Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Adventure Guide
Traveling with Your Dog
2022-03-14 07:38:05
GRAND JUNCTION Through Your DOG’S EYES
Four-legged visitors adore Grand Junction’s outdoor splendor just as much as you do — so why leave a member of the family at home? Here are some signature activities that will earn you two paws up from your canine best friend.
HUNTING
Whether you have a fowl- and small-game pointer or retriever or large-game tracking hound, we know your furry friend is an indispensable hunting companion. Bring them along for an epic elk- and deer-hunting adventure in the Grand Mesa National Forest or Uncompahgre Plateau, or to help you peg geese and ducks along the Colorado River (public lands portions only). Learn more about hunting in the Grand Junction area on page 28 and at VisitGrandJunction.com/Hunting.
PATIO CHILLIN’
Soak up some sunshine on one of the many patios that allow leashed pooches. Grab some hearty grub at Spoons Bistro & Bakery or check out Enzo’s, which has a couple of patios that overlook Bookcliff Country Club. The Baker’s Boutique is located at the entrance to Canyon View Park - check it out, your pup would love to take you for a stroll in the City’s largest park, nicely-groomed with lush grass.
SUP
There are seemingly endless places to launch your stand-up paddleboard, from the Grand Mesa National Forest’s 300 glassy lakes to the peaceful Colorado River, and pups with stellar balancing skills can go along for the ride. Need a board? Outfitters like Grand Junction Stand Up Paddle Board have your back.
TRAIL SNIFFING
Enjoy hiking with your tail-wagging pal? With the exception of Colorado National Monument, where dogs are prohibited on trails, most hiking routes in the Grand Junction area are open to dogs. Go for an easy ramble through cottonwood groves and wetlands on the 24.5-mile Riverfront Trail (one-way) or score unparalleled sunset views of the Grand Mesa on the 8-mile Palisade Rim Trail. Leash laws vary at different locales, so be sure to review them before you head out.
Lodging
While many hotels in Grand Junction accommodate travelers with furry family members in tow, here are some cozy options to consider. Browse lodging listings starting on page 40 for more options.
■ Clarion Inn
■ Days Inn
■ Fairfield Inn & Suites
■ Hampton Inn
■ Home2 Suites by Hilton
■ Hotel Maverick
■ La Quinta Inn & Suites
■ SpringHill Suites
Off-Leash Areas
While all of our city and state parks permit leashed dogs, here’s where you can let your companion frolic off leash.
GRAND MESA & UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FORESTS
Our expansive national forests, including the Grand Mesa, have areas that are great places to let your pal explore untethered as long as they are under voice control. Other areas allow dogs on leashes no longer than 6 feet in developed recreation areas. Check regulations in individual destinations for details.
CANYON VIEW DOG PARK
Views of the Book Cliffs and two separate areas for small and large breeds make Canyon View Dog Park a favorite for two- and four-legged friends alike.
RIVERBEND PARK
Conveniently tucked right off Interstate 70, this Palisade green space is a nice spot where pups can take a dip in the Colorado River.
Follow the Locals
“If you want to enjoy a hike on the Colorado National Monument but have dogs you want to bring (since they’re not allowed on park property), check out McInnis Canyons outside Fruita. It’s got great monument views without the no-dogs restriction — just be sure to leave no trace!” — Amanda Helmick, Grand Junction-based photographer (Amanda Matilda Photography)
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