Lanning Rd
Austin, CO 81410

"The North Fork Valley of Colorado, which is centered in Hotchkiss, is known as the "banana belt" of Colorado for its mild winter climate. Yet the mountains are only minutes away, and the recreational opportunities are fantastic. The Grand Mesa is accessible from 3100 Road, or Leroux Creek Road, and it offers hundreds of thousands of acres of pristine National Forest access. You can take an afternoon jaunt on your snowmobile and make a 100-mile loop. There are also 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa, with great opportunities for fishing and canoeing, and the elk and mule deer hunting is excellent. It is also an incredible place to hike and horseback ride. To the south of Hotchkiss are the gold-medal waters of the Gunnison River and the Black Canyon; to the east are the West Elk Mountains; and to the west is the Uncompaghre Plateau. Aspen, Crested Butte, and Telluride are each only two hours away. The schools in Hotchkiss are excellent, with strong academic programs and excellent sports programs. Wrestling, football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis--there's a lot for kids to do. One of the most appealing things about the North Fork Valley is the climate and what you can grow here. Peaches, pears, apples, plums, cherries, wine grapes--the area is surrounded with orchards and vineyards. There are many organic farms in the area, with farmers raising such diverse crops as organic garlic, cantaloupes, honey, lamb, goat cheese, and pretty much anything you could grow in Colorado. This is also a great place to keep horses and raise a few steers, raise some lambs or 4H pigs. There are strong 4H programs all across the valley for kids to raise animals and pursue other 4H projects. Seniors enjoy the mild climate in the North Fork Valley, and there are two good golf courses in Delta and Cedaredge with low greens fees. There is a good hospital in Delta and a good clinic in Hotchkiss. "