The North Fork Valley

The communities that formed along the rivers flowing out of the West Elk mountains in western Colorado comprise an area known as the North Fork Valley. The name comes from our main river, the North Fork of the Gunnison River.

Two sides of the North Fork Valley are national forest: the Gunnison National Forest to the east and north, which includes the West Elk Wilderness and Raggeds Wilderness, and the Grand Mesa National Forest to the north. The southern boundary is the Black Canyon, which includes Black Canyon National Park.

The North Fork Valley is a great place to live because of its proximity to the mountains. It’s hard to find a place that doesn’t provide spectacular views of the mountains or a 360-degree panorama from one of the many mesas.

The climate is four seasons, allowing for a long growing season for our many organic farms and orchards. One can often see snow-covered peaks while enjoying a warm, sunny day in the valley.

Recreational opportunities abound. You can hike, bike, hunt, fish, ski, snowshoe, ride horses, camp, snowmobile, 4-wheel … Surrounded by public lands, the North Fork Valley is a base area for explorations. Climb a mountain or down into a canyon! Fly-fish a stream or canoe across a mountain lake. Ride past a desert landscape of sagebrush and pinyon into a forest of aspen and pine.

For less strenuous options, consider wine-tasting at a high-altitude vineyard, visiting a community owned art center or theater, or listening to live music.