2169 Hwy. 65, Cedaredge, CO 81413; 970-856-6836, .
Rates: Start at $75 per night for two in a room with queen bed; the Hummingbird Suite has a separate entrance with a sunroom and sitting room. Breakfast is included (simple but tasty: French toast, bacon, fresh fruit, OJ). Parking on dirt lot.
Stay here if you’re: In love with llamas and/or road tripping across the Grand Mesa.
It’s close to: Cedaredge (the ranch is 5 miles north of town) and 7 miles from Grand Mesa National Forest. Depending on your definition of “close” (once you’re in this neck of the woods), Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado National Monument and Grand Junction are all easy day trips.
The rooms are: Very pastel and rather adorable, from the Hummingbird Suite with its terrific views of the gardens, llama herd and the multiple surrounding mountain ranges, as well as a jet tub with room for two, to the Peachtree room in the main house, with a small table, couch and plenty of stretching space.
They put all of the money into: The llama herd and the apple orchard, both of which provide some entertainment. When the delicious apples are ripe, eat all you want, and feed the fallen ones to the friendly llamas, about 10 right now, from the fussy, domineering matriarch to the skittish babies. They are gentle and interested in all of the visitors, and will hang out by the fence strutting their stuff. If they really want to get to know you, they will come right up to your face and blow; blow back if you want to know them too. Then they will take the apples right out of your hand and let you touch their scrubby wool.
The bottom line: Nothing fancy, Cedar’s Edge nonetheless charms, the solar-style cedar buildings a comfortable stop on a road trip through some beautiful country. Owners Ray and Gail Record are delighted to share their knowledge of the area, llama-breeding and the joys of golden retrievers, two of whom also live on the property (the young pup, Lizzy, will play fetch for, oh, about 12 hours straight if you let her).
