Thursday, March 5, 2026
Small Town Vibe
Population 1000-2999

Cedaredge, CO: Finding Art on the Grand Mesa!

Small Town Vibe

Cedaredge, Colorado

Cedaredge is a small, historically agricultural community in Delta County, Colorado, nestled beneath the southern slopes of the Grand Mesa. It’s often referred to as the “Southern Gateway to the Grand Mesa.”

August 2025: We stopped by Cedaredge for lunch and to explore their downtown after spending a morning hiking around a lake near the Grand Mesa Visitor Center. We discovered an impressive culture of art! Keep reading to find out why.

  • 2023 Population: 2,394
  • 2023 median age: 53.1
  • 2023 median household income: $41,944
  • 2023 median property value: $240,300

Cedaredge – A Brief History

The area that would become Cedaredge was initially inhabited by the Ute Indians until they ceded the land to the United States in the 1880s.

How the Town got its Name – and its link to the Post Office

The community was named “Cedar Edge” by Sophie Kohler, wife of the foreman of the Bar I Cattle Ranch, due to its location at the edge of the juniper (which settlers called cedar) trees. The name was combined, and a post office was established as Cedaredge on December 5, 1894.

The town officially incorporated on March 1907, with a layout of streets, a town park, and commercial lots being established in the preceding years.

What did the original settlers do?

From its beginnings, the land was developed into cattle ranches, fruit orchards, and fields for alfalfa and grass. Today, it remains a significant agricultural community, producing beef cattle, apples, peaches, and wine grapes. The mild climate and abundant irrigation water from Grand Mesa have historically made the Surface Creek Valley ideal for growing crops.

Why does the population of Cedaredge increase dramatically after 1970?

The population increase in Cedaredge, Colorado, and the surrounding area after 1970 is primarily a result of broader demographic and economic shifts in the Colorado Plateau and the Western United States. The population increase after 1970 can be attributed to a combination of migrants seeking the area’s natural amenities and quality of life (retirees, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts) and the corresponding economic shift from traditional industries to a growing service sector.

How the local Economy pivoted to Tourism and Recreation

In recent decades, the town has been able to leverage its stunning location beneath the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain. Cedaredge is now a popular destination offering easy access to outdoor recreation like fishing, hiking, hunting, and skiing in the Grand Mesa National Forest.

The natural beauty of the Grand Mesa, in turn, motivated a group of local artists and art lovers to create a local Center for High Altitude Creativity.

source: Gemini AI

Small Town Vibe

Our 5 Favorite Experiences in Cedaredge!

#1. Walk, Eat, Drink and Shop in Historic Downtown on Main Street

Our first stop in town was on Main Street – home of Cedaredge’s Historic downtown. Being a Monday, we found most Main Street businesses closed. However, we were impressed by the array of restaurant and shopping options, along with public art and a lovely architecture aesthetic along their very walkable Main Street.

The historic downtown functions as the heart of the community and local commerce. Small local businesses, which support the community and provide unique character provide Cedaredge with a community focal point.

Historic preservation

Beyond Main Street, efforts for historic preservation include the local Pioneer Town Museum and the annual Applefest celebration.

#2. Discover the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center

One of the Main Street businesses that was open during our Monday visit was the Grand Mesa Arts & Event Center. We stopped by to admire their art gallery, which was in transition. We were greeted by a local artist who was kind enough to give us a facility tour and tell us about the many fantastic events sponsored by this community non-profit. He showed us the theater (comfy seats donated by a generous patron!) and a photo of a recent concert in their parking lot overflowing with people. Super cool venue!

This non-profit center is a key hub for the arts, aiming to enhance the quality of life through visual and performing arts, education, and advocacy. It offers a variety of programming, including concerts, classes, gallery exhibitions, and annual signature events like the Grand Mesa Short Film Festival and the Grand Mesa Songwriter Festival (source: Gemini AI).

#3. Find shade and relaxation at the Cedaredge Town Park

From the Historic Downtown, it is an easy walk to the Town Park, which we learned has a long history connected to the town’s founding. We enjoyed the large shade trees and pleanitful seating. We were also intrigued by the historic irrigation ditch.

