Colorado.com
3 Days

North Fork Valley Tour

Nestled in western Colorado’s North Fork Valley, Hotchkiss, Crawford and Paonia offer access to some of the state’s greatest natural treasures and activities. Explore landmarks like Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, partake in quintessential pastimes like fly-fishing, hiking and wine tasting, and enjoy Rocky Mountain hospitality at its finest.

Sustainability Activity

Travel Like a Local

There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Day 1

activity

Hike the Needle Rock Trail

This less than 1-mile hike is located about 4 miles east of Crawford on Needle Rock Road and offers stunning views of the surrounding area and aptly…

lunch

Pat's Bar & Grill

Pat's Bar and Grill is located in the town of Hotchkiss in the beautiful North Fork Valley.  In fact it was previously called the North Fork Valley…

activity

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Hiking…

Insider's Tip

Head to the South Rim

Located about 13 miles from Crawford, the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is home to a visitor center and several trails offering spectacular views of the canyon's sheer walls and the rushing Gunnison River below.

dinner

133 BRGR

Stop in for juicy burgers made from local beef, outstanding service and the best fries around.

lodging

Stone House Inn

The Stone House Inn is a two-room boutique Inn, located in downtown Crawford on Colorado's Western Slope, 13 miles from the north rim of the Black Canyon…

Insider's Tip

Admire the Dark Skies

Cozy up on the porch swing at the Stone House Inn for some primo stargazing. If you're up for a drive, the Needle Rock trailhead — where artificial light is nonexistent — is another incredible stargazing locale. 

Day 2

breakfast

Two Four Six Coffee

Two Four Six Coffee serves up fresh coffee, pastries, cake, burritos and other goodies daily. Stop by to pick up your breakfast and an artisan gift…

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activity

Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery

Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Hatchery System. Hotchkiss NFH provides many exciting…

lunch

Zack's BBQ

Zack's has been a local favorite for nearly 40 years. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Zack's is the place to rub elbows with the local characters. Our recipes…

activity

Gunnison River Pleasure Park

Offering access to Gold Medal fishing on the Gunnison River, jet boat services, raft rentals, RV and tent camping, cabins and more.

dinner

Pat's Bar & Grill

Pat's Bar and Grill is located in the town of Hotchkiss in the beautiful North Fork Valley.  In fact it was previously called the North Fork Valley…

activity

Delta County Fair and the Farm to Fiddle Summer Festival

During the first full week of August in downtown Hotchkiss, enjoy an old-fashioned rural county fair and take in some great live music and visit vendor…

lodging

Hotchkiss Inn

Total remodel finished early 2019. 

 King Suites W/42 inch T.V & Dble Queen rms W/32 inch T.V. 

microwave/fridges, coffee maker, hairdryer,…

Day 3

breakfast

Root and Vine Market

Root and Vine Market is a local coffee shop and cafe that serves locally roasted coffee from Rubicon Roasting. Root and Vine Market is also the tasting…

activity

Paonia River Park

Launch a boat or kayak in the North Fork River at Paonia River Park, which provides direct river access for the public. Created and built by the Conservation…

lunch

1-2-Thai Authentic Thai

Inspired by her mother who is a street food cook in Thailand, Alm and Tyson decided to begin a little business of their own. A Thai Food truck.

activity

The West Elk American Viticultural Area

The West Elks American Viticultural Area (AVA) spreads through Delta County on Colorado's Western Slope and boasts of some of the highest vineyards…

Insider's Tip

Enjoy a Tasting Tour

Sip wine on the patio amid stunning views of the West Elk Mountains at Azura Winery (don't miss their great art gallery). Move on to Stone Cottage Cellars and Terror Creek Winery, and end at Black Bridge Winery/Orchard Valley Farms. Besides a nice wine-tasting room, Orchard Valley Farms has pick-your-own fruit, a nice farm store and riverside seating.

dinner

Louie's Pizza

For the best Paonia pizza, sub-sandwiches and salads and a selection of local beer and wine, come to Louie's restaurant.

activity

Blue Sage Center for the Arts

Located in Paonia, Colorado, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts is dedicated to providing opportunities to create and experience art in all its forms…

lodging

Bross Hotel Bed and Breakfast

The Bross Hotel is a graceful frontier hotel noted for its genuine hospitality located on the western slope of Colorado. The ten guest rooms all with…

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