Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide
Grand Junction Inside & Out
2026-09-24 04:25:12
Named for its enviable location at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, Grand Junction is a special kind of crossroads — a joining of ancient and modern, rustic and refined, nature and culture. Whether you are inside or out, Grand Junction provides experiences you will not find anywhere else in the world.
INSIDE
Art Spark
The Downtown Grand Junction Creative District has a plethora of artistic treasures, including murals, art galleries, and hundreds of outdoor sculptures. Start your exploration with a First Friday Art Walk jumping off from the area’s flagship gallery, the Art Center of Western Colorado — friendly staffers will give you the lowdown on other participating shops and collectives, like the Working Artists Gallery & Studio.
Peak Performance
Grand Junction is also a great place to embrace the performing arts. The historic Avalon Theatre has welcomed pop artists through the decades, from Al Jolson to Bela Fleck, and is host to the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. You can also check out the Asteria Theatre on Colorado Mesa University’s campus, which features state-of-the-art acoustics and design and hosts Off-Broadway performances. Additionally, Moss Performing Arts Center at Colorado Mesa University has everything from Shakespearean dramas to contemporary comedies.
Tune Up
If you’re more the standing-room-only music type, hit up the Mesa Theater for local and national acts ranging from Stryper to Leftover Salmon. Warehouse 25sixty-Five Kitchen & Bar is music to your senses; treat your taste buds to the Loaded Haystacks (cheese-and-bacon-stuffed hash-brown balls) and listen to country-flavored acts like Jordan Davis and the hometown regular Gary Russell Band.
History Lesson
For a comprehensive (and thoroughly enjoyable) overview of the area’s fascinating heritage, check out the Museum of the West. Start with a trip up the Sterling T. Smith Education Tower, where you’ll get a 360-degree view of local geology/geography and regional archaeology. Then head inside to travel back to a time of gun-toting outlaws, rickety stagecoaches and one-room schoolhouses.
Western Civilization
Grand Junction is surrounded by stunning western landscapes, including the towering Book Cliffs - the longest cliff face in the world extending into Utah. The sandstone layers of the Book Cliffs define the deep strata, which were deposited over 72 million years ago.
Drive the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic & Historic Byway, the only place in the world where two creeks flow in opposite directions, to Gateway Canyons Resort to enjoy a relaxing spa day.
Make Scents
Create your own candles using more than 120 different scents at Candle Kitchen GJ, or pop into Pinspiration to craft your DIY masterpiece and check out their splatter paint room. All guidance and materials are provided.
OUTSIDE
Corner Culture
Conceived in 1984 by local sculptor Dave Davis, Art on the Corner is, shall we say, the cornerstone of Grand Junction’s art-focused culture. Today, a diverse collection (of more than 100 sculptures) is on permanent display throughout the city’s vibrant Downtown. Each year, visiting experts curate a temporary sculpture exhibit, and if you think you have the perfect place to relocate a piece to your home — many are for sale.
Flower Power
Occupying a tranquil 15- acre tract on the banks of the Colorado River, the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens is home to 600 local and exotic plant species. Stroll through the rose, herb, native, Western heritage and children’s secret gardens (all peppered with picturesque fish ponds and lush landscaping) before making a visit to the Butterfly House to see magical metamorphosis in action.
Purple Reign
Growing conditions in the area are just perfect for lavender. Swing by Belli Fiori Lavender Farm for a stroll through their peaceful fields (they have 1,000 plants in 11 varieties) and browse a variety of items infused with the fragrant herb, including sugars, candles and bath & body care products.
Fresh Finds
No matter what you’re planning to do during your Grand Junction getaway, there’s no better place to shop for provisions than the Grand Junction area Farmers Markets. Stock up on locally grown fruits, veggies and flowers, as well as a variety of baked goods and other tempting ready-to-eat foods, including artisan gifts, all to the accompaniment of local musicians.
Furry Friends
Some of the area’s cutest residents are ready to guide you through a peach orchard at SunCrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works. Learn about the friendly animals, be paired with your own alpaca and take a 45-minute trek through the pastoral landscape. SunCrest also offers Mill Tours, including an overview of how natural fibers are transformed into yarn, as well as a store where you may purchase gifts made from alpaca yarn.
Board Games
Any ol’ landlubber can float around on a standup paddleboard. But you haven’t truly mastered the game until you’ve tried your hand (and the rest of your body) at SUP yoga with Grand Junction Adventures. You’ll start with some basic yoga postures on land, then cast off in nearby Highline Lake for a short paddle — followed by an unforgettable floating asana sequence on your paddleboard.
River Dance
It’s practically illegal to visit Colorado without attending some kind of outdoor music shindig — which is exactly why places like Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park exist. So grab your picnic blanket, lawn chairs and farmers’ market goodies, and head down to this intimate riverfront venue to catch acts like country favorites Sawyer Brown, the Charlie Daniels Band and rock artist, Blue Oyster Cult.
Set Your Sights
Take aim at Cameo Shooting and Education Complex, just a few miles east of Grand Junction. The facility is open to the public, and no reservations are required for the public shooting bays. Cameo hosts regional and national shooting competitions, as well as educational trainings and classes. If you’re looking to send a few down range, Cameo is one of the premier shooting and education complexes in the U.S.
Follow the Locals
“Having grown up in Eastern Michigan, summers were filled with water sports. This instilled a passion for outdoor recreation within me. Living in Grand Junction and having access to so many water sports is a dream for me and my family. Two major rivers, 300 lakes, and recreational ponds for beginners provide easy access for everyone.” — Elizabeth Fortushniak, Owner, Grand Junction Adventures
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