Paonia Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, food to try, and tips to follow on your trip to Paonia, Colorado.


Paonia, located in Northwestern Colorado, is a hidden gem in the Rocky Mountains. This charming town boasts a rich history, stunning natural scenery, and an eclectic food and drink scene. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or just in search of a peaceful escape from city life, Paonia is the perfect destination. In this travel guide, we’ll help you plan your trip by highlighting the best places to visit, activities to do, and food to try.

Introduction to Paonia

Paonia is a small town located in Delta County, Colorado, with a population of just over 1,500. The town is known for its agricultural roots, wine scene, and stunning natural surroundings. Paonia is surrounded by the West Elk Mountains and the Gunnison National Forest, creating a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Paonia

Make the most of your trip to Paonia by visiting these must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum of the Mountain West: Experience the life and times of the American West through a unique collection of artifacts, antiques, and exhibits. This museum is a must-see for history buffs.
  • Pioneer Town: Take a trip back in time at this recreated Old West town, complete with a general store, saloon, and jail.
  • Paonia Library: This historic building dates back to 1914 and offers a wealth of information on the history of Paonia.

Natural Attractions of Paonia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Marvel at the steep canyon walls and rushing river at this stunning national park. Don’t miss the Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado.
  • Paonia State Park: Go fishing, paddleboarding, or kayaking on the serene waters of Paonia Reservoir.
  • North Rim Glass Studio: Take in the beautiful views of the West Elk Mountains while watching glassblowers create stunning pieces of art.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Paonia

Paonia is a paradise for hikers and bikers. Here are a few of the best routes:

  • Jumbo Mountain Trail: This hike takes you to the summit of Jumbo Mountain, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Lands End Road: This 25-mile road is closed to vehicles from December to May, making it the perfect spot for a scenic bike ride.
  • Pitkin Mesa Trail: Take in the beauty of the Gunnison River Valley on this relatively easy hike.

Best Things to Do in Paonia: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting: Paonia is home to several wineries, including Azura Cellars and Gallery, Stone Cottage Cellars, and Terror Creek Winery. Take a tour of the vineyards and taste some of the best wines in the state.
  • Horseback Riding: Enjoy an escorted trail ride through the mountains with one of the local outfitters.
  • Farm Tours: Paonia is known for its organic farms and orchards. Take a tour of one of the farms to learn more about sustainable agriculture practices.

Week-Long Itinerary for Paonia

Day 1: Explore downtown Paonia, visit the Museum of the Mountain West, and catch a show at the Paradise Theatre. Day 2: Hike the Jumbo Mountain Trail and visit the North Rim Glass Studio. Day 3: Go fishing or paddleboarding at Paonia State Park and have a picnic lunch. Day 4: Take a farm tour and enjoy a farm-to-table meal at one of the local restaurants. Day 5: Visit Pioneer Town and learn more about the history of the American West. Day 6: Go wine tasting at one of the local wineries and stock up on some bottles to take home. Day 7: Relax and enjoy some downtime by taking a scenic drive along Lands End Road and soaking in the beautiful views.

Food and Drink Scene of Paonia

Paonia has a diverse and vibrant culinary scene. Here are a few of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cherrywood Smoked Bacon: This delicious bacon is smoked over cherrywood for a unique flavor.
  • Cherry Pie: Paonia is known for its abundant cherry orchards, and the cherry pie is a local specialty.
  • Farm-to-Table Meals: Many of the restaurants in Paonia source their ingredients from the local farms and orchards, creating fresh and delicious meals.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Paonia is home to several wineries that produce award-winning wines. Try the Tempranillo from Azura Cellars or the Riesling from Stone Cottage Cellars.
  • Hard Cider: Big B’s Hard Cider is made from locally grown apples, creating a refreshing and unique drink.
  • Beer: Revolution Brewing and Paonia United Brewing Company both offer a variety of craft beers made with locally sourced ingredients.

Where to Stay in Paonia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Paonia has a variety of accommodations to fit any budget and preference:

  • Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast: This historic hotel offers charming rooms and an on-site restaurant.
  • Aspenwood Vacation Properties: Rent a cozy cabin or vacation home to enjoy all the comforts of home.
  • Backcountry Inn: This affordable motel offers clean and comfortable rooms and a central location.

What to Buy in Paonia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Fruit and Produce: Paonia is known for its fresh and delicious produce, including cherries, apples, and peaches.
  • Glass Art: Take home a piece of beautiful glass art from North Rim Glass Studio.
  • Wine and Hard Cider: Stock up on some of the delicious wine and hard cider produced in the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Paonia

Paonia is a close-knit community that values sustainability, organic farming practices, and supporting local businesses. Visitors should be respectful of the local culture and customs, and try to immerse themselves in the local way of life.

Best Time to Visit Paonia

The best time to visit Paonia is between June and September when the weather is mild and the harvest season is in full swing. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and events, such as the Cherry Days Festival in July.

Do’s and Don’ts of Paonia

Do:

  • Support local businesses and farms
  • Take in the stunning natural scenery
  • Try the local wines and hard cider

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment
  • Ignore local customs and traditions
  • Overlook the small town charm of Paonia

Safety and Health

Safety in Paonia

Paonia is a safe town and crime rates are low. Visitors should always take proper precautions, such as locking car doors and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Paonia

The high altitude of Paonia can cause altitude sickness in some travelers. Visitors should drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take it easy for the first few days to acclimate to the altitude.

Getting to Paonia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Paonia is located about 50 miles southeast of Grand Junction, Colorado. Here are the best ways to get there:

Airports Near Paonia

  • Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is the closest airport to Paonia, located about 50 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Paonia

  • Delta County Commuter offers bus service to Paonia from nearby towns.

Other Options

  • Rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains to Paonia.

How to Get Around in Paonia

Paonia is a small town that can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. Visitors can also rent a car to explore the surrounding area and attractions.

Where to Go Next from Paonia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Gunnison National Forest: Explore the expansive wilderness and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Crested Butte: Known for its skiing and vibrant arts scene, Crested Butte is just a short drive from Paonia.
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Continue your adventure by exploring more of this spectacular national park.

Conclusion

Paonia is a charming town that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culinary delights. Follow this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and make the most of your visit to this hidden gem in the Rocky Mountains.

Grand Avenue in Paonia, Colorado. Grand Avenue in Paonia, Colorado.