Cedaredge
Aptly named for residing at the “edge of the cedars” of the Grand Mesa, the Town of Cedaredge was officially incorporated on March 25, 1907. Cedaredge is the “Gateway to the Grand Mesa” and is filled with outdoor activities for enthusiast of all interests including fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, camping and hunting.
Crawford
George A. Crawford’s idea to start a post office in this area resulted in the growth of a town. The Town of Crawford is the high-altitude beauty of the North Fork Valley. Crawford is the gateway to the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park which provides numerous outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking, biking and photography in the summer.
Delta
The City of Delta, the namesake and seat of Delta County, was originally set up as a trading post for Ute Indians and the new settlers from the east. Delta is situated where the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers come together. While in Delta, be sure to stop at Fort Uncompahgre, a reconstruction of the original trading post used by traders, trappers and Native Americans. Take some time to visit the “City of Murals” and hike in the newly designated Dominquez / Escalante National Wilderness Areas.
Learn more about The City of Delta »
Hotchkiss
Truly one of the friendliest towns on Our Side of the Divide! This little town along the West Elk Loop is named after the man who led the first group of settlers to the area, Enos T. Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss was incorporated in 1900, just months after Mr. Hotchkiss’s death. The town’s namesake is an inductee into the Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Orchard City
As you slowly ascend the rolling hillside up to the Grand Mesa, you will pass through Orchard City – a unique agricultural, residential and recreational area nestled between the cities of Delta to the southwest, Cedaredge to the north, and Hotchkiss to the east. Orchard City is primarily recognized by the names of three smaller and older areas within its boundaries – Austin, Eckert, and Cory.
Learn more about Orchard City »
Paonia
Paonia is named for the peony flower. It is said that Samuel Wade wanted to name the town after this flower he admired, using the greek spelling Paeonia. The postal service was “not going to have any of those letters around” so the town was name Paonia. Plants from the original stock are said to be growing today in Paonia Town Park more than 100 years later.
