Crawford & The North Fork Valley

Crawford is a small cow town of fewer than 400 residents situated on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rockies, and bordered by some of the most diverse and stunning scenery in the state. Needle Rock, a 700 foot monolith, and the focus of a fall art festival, stands as a sentry just a few miles east of Crawford, with the West Elk Mountains rising majestically as its backdrop. Just as spectacularly as the West Elks command your attention for their climb towards the heavens, the Black Canyon, a beautiful 13 mile drive southwest of Crawford, inspires gasps of disbelief as it plunges over 2,000 feet straight down to the Gunnison River below. The Grand Mesa, a short drive to the northwest boasts of being the world’s largest flat top mountain, complete with hundreds of lakes, and beautiful aspen forests. While lacking the full stunning visual impact of these wonders, the outlying desert-like areas known as the ‘dobie badlands may seem a bit understated, but tell a story no less compelling… Imagine the ash mounds before you, the result of thousands of years of volcanic activity, as resting at the bottom of the shallow inland sea that once submerged the North Fork Valley. Pick up prehistoric shark teeth at 6,500 feet and try to keep your imagination in check. It’s all fascinating - every square foot of this beautiful area.

Crawford is situated at the southern edge of the area known as the North Fork Valley. This area has been referred to in an article in Forbes magazine as “The Golden Triangle”. Crawford is one point on the triangle, the other two points made up of Crawford’s sister towns of Hotchkiss and Paonia. What makes this area noteworthy is not only the spectacular surroundings, but the quality of life found in the North Fork Valley. Old and new ways of life co-exist. Tradition is still strong and expresses itself in the many cattle and sheep ranches found in the Valley. Cattle drives, with cowboys on horseback, are still common in the spring and fall seasons as ranchers move their cattle between valley pastures and the warm weather grazing lands of the high country.

But for every old time cattle ranch, there’s an organic orchard or commercial garden, a vineyard, or a rancher raising elk or buffalo. Small scale farmers and producers relying of hard work, creativity and a willingness to diversify have forged a new economic direction for the North Fork Valley. And with each passing year this reputation has spread further, attracting a new breed of visitor – those seeking an authentic experience centered on an appreciation of what the Valley produces… Wine tastings, farm dinners and produce purchased from roadside markets are attracting the attention of those serious about the quality of their gastronomic experiences.

The creative spirit that is so well manifest in the local approach to agriculture is also expressed in the creative and performing arts. It would be hard to imagine another place so rich in creative spirit. The Valley boasts an enormous number of talented individuals skilled in everything from the creation of art glass, to sculpture, to fine art, to musical expression, to the written word. And the Valley is home to many institutions supporting the arts: The Blue Sage Center in Paonia, The Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss, The Paradise Theatre in Paonia, the Hotchkiss Fine Arts Association, KVNF Public Radio, to name only a few. There is no question that the natural beauty of the area, combined with a general creative bent has resulted in an area very attractive to those skilled at creative expression, and this rich cultural presence is a benefit to the resident and visitor alike.

As for Crawford itself… Crawford tends to see itself as the more traditionally ‘western’ of the three towns; with all three lending a distinct personality to the overall experience of the North Fork Valley. Crawford features three restaurants, a general store, a world famous art glass studio, and a small handful of service businesses. The Town has a ‘western feel’ which is imparted by its variety of historic, false front, stone and clapboard buildings. Crawford itself may not take a full day to explore; however, Crawford makes an excellent central location from which to explore the surrounding natural and cultural beauty of the North Fork Valley. For an extensive look at the North Fork Valley, please visit the joint website of the Hotchkiss, Paonia and Crawford Chambers of Commerce: www.NorthForkValley.net.