunnison River. The southeastern exposure of the rock overhang offered not only shelter from rain, snow and wind, but cool shade in summer, warm sunshine in winter, and unlimited plant food, fish and game. The Eagle Rock Shelter site between Hotchkiss and Delta dates back almost 13,000 years and contains the most complete record of Paleo-Indian life known. To reach Eagle Rock, head east from Delta on Highway

92. At mile marker 13, you’ll see a sign on the south side of the highway. The improved dirt road leading to the trailhead winds for 3.7 miles through dry hilly country offering spectacular views of Lamborn Mountain and the West Elk Mountain Range as well as the Gunnison River. The road to the trailhead splits occasionally and drivers should take all the right-hand forks. The walk from the trailhead is not quite a mile and the trail also splits now and then but taking the right-hand forks will lead directly to the Eagle Rock Shelter site. Take plenty of water and be advised that the last third of the trail is extremely steep. If you follow the rustic stairs to the south of Eagle Rock Shelter, you can cross a bridge to take a side hike to the river below. Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 29

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30 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

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Come experience what community created at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center - Enjoy live theatre - Stroll through a curated gallery featuring local artists - Attend lectures and workshops - Rent a space for your own celebrations or meetings - Hear regional and national performers in concert

Photo Credit: Cindy Starr

The arts are the heart and soul of a thriving community and we are inspiring generations through visual and performing arts, education and advocacy.

Call or visit our website for the current program schedule or for reservations at www.grandmesaartscenter.com or email at info@grandmesaartscenter.com 195 W Main Street, Cedaredge, CO 81413 | 970-856-9195 Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 31

CHURCH DIRECTORY Your Guide to Delta County Houses of Worship

DELTA CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH (SBC)

1290 A St. • Delta • 970-874-9497 www.calvarydelta.org office@calvarydelta.org Sunday Bible Study 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Childcare Services Provided

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CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE

658 Howard St., Delta, CO 81416 970-874-3425 • www.csldelta.org Sunday Services 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Services 7:00 p.m. A spiritual community honoring all ... expressing God as Love! ———————————————————————————————————————————————————

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY

751 Meeker St. • Delta • 874-8083 Sunday: Bible Lesson Sermon 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. 2nd & 4th Wednesday Testimony Meeting April-Oct. 4:00 p.m. Nov.-March 7:00 p.m. Everyone Welcome

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DELTA

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1679 Pioneer Road, Delta, CO 81416 Uncompahgre Ward Sacrament Meeting 9:00 a.m. Delta Ward Sacrament Meeting 11:00 a.m.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH & TINY TREASURES TODDLER PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN

1000 Pioneer Road, Delta, CO (970) 874-3052 Reverend Kurt A. Van Fossan Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Bible Class, Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Missouri Synod www.deltalutheran.org

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ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE ORTHODOX CHURCH

298 Bert Street, Delta, CO • (970) 874-5225 Father Benjamin Huggins SaintAndrewsDelta.org Saturday Great Vespers 5:00 p.m. Sunday Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Please call for festal and weekday services schedule

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ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

417 Meeker, Delta, CO • (970) 874-9501 www.deltamethodist.org Pastor: Tom Hazelwood Contemporary Worship Service 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:45 a.m. • NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE •

1250 Pioneer Rd. • Delta • 874-3847 deltafirstbaptistchurch.com deltafbcskybeam.com 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Karen Worship 12:30 p.m. Wed. AWANA Club (Sept.-April) 6:00 p.m.

863 “A” Street • Delta • 874-4837 Pastor Jerry Hilterbrand Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Services 11:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Family Night 7:00 p.m. Independent Baptist

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ST. PHILIP BENIZI CATHOLIC CHURCH

290 N.W. Cedar Ave., Cedaredge, CO 81413 970-856-6495 Fr. Albeiro Herrera-Ciro Deacon Price Hatcher Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m. Tuesday Adoration 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. Tuesday Mass 6:00 p.m.

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763 Meeker St. • Delta Pastor Eliezer Roque Cisneros • 874-9482 Sabbath School Saturday 9:20 a.m. Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

290 S.W. 2nd Ave. • Cedaredge Pastor Eliezer Roque Cisneros • 856-6863 Sabbath School Saturday 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship Saturday 10:50 a.m. Prayer Meeting Wednesday 4:15 p.m.

