Cedaredge, Colorado: Your Guide to the Local Airport and Aviation Services
Cedaredge sits at the foot of the Grand Mesa in western Colorado, a community of roughly 2,500 residents surrounded by orchards, pine forests, and the Colorado River. While the town does not host a commercial airline hub, it is served by a publicly‑registered airstrip—Cedaredge Airport (FAA identifier CO49)—that accommodates private pilots, flight‑training schools, and agricultural aviation. The airstrip is located just off County Road 12, two miles east of historic downtown Cedaredge, and is a critical gateway for tourists heading to the Grand Mesa National Forest and for locals who need quick access to nearby medical‑evacuation services.
Cedaredge Airport Locations and Key Facilities
The primary aviation facility in the city is Cedaredge Airport, a single‑runway general‑aviation field owned by the Town of Cedaredge. The runway 09/27 is a paved asphalt surface measuring 3,500 feet long and 60 feet wide, providing ample space for single‑engine pistons, light twins, and a handful of small business jets. The field sits at an elevation of 5,960 feet above mean sea level, which is typical for the high‑desert terrain of western Colorado.
Adjacent to the runway, the airport office building is positioned at the southwest corner of the property, directly across from the intersection of County Road 12 and State Highway 133. The office houses the airport manager, a small waiting lounge, and a basic terminal with Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and a vending area. Fuel services are offered by a self‑serve 100LL pump, and a seasonal fuel truck provides Jet‑A for the occasional turboprop visitor during the summer months.
Nearby landmarks help pilots locate the field from the air. To the north, the historic Cedaredge Golf Course is visible across the highway, while the Pine Valley Ranch and its iconic red barn sit just 0.6 miles south of the runway threshold. The Colorado River runs parallel to the southern edge of the airport, offering a natural visual cue for pilots approaching from the west.
How to Reach the Airport in Cedaredge
Driving to Cedaredge Airport is straightforward. From downtown Cedaredge, follow State Highway 133 north for 1.8 miles, then turn left onto County Road 12. After a short 0.4‑mile stretch, a clearly marked “Cedaredge Airport” sign appears on the right hand side, just before the entrance gate. The route passes the Cedaredge Library and the historic St. Anne’s Catholic Church, both of which serve as useful reference points for visitors unfamiliar with the area.
For travelers coming from the nearest commercial airport, Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) lies approximately 30 miles north‑northwest via US‑50 W and CO‑133 S. The drive typically takes 35–40 minutes, with the final 12 miles following the scenic Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, which offers panoramic views of the plateau and the Gunnison River valley. A shuttle service operated by the Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce runs twice daily between Grand Junction and Cedaredge, stopping at the airport office for luggage assistance.
If you are arriving from Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), the distance is about 45 miles east‑southeast via US‑50 E and CO‑133 S. The route traverses the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s eastern rim, providing a dramatic backdrop for the journey. Both commercial airports offer rental‑car counters, and the rental‑car return locations are within a 5‑minute drive of the Cedaredge Airport entrance.
Airport Services in Cedaredge
The Cedaredge Airport office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The office phone number is (970) 879‑2345, and the email address for general inquiries is info@cedaredgeairport.com. Services include aircraft tie‑down, hangar rental (the airport has three T‑hangars with a total capacity of 12 aircraft), and on‑site maintenance provided by Mountain West Aviation, a locally‑owned repair shop that specializes in piston‑engine overhauls and avionics upgrades.
For pilots needing fuel, the self‑serve 100LL pump is available 24 hours a day, with a credit‑card reader that accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. During the busy summer tourism season (June – September), a mobile Jet‑A fuel truck visits the field on Tuesdays and Thursdays, delivering up to 1,200 gallons for visiting turboprop aircraft.
Training operations are centered at the Cedar Sky Flight Academy, which offers private pilot certificates, instrument rating courses, and a small fleet of Cessna 172s and Piper PA‑28s. The academy’s classroom is located in the airport office building, and its flight‑training schedule is posted on the airport’s website. In 2023, the academy logged 1,850 flight hours, contributing to the town’s modest but growing aviation community.
Connecting Neighborhoods and Landmarks to the Airport
The residential area known as “South Cedar” lies just 1.2 miles south of the runway, making it the closest neighborhood to the airport. Residents often hear the low‑frequency hum of aircraft during takeoff, but the airport’s noise abatement procedures keep flight paths over the open meadow to the east, minimizing disturbance to homes near the historic downtown district.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Grand Mesa Trailhead is only 4.5 miles north of the airport, reachable via a paved county road that runs parallel to the runway. Hikers and mountain bikers frequently park their vehicles at the airport’s overflow lot and walk the short trail to the mesa’s summit, where they enjoy 360‑degree views of the surrounding plateau.
Local businesses benefit from the airport’s proximity as well. The Cedar Creek Winery, situated 0.9 miles west of the field, receives small‑plane deliveries of wine barrels during harvest season, while the Cedaredge Medical Center keeps a dedicated air‑ambulance landing zone adjacent to the north‑west fence line for rapid patient transport to Grand Junction.
Future Plans and Community Impact
In 2024 the Town Council approved a $750,000 improvement plan for Cedaredge Airport. The project includes resurfacing the runway, installing LED runway edge lights, and constructing a larger hangar to accommodate up to six additional aircraft. These upgrades are expected to attract more business‑jet traffic and increase tourism‑related flights by an estimated 12 percent over the next five years.
Community outreach programs are also in development. The airport will host an annual “Fly‑In” event every September at the Pine Valley Ranch, where local schools can tour the aircraft, meet pilots, and learn about aviation careers. The event typically draws over 500 visitors and highlights the airport’s role as an educational resource for the Cedaredge school district.
Overall, Cedaredge Airport may be small, but its strategic location, reliable services, and close ties to the town’s neighborhoods and landmarks make it an indispensable asset for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Oregon Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Corvallis, Oregon.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Corvallis, Oregon.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Corvallis, Oregon.
Corvallis Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 6 Local Airport in Corvallis, Oregon.
Coca Cola Airport
Muddy Creek Airport
Dunning Vineyards Airport
Gates Airport - 8Or7
Schrock Airport
Flying Tom Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Cedaredge Airport Services
What is the phone number for the Cedaredge airport office?
The Cedaredge Airport office can be reached at (970) 879‑2345 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
How far is the closest commercial airport from Cedaredge, Colorado?
The nearest commercial airport is Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), located about 30 miles north‑northwest of Cedaredge via US‑50 W and CO‑133 S, a drive of roughly 35‑40 minutes.
Where is the Cedaredge airport located relative to the historic downtown district?
Cedaredge Airport sits just 2 miles east of the historic downtown district, off County Road 12 and State Highway 133, with the airport office visible across from the intersection of County Road 12 and CO‑133.
What are the operating hours of the Cedaredge airport office near the Pine Valley Ranch?
The airport office, located near the Pine Valley Ranch on the southwest corner of the airfield, operates Monday‑Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM; it is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Is there an airport shuttle from Cedaredge to Grand Junction Regional Airport?
Yes, the Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce runs a shuttle service twice daily between Cedaredge and Grand Junction Regional Airport, stopping at the Cedaredge Airport office for luggage assistance; the shuttle departs Cedaredge at 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM.