Living in Crested Butte, we are all so blessed to have such a unique and special place with a completely different climate only an hour and a half away.  Paonia offers another world so close, making for a great day trip.  If you enjoy all the fresh fruits and vegetables at the CB farmer’s market, they likely all came from the Paonia valley.  Nestled on the other side of Kebler pass, means you can submerge yourself in the second largest aspen grove along the way.  Kebler also extends our foliage season with lower elevations and warmer temps.  This year was no different.  So we loaded up the dog and headed for the wine country.

Leaving from CB we drove East on Kebler pass.  First stopping by the Lost Lake area.  Then at a nice viewing area labeled with a small sign of a camera.  Let the dog out, took some photos and kept heading East.  About a half hour later, we were arriving into Paonia’s downtown.  We stopped at the Sweetgrass restaurant for lunch and truly enjoyed their light and fluffy focaccia bread and the chicken salad sandwich with just the right amount of apples.

Then we headed over to the Big B’s orchard and got some jams, cold pressed apple juice, etc.  It’s been a while since I was there and was very impressed with how they’ve built up the facility.  Now including camping, cider/beer garden, stage and dancing area for concerts, food and a friendly staff.

But before heading back we had to swing by at least one vineyard.  Below is a map of just some of the vineyards in the area.  We chose the Qutori Winery to try and buy some of their award-winning Estate White Pinot Noir.

Driving slow on the way home is very important.  You will most likely run into wildlife and Joey’s parked on the road before a blind corner.  So take it slow and enjoy the views.

Some say weather is boring, but may just be the most fascinating and ever-changing processes on earth.  As a skier I’ve seen many changes throughout the years and this last winter was hands down the worst we’ve ever seen in the West.  This combined with a very dry summer has put our aspen trees under a lot of stress.  Therefore, the scientists are all saying that Fall is coming early this year.  Hopefully the rain will keep falling and the winds stay light!

This photo was taken a few years back of the famous old log cabin at the bottom of Whetstone Mountain.

The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival runs from July 10th to the 19th. This year has seen a super bloom of the Monument flowers and due to the lack of rain, the flowers are best at the higher elevations. So renting a Jeep is the best ticket to get up high and enjoy the beauty that mother earth has to offer.

Here’s a great video from a scientist with the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory or RMBL:

According to Powder Magazine, “Drivers who don’t have an AWD or 4WD car equipped with the required tires (winter tires, all-weather rated tires, or mud and snow tires) must have chains.  Approved tires must also have a tread depth of at least 3/16-inches. Drivers who don’t adhere to the rules can face a $67 penalty.”

Luckily all our specialized Jeeps have a real 4 Wheel Drive system, additional clearance, and plenty of tread on our BF Goodrich All Terrain tires.  So next time you come to Crested Butte or Gunnison, rent the right tool for the job and be worry free.

Article:

https://www.powder.com/news/new-traction-law-i-70-colorado

Finally, I found these amazing photos from a few years ago.  Fall is a very special time of year here in Paradise.  The temps cool, crowds lessen, the colors flourish and time seems to stand still.  We were also blessed to have a Fall wedding a few years ago, and it’s a great time to be thankful for all the beauty out there.     

Throughout our 11 years of business, we have received many amazing photos and video from our customers. This example includes our newest Jeep, Sahara.  She is a JL Sahara edition with 35” tires, leather and all the bells and whistles.  She’s looking really good with Emerald Lake in the background.  Thank you for sharing! 

The snow is melting and the temps are rising, got to love this time of year! To celebrate, we are offering an additional 5% off multi-day rentals booked before Memorial Day, 5/26/25. So book now and save on your next Jeep adventure to Paradise.