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TRUE LIFE CHURCH

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NORTH FORK THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

1507 S.W. 9th St. • Cedaredge, CO 81413 • 856-3586 Rev. Bob Hillyer, Pastor Sunday: Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Adult & Youth Studies 9:00 a.m. Children’s Church 10:30 a.m. Youth 6:00 p.m. Nursery Provided ———————————————————————————————————————————————————

511 Oak Avenue, Paonia, CO 81428 Sacrament Meeting 10:00 a.m.

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HOTCHKISS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

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GARNET MESA BAPTIST CHURCH

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628 Meeker St. • Delta • 874-3300 Fr. Albeiro Herrera-Ciro Deacon Price Hatcher Saturday English Mass 5:00 p.m. Spanish Mass 7:00 p.m. Sunday English Mass 10:00 a.m. Spanish Mass 12:00 noon

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DELTA

CEDAREDGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1395 SW 9th St., Cedaredge, CO 81413 Sacrament Meeting 10:00 a.m.

ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

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SURFACE CREEK

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

5th & Palmer St. • Delta Fr. Tom Seibert • Rector’s Study 874-9489 Holy Eucharist and Sunday School (Sunday) 10:15 a.m. Order of St. Luke & Healing Service First Monday each month 5:00 p.m. Wednesday Holy Communion 10:30 p.m.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

DELTA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

41006 Lamborn Dr. • Paonia • 527-5683 Pastor Eliezer Roque Cisneros Saturday Worship 9:00 a.m. Sabbath School Saturday 10:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

210 NW 3rd St. (P.O. Box 369) Cedaredge, CO 81413 Pastor Joe Agne — Church Phone 970-856-3696 www.cedaredgercumc.com Worship & Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Fellowship time immediately following service.

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DELTA CHRISTIAN CHURCH

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

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Reaching the children and youth of Western Delta County I Rd. & 1600 Rd. • North Delta • 874-4322 Worship 10:00 a.m. Children’s Church Age 3 thru 5th grade Childcare - (infant thru preschool) all services www.deltachristianchurch.org

871 3100 Rd. (P.O. Box 74), Lazear, CO • 872-2139 Pastor Jim Jesser Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Morning Service 11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Service 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer 7:00 p.m. ———————————————————————————————————————————————————

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THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

MOUNTAIN VIEW BIBLE CHURCH

4th and Meeker • Delta • 874-4893 http://www.deltapres.org Find us on Facebook Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Jake DeField Youth Pastor James Parks 203 W. Main St. • Hotchkiss • 970-872-3313 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening 5:00 p.m. Wednesday Awana 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Adult Bible 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Youth Group 7:00 p.m.

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32 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

Delta County Independent 2016 Visitor’s Guide — 29

A unique boutique in the heart of Hotchkiss.

Clothing �� Jewelry � Soaps �� Candles Gift Items ��Lucy’s Kid Closet ��

LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC BANK OF NORTH FORK BUILDING

204 E. Bridge Street • Hotchkiss • 970-872-2149

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GRAND MESA, UNCOMPAHGRE AND GUNNISON NATIONAL FORESTS

WILDERNESS AREAS The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest (GMUG) has a rich history of wilderness stewardship with over 10 congressionally designated wilderness areas covering about 20 percent of the threemillion-acre forest. Timberline lakes and high mountain streams offer excellent fishing and spectacular scenery; needle-like peaks etch into a rugged skyline; rock, ice and snow blend into soft tundra mosses and lichens; gushing waterfalls and sparkling creeks are lined with a crayon box of wildflowers; elk and deer thrive in these places and healthy herds of mountain goats and bighorn sheep rule the rock cliffs. A full description of all 10 wilderness areas, including links to trailheads and trail access, can be found at www. fs.usda.gov/detail/gmug/specialplaces/. 34 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

If you’ve come to Colorado for the mountains, you’ve come to the right place. From any spot in Delta County, all points of the compass lead to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests — a combination of three national forests which cover 3,161,912 acres of public land in the central and southern Rocky Mountains. The forests include spectacular features like Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain; the Uncompahgre Plateau — a high, almost level table broken by sharp, rugged canyons west of Delta; the West Elk Wilderness Area, with peaks reaching 13,000 feet in elevation; and the Raggeds Wilderness Area, encompassing more than 59,000 acres of the Gunnison and White River National Forests. Elevations range from 5,800 feet above sea level in Roubideau Creek Canyon to 14,309 feet on Uncompahgre Peak. Camping opportunities on the GMUG National Forest abound. While electric, sewer, water hook-ups and showers are not always available, most campgrounds have potable water, picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets. Dispersed camping is an option in most areas. You can also experience life in a Forest Service ranger station by renting a cabin on Grand Mesa or in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Reservations are required; visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug for more information. Several lodges and resorts offer all the comforts of home. Trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding are easily located using a gazetteer or U.S. Forest Service map. Over 3,000 miles of trails and routes provide access to areas of rugged beauty and solitude in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Many were carved by indigenous peoples, early explorers and miners. Forest maps, literature and America the Beautiful passes are available at the Paonia Ranger District office at 403 N. Rio Grande Avenue in Paonia, or at Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center, 440 N. Palmer Street in Delta. Due to remodeling, the GMUG National Forest headquarters on S. Main Street in Delta has been temporarily closed.

