A Lively & Diverse Community

A Small Town With Big Personality

Paonia, known as a “small town with a big personality,” is nestled in the stunning North Fork Valley on Colorado’s Western Slope. It is also referred to as “cool, quirky, and unique.” When one visits, they will know why this unique area has garnered so much attention in the eyes of so many across the country, and beyond.

This tucked away gem, with beautiful mountain views, is dotted with vineyards, abundant orchards, and small organic farms. Paonia is also popular with its vibrant arts district, farm-to-table dinners, farmer’s markets, outdoor adventures, local tours, art shows, concerts, and all kinds of celebrations, Spring through Fall.

Wineries

Visit the local wineries, e.g., Azura Cellars, Stone Creek Winery, Black Bridge Winery, Qutori Wines, and many others are an easy drive from the property. Spend an afternoon (or two) visiting the local wineries, tasting the wines and touring the vineyards. Orchard Valley Farms & Black Bridge Winery is a delight where you can pick your own fruit and get your fill of fresh organic vegetables and products, e.g., homemade jellies, sauces, etc. Be sure to take time to plop into an Adirondack chair, next to the river, to have a picnic or glass of wine. Azura Cellars Tasting Room and Gallery on Farmers Mine Road is a must to visit. This is a beautiful setting, looking over the North Fork valley, where it is easy to see why the area is referred to as “Little Tuscany”.

Breweries

Paonia also has several smaller local brewers, e.g., Paonia United Brewing, Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer are in the downtown areas, and participate in local events and celebrations.

Orchards, Organic Farms, and Farmer’s Markets

Summer and Fall are great times to visit the area. Several u-pick orchards, such as Big B’s Delicious Orchards and Orchard Valley Farms, are open for visitors to walk the grounds and pick their own produce.

Several times, during the season, organic farms will be open to the public. See where your food comes from and how its grown.

Visit The Living Farm, 132 acre organic farm that grows produce, berries, and livestock. The Living Farm also gives classes on organic farming and high-performance gardening.

A Farmer’s Market, with many of the small organic growers, is set up weekly at the town park. Individual farms may also have their own markets open to the public, simply look for local ads and or posters for up to date information.

Arts & Music

Paonia is a Certified Colorado Creative District with a thriving Arts scene, with resident artists, galleries, and theatre performances. Whether its local artists and musicians or world class music performances at the Blue Sage, music in an inherent part of the local scene.

Ellen Stapenhorst, a locally renowned musician, signer, songwriter, composer, and artist. She has performed all over the country, and worked with many famous artists, including Jackson Browne and Crystal Gale. You won’t want to miss Ellen’s performances in and around Paonia at Sage Alley, local festivals, and Pickin’ in the Park., a lively concert series that draws crowds of locals and visitors to a scenic park every year.

Outdoors Activities & Adventures

Outdoor activities, in and around Paonia, include extensive Cycling Options; Fishing (including Gold Metal Fly Fishing); Hiking the extensive trails of the West Elk Mountains; visiting Gunnison Gorge and Black Canyon; or wade, float, fish, or raft at Gunnison River Pleasure Park.

Road & Mountain Biking

If you prefer your adventures to be on two wheels, there are many great cycling options. Mountain bikers flock to Jumbo Mountain just east of town to test their mettle on the “Ridge of Doom,” as well as the nearby Outer Rim. Southwest of town, the Wiley Springs and McDonald Creek trails offer other off-road options. Road cyclists can easily commute between wineries, create their own loops, or ride the 24 scenic miles to the entrance of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Rent an electric bike from Cirque Cyclery in downtown Paonia, which has designed two loops that will deliver you to some of the area’s best destinations.

Hiking Trails

Hike extensive trails of the local West Elk Mountains, Gunnison National Forest, or take in the rim of Black Canyon, with extensive hiking options. Visit “ALLTRAILS” at https://.alltrails.com/explore/us/colorado/somerset to map out your adventure.

Boating & Fishing

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area offers outstanding recreational opportunities such as world class trout fishing, whitewater boating, and back country hiking. Wade..Float..Fish…Raft at Gunnison River Pleasure Park offering a variety of adventures including rafting, boat trips, and Gold Metal Fishing.

Scenic Tours & SightSeeing

From Memorial Day through October the wineries of the West Elks offer tours, tastings; special events featuring intimate winemakers dinners, wine and food pairings, tours of organic farms, music venues and farm to table events. Dinners in the Vineyards typically need to be booked ahead.

Autumn is a special time to visit! Drive the West Elk Loop for breath taking views and vistas. Join in local harvest celebrations, pick your own fruit and enjoy the late harvest.