Grand Mesa – Delta County’s Jewel
Many are not aware that Grand Mesa is one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world. It is an oasis of cool mountain streams and beautiful forest lands as well as an agricultural and heritage center of Colorado. The region is found in Delta County and is home to Colorado’s western slope communities of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Eckert, Hotchkiss, Cory, Orchard City and Paonia.
Hiking, Mountain Biking, Flyfishing, ATV and MotorCross adventures all await the outdoor enthusiasts. Great Pannier trips or Motorbike tourists can find a treasure trove of lodging options. Those who choose not to camp too should check out these lovely Ranch, Hotels and B&B’s.
Smith Fork Ranch
Located just outside of Crawford, Smith Fork Ranch sits among thousands of acres of wilderness and national forest. Here, everything – lodging, meals and activities – is included when you book. The guest quarters at Smith Fork Ranch have been lovingly restored to feature luxury accommodations furnished with American antiques and original art and crafts from western and Native American artisans. The ranch also has an organic farmstead garden and miles of private fly-fishing on the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River. Packages, including women’s retreats, culinary escapes and family ranch adventures are available.
Fresh & Wyld Farmhouse Inn
Enjoy a true taste of rural life in total comfort at this lovingly restored 1908 farmhouse inn and gardens. Breakfast is included in your stay and features fresh, local organic fare, some of which is grown right on the grounds at Fresh and Wyld. Sign up for one of the workshops that teach things like candle making, spinning and weaving, raw food cuisine, and more. Comfortable and charming rooms range from king- and queen-sized suites to a private apartment. Visit November 1 – May 1 and take advantage of 20-percent off regular rates.
Alexander Lake Lodge
Historic Alexander Lake Lodge, situated outside of Cedaredge on beautiful Alexander Lake, blends rustic charm with warm elegance and a hefty dose of hospitality. Sip on a cup of specialty coffee or brandy in the reconstructed library, complete with more than 2,000 books to peruse. Or cozy up to the 100-year old fireplace after a fun-filled day on the lake. The sunbathed Lake View Room is a perfect lunch and lake-lookout spot. Choose a romantically remodeled room in the B&B, book a cabin or select a tent or RV site during the summer for a more rustic experience.
Thunder Mountain Lodge
Perched atop one of the world’s largest flat-topped mountains, Grand Mesa, Thunder Mountain Lodge is an adventurer’s paradise with more than 300 lakes and 800 square miles of forestland to explore. Fishing, hunting, horseback riding, four-wheeling, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are all available right at Thunder Mountain Lodge’s doorstep. The private cabins, tucked into the woods, provide a comfortable, quite and relaxing place to rest up for all the fun to be had.
Bross Hotel
When it first opened in 1906, The Bross Hotel was considered the only first-class hotel in Delta County. Today, the turn-of-the-century hotel has been remodeled to maintain its historic charm, while offering guests modern amenities. The ten guest rooms are richly appointed with period antiques and hand-made quilts. The complimentary breakfast buffet is served in the spacious dining room on the 18-foot antique bar. Special rates and packages are available that take advantage of local events and area attractions.
Babbling brooks, ancient juniper and soothing views of the North Fork Valley and West Elk Mountains are at your doorstep when you stay at Rivendell. This 40-acre retreat features nature walks, evening campfire stargazing sessions and the chance to learn something new. The owners offer guided nature walks, complete with wildlife and environmental knowledge sharing, as well as art classes at the on-site studio. Rivendell has overnight lodging options for up to ten guests, plus limited tent and RV camping, providing an intimate experience for your Rivendell stay.
Images Courtesy of Delta County: http://www.deltacountycolorado.com/activities_attractions/confluence.aspx
A really nice story! Just wanted to point out that the image at the top is not Grand Mesa, it’s Mt. Garfield and the Bookcliffs. The Grand Mesa is even larger and really green. Both are really great views.