The Cedaredge Town Park is a valued amenity for residents, and features a playground and two tennis courts that are also striped for pickleball (source: Gemini AI).

#4. Eat, Drink and Shop at the AppleShed Art Gallery and Cafe

From the Park we decided to south head down a side street looking for a light lunch. Along the way we saw several cool murals, and an old Farmhouse converted into a Coffee Shop.

We decided to eat at the AppleShed Art Gallery, which has several beautiful art galleries, fun shopping, wine tasting and a tasty Cafe for lunch.

#5. Drive the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, then stop by Blue Mesa Visitor Center for a hike!

Before stopping in Cedaredge, we drove to the Blue Mesa Visitor Center to experience the view – and enjoy a spectacular hike! The Visitor Center has fun shopping, helpful Park Rangers and a beautiful covered side deck.

The Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway provides a 63-mile route up to the top of the mesa, offering spectacular views.

What Draws Visitors Today?

Grand Mesa is a major outdoor recreation destination that offers year-round activities, stunning scenery, and unique natural features.

Fall is a prime time for visitors to witness the spectacular changing colors of the vast aspen groves.

Recreation in the Alpine Lakes: With over 300 stream-fed alpine lakes and reservoirs, Grand Mesa is a haven for water-based activities. Fishing for species like rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout is exceptionally popular, as is boating, kayaking, and canoeing.

Scenic Drives and Overlooks:

The Lands End Overlook is a key stop, offering panoramic vistas of the Grand Valley, the San Juan Mountains, and the Colorado National Monument.

Hiking and Biking: The mesa offers an extensive network of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. The Crag Crest Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, runs along the mesa’s rocky spine and provides views for up to 100 miles on a clear day.

Seasonal Beauty and Wildlife:

Summer brings vibrant displays of wildflowers and lush greenery, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing (including deer, elk, moose, and black bears).

(source: Gemini AI)

Small Town Vibe

A Spotlight on Placemaking Projects and Programs!

Through online research, we found several interesting program supporting the Cedaredge community !

#1. Town government of Cedaredge

The town website has a wide variety of information about and for the community. Here are a few related to placemaking!

#2. One Delta County: An Economic Alliance

The purpose of the One Delta County is to promote, strengthen and enhance Delta County’s economic base including the towns and municipalities of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia. Formed in 2020, One Delta County works in partnership with public and private sectors to strengthen and diversify the economy.

“A 501(c) 3 non-profit, investor-based corporation taking a new approach to economic development in Delta County”

#3. Region 10: Supporting 18 communities in 6 counties in western Colorado

Region 10 leverages resources to help build strong communities. Their mission is accomplished by providing senior services, small business services, and regional development support to Delta, Montrose, Hinsdale, Gunnison, Ouray, and San Miguel counties.

Since 1972, Region 10 has operated as a 501(C)3 nonprofit that is supported by local and county governments. The organization’s programs are supported by several State and Federal programs and funding sources.

#4. Surface Creek Valley Historical Society

Pioneer Town is fully operated by an amazing community of volunteers. They staff the museum, maintain the more than 25 buildings and nearly 6-acres of landscape on the campus. They conduct research, build new exhibits. 

​The Pioneer Town Museum is owned and funded by the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit which was incorporated in 1980.  

Plan Your Visit!

Visit Delta County | Cedaredge

Annual Events

  • June: Mesa Songwriter Festival – “A celebration of songs, songwriters,and the stories that inspire them! In Beautiful Cedaredge, Colorado“
  • October: Cedaredge Applefest – “Cedaredge Applefest showcases local businesses, apple orchards, artists, and musicians. The event brings together 200 plus vendors, and over 30,000 attendees each year. You definitely don’t want to miss this amazing community event with distinct Cedaredge flair and flavor.“
  • October: Pioneer Museum Car show – “Join us for this fun event with antique & classic cars and trucks and hotrods!”
  • December: Jingle Mingle Gala and online Auction – “Cocktails, Heavy Hors d’oeuvres and Desserts Catered by DaVeto’s Live Auction | Shop Deck Your Halls Decorations in the Gallery” – at the Grand Mesa Arts Center in downtown Cedaredge

Visitor Information Sources

Map of Cedaredge

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