Overview of Cedaredge, CO

Perched on the sunny southern slopes of the Grand Mesa—the world’s largest flat-top mountain—Cedaredge, Colorado, is a picturesque community that embodies the charm of the Surface Creek Valley. Located along Scenic Byway Highway 65, approximately 15 miles north of Delta, Cedaredge is famous for its unique "Banana Belt" climate, which allows for flourishing apple orchards, vineyards, and organic farms at an elevation of 6,200 feet. This agricultural heritage, combined with the spectacular backdrop of the Mesa, creates a pastoral setting that is both productive and beautiful.

Cedaredge is a haven for those seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing beauty or comfort. Known as the "Gateway to the Grand Mesa," the town offers immediate access to over 300 lakes and unlimited outdoor recreation. The community is famous for its annual AppleFest, which draws visitors from all over the state, and the historic Pioneer Town museum, which preserves the area's rich ranching history. For buyers, Cedaredge offers a rare blend of small-town friendliness, stunning views of the San Juan Mountains to the south, and a climate that is significantly milder than the high ski towns.

The Equestrian & Ranching Lifestyle

Cedaredge is a dream location for the practical horse owner. The area’s extensive network of reservoirs and ditches ensures that many properties come with valuable water rights, allowing for lush, irrigated pastures that are difficult to find elsewhere in the high desert. Real estate here ranges from 5-acre hobby farms with fruit trees and a small barn to larger working cattle ranches on the outskirts of town. The relatively mild winters mean fewer days breaking ice and more days riding.

The riding opportunities are virtually endless. Just minutes from town, you can trailer up to the **Grand Mesa National Forest**, where thousands of acres of trails wind through aspen groves, spruce forests, and open meadows. Popular trails like the **Scotland Trail** and **Mesa Top Trail** offer cool summer riding at 10,000 feet. Locally, the Surface Creek Trail provides a scenic corridor for walkers and riders alike. The community is filled with knowledge about livestock and agriculture, making it an easy place to find hay, farriers, and like-minded neighbors.

Landscape, Climate, and Community

Sitting at an elevation of 6,230 feet, Cedaredge enjoys a four-season climate that is the envy of much of Western Colorado. Winters are generally moderate, with snow often melting quickly on the sunny slopes, while summers are warm but cooled by the down-valley breezes from the Mesa. The landscape is a stunning transition zone where the red adobe badlands meet the green cedar and pinon forests, culminating in the dark timber of the high country.

The community is vibrant and diverse, attracting a mix of young families, telecommuters, and active retirees. The town boasts an 18-hole golf course, a library, and a growing arts scene. Residents are served by the Delta County School District, with the local high school serving as a hub for community sports and events. It is a place where neighbors share their harvest of peaches and apples, and where the sense of community is as strong as the roots of the century-old trees that line the valley.

Why Buy a Horse Property in Cedaredge?

Buying real estate in Cedaredge is an investment in a lifestyle of abundance. It offers exceptional value, allowing you to buy a productive horse property with water rights for a fraction of the cost of similar land in the Roaring Fork or Animas Valleys. Whether you are looking to start a small vineyard, keep a few horses for trail riding, or simply escape the crowds, Cedaredge offers a fertile, friendly, and affordable sanctuary on the edge of the wild.