A November view From Craig Crest Trail on the Grand Mesa

Fall has begun its slow fade into winter here in the North Fork Valley, and all the tell tale signs are upon us. The leaves are gone from the cottonwoods, sheep and cattle are in their winter pastures, snow dusts the mountain peaks, and hunters are in the hills. We received our first significant snowfall a few days before Halloween, and new storms blow through once or twice a week. 5:00 pm sunsets, and 20-50 degree days have become the norm.

This time of year in my free time I often find myself indoors, not far from a heat register, wondering what to do on the weekend. The SUP’s and rafts are put away for the season, and our rivers have become significantly less inviting than they were back in August. It is easy to fall into the indoor routine. However this past weekend I made an effort to get off the couch and enjoy all the outdoors have to offer this time of year. I was rewarded with the privilege of leaving the first snowshoe tracks of the season up Craig Crest Trail to the top of the Grand Mesa. As I watched the sunset over Delta county from 6,000 feet above, I was reminded what an amazing time of year November can be in our local backcountry.

If you also find yourself spending a little too much time in “the great indoors” during the colder months, and need some inspiration, here is a list of our favorite late fall activities in and around the North Fork Valley. Enjoy!

Ute Trail in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

Without leaving Hotchkiss:

Crossroads Mountain bike trails - Enjoy over 10 miles of flowing single track mountain bike riding in the adobe badlands. These trails range in difficulty from beginner to advanced, so follow the signs and find one that is just right for you! The trailhead is at Hotchkiss High School. The Crossroads trails are built and maintained by The Nature Connection. Please respect their hard work and only ride when trails are dry. If you are leaving tire tracks, turn around.

Disc Golf - Head down to the Delta County fairgrounds for 18 holes of disc golf. This course is in a beautiful cottonwood grove on the banks of the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Need a disc? Western Slope SUP rents them for $2 a day, or buy one at Gambles (Ace Hardware) in downtown Hotchkiss.

Just outside of town

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area - Enjoy miles of two-track trails overlooking the Gunnison River. These trials are perfect for a jeep ride, dog walk, jog, or bike ride. Check out historic Sulfur Gulch Sulfur mine, and 13,000 year old Eagle Rock Shelter while you are there.

Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery - Take a walk along the banks of the North Fork of the Gunnison River, enjoy views of the West Elk Wilderness, and check out a frozen waterfall! The hatchery is open Monday-Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Within one hour

Grand Mesa Nordic Trails - The Grand Mesa Nordic Council maintains 30 miles of cross country ski trails high atop the world's largest flat top mountain. Trails range from beginner to advanced, and groomed to un-groomed. Strap on your skis or snowshoes and enjoy the high alpine fun. Need a rental? Our friends at Grand Mesa Outdoors in Cedaredge have you taken care of. As of this week, the County Line and skyway trails are packed with snow and skiing great! The Nordic Council is a community supported non-profit organization. If you like what they do, feel free to leave a donation in the box at the trailhead.

Ute Trail - A stunning way to experience the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. From Ute Trailhead, you will have one of the best views of Delta, over 1,200 feet below. The trail descends 1,000 feet over 4.5 miles to the Gunnison River. Along the way you will pass beautiful sandstone Cliffs, and plenty of places to stop and take in the view. This trailhead is accessed by 4WD road from Peach Valley.

Deer and elk hunting season runs through November 22nd, so wear some orange, and remember, there is no bad weather, just bad equipment. Happy Trails!

November in the North Fork: Our Favorite Fall Activities