Cedaredge, Colorado [Spring 2002] 

Nestled at the base of the majestic Grand Mesa, the Surface Creek Valley is comprised of Cedaredge, Austin, Cory, Eckert and Orchard City. The valley’s  rolling terrain is dotted with dozens of orchards, which produce apples, pears, peaches, apricots and cherries. Additionally, innovative growers have found the valley and its  mild climate ideally suited for growing grapes and the production of premium wines. 

At the upper end of the valley lies the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. Over 10,000 feet high, Grand Mesa has 300-plus lakes and  reservoirs. More than 200 of them contain rainbow, brook and native cutthroat trout. The Grand Mesa is a year-round recreation area, with towering, unspoiled  spruce forests, mountain slopes covered with enchanting quaking aspen and lush mountain meadows with so many wildflowers, you will think it must certainly be nature’s own private garden. 

It is served by the Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway, Colorado Hwy. 65, with connection to Interstate 70 and U.S. 50.