36 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK Hidden away in western Colorado is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The dark depths of the canyon divide the park into two distinct areas. The south rim of the park is 15 miles east of Montrose, via U.S. Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 347, while the north rim is located 11 miles south of Crawford, via Hwy. 92 and the Black Canyon Road. The last seven miles are unpaved and the North Rim is closed to vehicles in the winter. The park’s uniquely formidable landscape was slowly formed through erosion, as the Gunnison River cut through hard crystalline rock. This exceptional canyon is known as one of the narrowest in the world, with sheer walls and dramatic depths. For more information, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/blca/.

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Foran an hour, hour, aa day, day, or or aa weekend, weekend, come and discover Delta. For WalkWalk the trail Confl uence uence Park, Park, play aplay round at Devil’s ThumbThumb Golf Club, the at trail at Confl a round at Devil’s take a Golf swim Club, at Billtake Heddles Recreation Center, orRecreation take a stepCenter, back in time a swim at Bill Heddles at Fort Uncompahgre. Enjoy dining and shopping, delight in our or take a step back in time at Fort Uncompahgre. incredible Main dining Street fland owershopping, displays delight and enjoy our unique unique murals murals and Enjoy in our and sculptures, sculptures, all while experiencing Delta’s genuine hospitality. all while experiencing Delta’s genuine hospitality.

970-874-7566 �� www.cityofdelta.net 970.874-7566 www.cityofdelta.net

Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 37

2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE

7-10

First Friday Art Walk, Cedaredge, grandmesaartscenter.com Celebrate Cedaredge, cedaredgechamber.com Outdoor Heritage Day, Conﬂuence Park, cityofdelta.net Chapel of the Cross concerts begin, Cedaredge Sundays at 4, Thursdays at 7 deltacountyindependent.com Edge of the Cedars Art Exhibit, Cedaredge Middle School

8-30 9 15-17 21-23 25 28 29 29-30 30

Crawford Pioneer Days: June 7-10 Old-fashioned melodrama, baking contest, auction, arts and crafts booths, food, live musical entertainment, parade, outhouse races, dance and ﬁreworks. crawfordcountry.org Black Canyon Camera Club show, Creamery, Hotchkiss Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta North Fork Uncorked, westelksava.com Delta Fine Arts Annual Show, deltaﬁneartsguild.org Bicycle Tour of Colorado - Paonia, Hotchkiss, Delta Downtown DeltaFest, deltacolorado.org Final Friday Frolics, paoniachamber.com Lavender Festival, Palisade/Paonia, coloradolavender.org Night on the Town, pioneertown.org

1 2 2 3

JULY 1

4 4 6 7 19-22 26 27 28

Lavender Festival, Palisade/Paonia, coloradolavender.org Paonia Cherry Days: July 3-4 Downtown Day, entertainment, live music, pancake breakfast, parade, family/class reunions, kids’ games, arts and crafts booths, contests, rodeo, royalty, 5k paoniacherrydays.com Fireworks - Conﬂuence Park, Delta Patriotic Fair and Festival, cedaredgechamber.com First Friday Art Walk, Cedaredge, grandmesaartscenter.com Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta Top O’ The Rockies BMW Motorcycle Rally, Paonia Saturday Trade Day at the Fort, www.fortuncompahgre.org Final Friday Frolics, paoniachamber.com Ice Cream Social, pioneertown.org Deltarado Days: July 26-29 Rodeo, farmer/rancher lunch, parade, kids’ activities, horseshoe/pickleball/corn hole/ grass volleyball tournaments, street dance, barbecues, beer garden, music, vendor village, tractor pull, car show. deltacolorado.org

