Developing a Strong Economy for Delta County

 
428 Main St., STE 101, Delta, CO 970-874-4992               

Delta County

Delta County is located on Colorado's western slope at the base of Grand Mesa, the largest flat top mountains in the world. An agricultural and heritage hotbed, this region is home to the delightfully diverse communities of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia. Delta County was created by the Colorado legislature on February 11, 1883. The county was named for the City of Delta, which gets its moniker for its location on the delta of the Uncompahgre River. Delta County's story is one of agriculture pioneers, mining, land, and water development.


Delta County is home to a number of unique resources, attributes and organizations. The County is home to natural attractions including two rivers (the Uncompaghre and Gunnison Rivers), the Grand Mesa National Forest, two National Conservation Areas and beautiful scenery.  The County enjoys a more temperate climate than the majority of the state, has a large amount of farmland, and has access to water resources and clean air.

Delta County is located on Colorado's western slope, about 267 miles southwest of Denver. Visitors may fly directly into the area via Montrose Regional Airport (20 miles from the City of Delta) or Grand Junction Regional Airport (40 miles from the City of Delta). Delta County is accessed by Highways 50, 92 and 133.


Delta County Attractions
  • Grand Mesa – One of the world's largest flat-topped mountains, lakes, fishing, camping, hiking trail, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.  It is also is home to over 300 lakes and the Grand Mesa Scenic Highway, one of the most scenic drives in Colorado.
  • Delta-Montrose Technical College (DMTC) -  is designated by the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education as the agent for postsecondary vocational training in Western Colorado. 
  • The Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers -  offer many recreational opportunities including white and flat water boating and gold medal fishing.
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park North Rim – boasting 2,000-foot sheer walls, celebrated it's 10 year anniversary as a National Park in 2009
  • Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area – Wilderness hiking, camping, whitewater and flat water boating, Gold Medal fishing, 20 mile singletrack Sidewinder Trail, and OHV riding areas
  • Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area – Wilderness boating, camping, vehicle touring through scenic Escalante Canyon, petroglyphs, historic sites, Tabeguache Trail (Delta County has two of the three NCA designated areas in the state, and two of the 16 NCA's in the country).
  • North Fork Creative District - In June 2013, the North Fork Valley received Certified Creative District status from Colorado Creative Industries, a Division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development & International Trade.  This Creative District includes arts, culture and agriculture.
  • Gunnison River – one of the premiere fly fishing destinations; Gold Medal waters
  • Ute Council Tree – the 200-year old meeting place of the Ute tribes
  • Wineries – Delta County is home to 18 wineries and tasting rooms and the West Elks American Viticulture Area (AVA) is home to ten wineries and boasts the highest vineyards in North America.
  • West Elk Loop Scenic Byway – 205-mile loop that begins in Hotchkiss
  • Grand Mesa National Scenic & Historic Byway – 63 mile route, originating in Cedaredge
  • Bill Heddles Recreation Center / Confluence Park in Delta
  • West Elk Wilderness Area - wonderful recreation opportunities. Multiple use trails.
  • Sidewinder Trail - in the Gunnison Gorge NCA, this is a muliplte use trail that is currently 20 miles long running one way.
  • Organic Agriculture - Delta County has more organic crop growing operations than any other county in Colorado and ranks 44th nationwide.