Grand Junction, Colorado
By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com
Grand Junction is the largest city on Colorado’s Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains. Grand Junction attractions include many outdoors activities exploring the Grand Valley, Grand Mesa and the Colorado National Monument, a canyon of rock formations, steep drop-offs and high vantage points.
A moment of bliss while looking over the deep chasm of Colorado National Monument. (Colorado Tourism Office)
Stay in one of the luxurious Grand Junction lodging options to fully enjoy your trip to this Colorado vacation destination.
The city is located along the Colorado River, where it meets the Gunnison River. Hence, Grand Junction has the nickname of “River City.”
No matter what time of year you visit, there will be an abundant amount of things to do in the area. In the fall, the Grand Mesa (to the east) is a show of color and ephemeral beauty. The lakes and forests of the area are great for hiking, biking and boating. In the winter, head to Powderhorn, which is a ski resort on the edge of the Grand Mesa.
To the west lies The Colorado National Monument, a series of canyons and mesas similar to the Grand Canyon. Its 23-mile Rimrock Drive is a fantastic activity in the summer for those that want spectacular views of the canyon and rock formations.
To the south, the Western Slope is an agricultural oasis where you can buy sweet corn, cherries, and many other locally grown products at their farmer’s markets. Each season brings new fruits and vegetables!
Heading north, you’ll find the Little Bookcliffs. These sheer, rippled walls of stone descend from the mesa top to the valley floor.
The mighty Colorado River flows down from the Rocky Mountains, past Grand Junction and into Utah. While the river is mighty, here in Grand Junction it is wide and slow enough for leisurely float trips.
Close by, Rattlesnake Canyon is another natural wonder that’s worth the trip. The red sandstone arches are a precursor to Utah’s Arches National Park across the state border.
Downtown Grand Junction has lovely architecture, especially in the North Seventh Avenue Historic District. Visit the district’s little shops and restaurants!
Golfing is popular because Grand Junction often has milder weather than the rest of Colorado. There are several fine local courses that sometimes offer golfing all winter long! In fact, the weather is so good historically in the area that it persuaded the first settlers in Grand Junction to stay in the 1800s.
To learn more about the history of the area, check out the Museum of Western Colorado, complete with a dinosaur museum. Several major digs have taken place locally.
[...] in Grand Junction and enjoy everything the area has to offer. From skiing at nearby Powderhorn to the beautiful [...]
[...] Grand Junction, on Colorado’s Western Slope, sprawls across the Grand Valley. Many of the things to do in the Grand Junction area are outdoors activities, so book a stay in one of the fantastic Grand Junction hotels- you’re going to need the sleep! Road cycling near vineyards just outside of Grand Junction. (Colorado Tourism Office) [...]
[...] Grand Junction, Colorado | Colorado Vacations – The Rocky … [...]
[...] Grand Junction, Colorado | Colorado Vacations – The Rocky … [...]
[...] Grand Junction, Colorado | Colorado Vacations – The Rocky … [...]
Very do-able. I did 5 days in New Mexico. You can really do Albuquerque & Santa Fe in 1 day each and spend 1 more day driving through the state on the scenic route. You’ll have plenty of time left for the rest of your trip. By the way I recommend going to Santo Domingo Pueblo – it’s right between SF & Albuquerque and is really the most traditional pueblo (but check first to make sure you can get in – they close the pueblo on certain feast days and at night).
[...] has some of the most famous mountain biking in the Rockies. You’ll find Aspen, Telluride, Grand Junction and other great areas that cater to mountain biking, and are great Colorado vacation destinations. [...]
[...] There are dozens of companies with professional guides ready to guide you through this thrilling experience, based out of rafting-centered towns like Glenwood Springs, Steamboat Springs, Salida, Buena Vista, Cañon City, Fort Collins and Grand Junction. [...]
[...] drives through landscapes of mesas canyons lead to Grand Junction to the west and Glenwood Springs to the east on I-70. Both are about 40 minutes away. Stay in [...]
[...] Mesa, Colorado is a growing planned community between Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs. On the western slope, this town is on a high plateau above the Colorado [...]
[...] Golf Club at Redlands Mesa, Grand Junction This course has been award winning since it opened in 2001. It has incredible vistas, with greens [...]
[...] Cobbett Lake and Bookcliff are campsites close to Grand Junction, Colorado. Attractions include Eggleston Lake, Grand Mesa, Cobbett Lake, Highline Lake, and Mack Mesa [...]
You’ll have plenty of time left for the rest of your trip. By the way I recommend going to Santo Domingo Pueblo – it’s right between SF & Albuquerque and is really the most traditional pueblo (but check first to make sure you can get in – they close the pueblo on certain feast days and at night).
By the way I recommend going to Santo Domingo Pueblo – it’s right between SF & Albuquerque and is really the most traditional pueblo (but check first to make sure you can get in – they close the pueblo on certain feast days and at night).