Gateway to the North Rim
Elevation 6,520 ft.
Population 392
Named after Captain George A. Crawford whose 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. Visit the Crawford State Park for many other outdoor sports, including hiking, fishing, biking, boating… the list goes on!
Overnight accommodations are plentiful in Crawford. Stay at any of the charming bed and breakfasts, motels, campsites, lodges and cabins. For a complete list visit our Crawford Lodging page.
Attractions
Located along the West Elk Scenic Byway, the Town of Crawford is nestled in the heart of cattle country between The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the breathtaking West Elk Wilderness Area. With Crawford’s quaint restaurants, outdoor attractions and unique shops to enjoy, there are plenty of things for the whole family to do.
The North Rim of The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a wonderful alternative to the more visited South Rim. This side offers a touch with nature, primitive campsites and many trails leading down into the 1500-foot deep canyon to the pristine waters of the Gunnison River.
Needle Rock is one of those sites where you ask youself “what on earth do you call that?” Needle Rock is an intrusive of rhyodacite volcanic plug or volcanic neck. According to Wikipedia, it stands 800 feet (240Â m) tall above the floor of the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River valley. It originated as the throat of a large volcano about 28 million years ago in the Miocee geological epoch, when molten rock intruded between existing sedimentary rocks. It is a breathtaking additon to the viewshed in Crawford along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway.
Another natural resource to be explored is the Gunnison Basin National Forest where you can camp, fish and hunt year round. Snowmobiling, cross country skiing and ice fishing are some winter activities you will want to enjoy in our area.
Summer brings hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and water sports of all types at the Crawford State Park, just a mile from town.
Events
Crawford Pioneer Days
Catch the spirit of the Old West! Enjoy parade, melodrama, food, arts and more!
More Information
Crawford Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 22
Crawford, CO 81415
970-921-4000