AUGUST 2 2-5 3 3-5 4 4

9 10-11 11 16 23 30 31

Pickin’ in the Park, Paonia, pickinproductions.com Serenity Run, Cedaredge, internationalserenityrun.org First Friday Art Walk, Cedaredge, grandmesaartscenter.com West Elks Wine Trail, westelksava.com Celebrate Cedaredge, cedaredgechamber.com Olathe Sweet Corn Festival, olathesweetcornfest.com Delta County Fair: August 5-12 Agricultural displays, livestock sale, Heritage Hall exhibits, demolition derby, ATV race, team roping, mutton bustin’, royalty, parade, tractor pull, food, live music deltacountyfair.com Pickin’ in the Park, Paonia, pickinproductions.com Farm to Fiddle Festival, Hotchkiss, farmtoﬁddle.com Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta Pickin’ in the Park, Paonia, pickinproductions.com Pickin’ in the Park, Paonia, pickinproductions.com Downtown DeltaFest, deltacolorado.org Final Friday Frolics, paoniachamber.com

SEPTEMBER 1 1-4 7 8 8 14 27-30 28

Art & Ag Tour, northforkcreative.org Labor Day Trap Shoot, Delta, deltatrapclub.org First Friday Art Walk, Cedaredge, grandmesaartscenter.com Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta Symphony in the Park, cedaredgechamber.com Colorado Grand Car Tour, hotchkisschamber.com Mountain Harvest Festival, Paonia, mountainharvestfestival.com Final Friday Frolics, paoniachamber.com

OCTOBER

13 20 TBA

AppleFest: October 4-7 Apples, chili cook-off, music, food, art, classic car/antique tractor shows, 5k, Pioneer Town activities, 150 booths along the streets and in Cedaredge Town Park. cedaredgechamber.com Second Saturday Stroll, facebook/secondsaturdaystrolldelta Gears and Beers Fest, Paonia, paoniachamber.com Hard Cider Festival, paoniachamber.com

NOVEMBER 23 24

Crawford Town Lighting, crawfordchamber.org Kickoff to Christmas, Parade of Lights, deltacolorado.org

DECEMBER 1 TBA

Parade of Lights, Cedaredge, cedaredgechamber.com Blue Sage Holiday Art Fair, Paonia, bluesage.org

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38 — Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide

STATE PARKS

Three large, state-operated reservoirs — Crawford, Paonia and Sweitzer — can be found in Delta County. These reservoirs are administered by the Colorado State Parks, www.parks.state.co.us. Great opportunities for picnicking, boating, water skiing, camping, swimming and fishing abound at all three areas. To reserve a camping spot in Crawford or Paonia, call 1-800678-2267, or go to the reservation section of the Colorado Parks and Reservation website, http://coloradostateparks. reserveamerica.com.

CRAWFORD RESERVOIR

With 400 surface acres of water and 337 land acres of recreation area, Crawford Reservoir is popular with local fishermen, boaters, water skiers and campers. Picnic areas, over 60 campsites, nature trails, a swim beach and a playground can also be found at Crawford State Park. The park’s 6,600-foot elevation guarantees visitors a mild climate at any season. The spectacular north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is only 12 miles from the park. Nearby are Needle Rock, Castle Rock and Saddle Mountain. To get to Crawford Reservoir State Recreation Area, travel south of Crawford one mile on Hwy. 92.

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PAONIA STATE PARK

Paonia State Park is located in the shadow of the majestic Ragged Mountains, about 16 miles northeast of Paonia and five miles from Somerset on Hwy. 133. The steep mountainsides give this lake an alpine flavor. The 334-surface-acre reservoir offers water skiing, boating and fishing. There are no hiking trails at Paonia State Park, but during the summer months hikers will enjoy the trail systems in the Raggeds Wilderness Area nearby. Paonia State Park has 15 campsites, vault toilets and a concrete boat ramp. No drinking water is available, so be sure to bring your own.

SWEITZER STATE PARK

Located just one mile south of Delta on Hwy. 50, Sweitzer State Park is a day-use only area. Views of the majestic San Juans, the Uncompahgre Plateau, Grand Mesa and the West Elks can be enjoyed from shady picnic areas. Playground equipment and a sandy beach lie adjacent to a protected swim area. Sweitzer Lake is considered a good fishing spot for youngsters with catfish, bluegill, green sunfish, and carp. Sweitzer Lake is a catch and release only lake. A waterfowl area on the east end of the lake provides a haven for many native birds and migratory waterfowl. Delta County Independent 2018 Visitor’s Guide — 39

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