Things To Do
Azura Cellers (Winery/Tasting Room)
One of our favorite wineries in the area. Looking over Paonia this winery has stunning views of the valley.
Black Bridge Winery and Orchard Valley Farms
Our other favorite U-pick farm. August will feature peaches, nectarines, blackberries, and raspberries. Black Bridge features a tasting room and lovely seating next to the river.
Chrysalis Barrel Aged Beer
A small-batch brewery in Paonia specializing in sours made with local fruit.
Stone Cottage Cellars
Another great winery with great views of the North Fork Valley.
The Storm Cellar
Another fabulous winery in the Paonia area with a tasting room & views of the valley.
Big B's Delicious Orchards U-pick, Cafe & Tasting Room
Our wedding venue features organic U-pick orchards & it will be prime peach-pickin season! Big Bs also serves in-house-made cider, cider slushies, and is the tasting room for Alfred Eames Cellars, a beloved Paonia label.
Paonia River Park
Short on time but want an activity? Enjoy the North Fork of the Gunnison River which runs right through town. The park features walking trails (cross the road/towards the bridge to do the full loop) and depending on the river flow you can cool off in the river. Sometimes the river gets shallow towards the end of the summer but is still good for kids.
Apple Valley Park
Want a place for the kids to run around with mountain views? Apple Valley Park in Paonia is a great option with a playground, huge fields, a disc golf course, etc.
Grand Mesa
*Top Pick* The largest flat-topped mountain in the world is right in our backyard (1 hr drive, depending on destination). Filled with lakes, hikes, and cooler temps, the Grand Mesa is a pleasure to explore in the summer. Bring mosquito spray- they can get bad near the lakes!
Electric Mountain Lodge
45-minute drive from Paonia. A jumping-off point for hikes and at a higher elevation so you'll find a light break from the heat here. The lodge is closed to day visitors this summer but you can still pop it in as a destination and park nearby for hikes & views.
Ouray Hot Springs
1.5 hour drive from Paonia. For those in Colorado for an extended stay, this is one of our favorite areas to spend time. Ouray features stunning views, waterfall hikes, and a lovely public hot spring. Great as a day trip or overnight. Ouray can get busy during the summer season so we recommend booking accommodation (or researching camping) in advance.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs
1 hr 40 from Paonia, on way to/from Denver. For those passing through Glenwood Springs/diving on the 70 this is a great place to unwind. A multitude of hot pools (FYI: there is no cold pool/plunge. August days are hot so visiting in the evening is a great idea). Glenwood Springs features 2 other hot spring pool locations, as well as a vapor cave. A popular CO hot-spring destination.
Colorado National Monument
1 hr 45 min from Paonia, near Grand Junction for those driving the 70 for flying in to GJ. This is one of our favorite destinations. August will be hot for hiking, so a drive along Rim Rock Drive is a great option. With views paralleling the best of Utah's national parks, but without the crowds. Paid admission or entrance is included with National Parks Pass.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
1 hour to NORTH rim from Paonia. About 20 min to the SOUTH rim from Montrose for those flying in there. One of Colorado's 3 national parks, a stunning and overlooked park! Hiking will be hot in the summer, aim to go for views in the morning or evening before closing.