Here are just five reasons to consider "Our Side of the Divide"
for a summer getaway:
1. Tasty Tours and Treks - A visit to Delta County just wouldn't
be complete without a taste of this region's roots--the fresh produce that is
grown here. From late June through October roadside stands offer cherries,
peaches, apricots, apples and more. Bison, beef, ostrich and elk are all raised
and sold in Delta County. The area also boasts 10 wineries, five tasting rooms,
two distilleries and a new hard cider mill.
2. Park It Here - There are enough reservoirs, parks and forests
in Delta County to keep the adventurer busy for days. The Crawford, Paonia and
Sweitzer Reservoirs offer great opportunities for picnicking, boating, water
skiing, camping, swimming and fishing. The north rim of the Black Canyon of
Gunnison National Park, near Crawford, features spectacular views and
unprecedented heights, which you can view from the park's many trails. Or you
can choose to raft, kayak or take a pontoon boat through the canyon.
Nearby, Crawford State Park provides a scenic refuge with
fishing, hiking and water sports. In Paonia State Park you can camp near a
babbling stream and water-ski on a mountain reservoir. The park's many
wildflowers make it a great place to snap a family photo.
Confluence Park in Delta boasts 265 acres dedicated to trails, a
bike path, swim area, picnic sites, fishing lakes, river access and a fitness
course.
The Grand Mesa National Forest, West Elk Wilderness Area and the
Uncompahgre National Forest are also part of Delta County. Hunting, fishing,
backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, camping and horseback riding are all
available here.
3. Reel Fun - There are many places in Delta County to cast your
line to try to hook a big one. The Gunnison, Uncompahgre and North Fork Rivers
are an angler's paradise. The more than 300 lakes on Grand Mesa provide ample
room to find your own favorite fishing hole. And the Hotchkiss National Fish
Hatchery is a great place for kids to learn the sport. The hatchery consists of
a hatchery building with a small visitor center and tank room, residences, 32
outdoor concrete raceways, 24 nursery tanks, and 6 earthen ponds. To purchase
fishing licenses online visit www.wildlife.state.co.us.
4. Driving It Home - Delta County enjoys three scenic byways.
Dinosaur Diamond features the paleontology of the area. Dinosaur bones, evidence
of early man's inhabitance and geographic timelines are all part of the
experience. The West Elk Loop is a 205-mile trek that links the recreational,
historical and conservationist aspects of the Delta County communities. The
Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway features more than 300 lakes,
providing easy access to camping, fishing and boating.
If driving a golf ball is more your speed, check out two golf
courses, Deer Creek Golf Course (www.deercreekvillage-golf.com) in Cedaredge and
Devil's Thumb Golf Club (www.deltagolf.org) in Delta. Deer Creek
stretches from 5,100 to 6,450 yards allowing golfers of all abilities to test
their skills. Devil's Thumb is a "prairie style" course with no trees and only
one water hazard.
5. Family Festivals -
- June 13-15 - The North Fork Bluegrass Festival, Hotchkiss (www.northforkbluegrass.com)
is known for its easy-going garden party atmosphere where up-and-coming
bluegrass bands show their stuff. The festival features a shady concert park
with a kids' playground, a barn dance on Friday and Saturday nights and plenty
of on-site camping and jam sessions.
- June 12-14 - Crawford Pioneer Days celebration pays homage to
Crawford's heritage. The weekend festivities include a parade, old- fashioned
melodrama, elk calling contest and a fireworks finale.
- July 4-5 - Paonia's Annual Cherry Days (www.paoniachamber.com) showcases "best cherries in
Colorado," this celebration also includes a parade, arts, crafts, a carnival,
music and fun for the whole family.
- July 17-20 - Deltarado Days, Delta (www.deltacolorado.org) is an authentic Western
fiesta dating back to 1936 and includes food, live music, mule and donkey races,
a rodeo, tractor pull and coal shoveling, just to name a few!
Delta County is located on Colorado's western slope at the base
of Grand Mesa, one of the largest flat top mountains in the world. It is home to
Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Eckert, Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia. To learn
more, visit www.westerncolorado.org.
Email to a Friend
