Paonia

For a map of the Paonia area, click here.

The wonderful small town of Paonia, Colorado, is nestled at the base of Mt. Lamborn. The town is only minutes away from hiking on quiet trails on BLM or National Forest Land. Paonia is fortunate to be the home of many organic orchards, farms, vineyards and ranches that supply its residents with ample amounts of organic cherries, peaches, apples, pears, vegetables, flowers, wines and meats, which are sold by several stores in town. In addition, there are coffee shops with good organic coffee and baked goods and several restaurants offering reasonably priced delicious meals. Bring your family and plan to spend some extra time in the area. You will soon see why KVNF, High Country News, and Western Slope Environmental Resource Council decided to call Paonia “home”!

There are many recreational activities in Paonia and the surrounding Western Slope of Colorado. Hiking trails, mountain biking trails, fly-fishing, rafting and kayaking are only some of the outdoor sports that are available in the area. Here are some links to various recreational areas that can be enjoyed:

North Fork River Improvement Association (NFRIA)
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Orvis Hot Springs
Colorado National Monument

For mountain bikers, there are great trails directly across from the classroom. Ask for further information when you arrive.

Paonia also features the Old River Road Trading Post - a great natural foods grocery store that specializes in local foods, and the Lamborn Ladle, which offers a lunch buffet from noon to 6pm. They also have wind and PV systems on-site.