Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Adventure Guide
Welcome to Grand Junction
2022-03-11 11:19:43
NATURE DID SMILE ON US A LITTLE BIT MORE
Grand Junction is a Nexus
There is no other place in Colorado where you experience the intersection of so many prized ecosystems. Mountains. Rivers. Canyons. Lakes. High Desert. Forests. For people who define themselves by the amount of time they spend outdoors, this is their mecca.
Come discover our riches for yourself — you might be surprised what you’ll find.
Mountain-Town Character
Grand Junction is a laid-back, friendly city, serving up an authentic downtown mountain vibe where locals kick back with visitors, recounting their adventures and sharing epic firsts while sipping a fresh pint over a spectacular sunset. Vibrant streets boast over 115 award-winning sculptures and murals, perfect for strolling around while exploring boutique shops and enjoying local bites.
Adrenaline Fix
From desert slickrock to ribbons of smooth pavement, the Grand Junction area is a cyclist’s dream. Iconic dirt trails include Chutes and Ladders and Zippity Do Da, while the famous paved Rim Rock Drive on the Colorado National Monument offers up endless miles of pristine road cycling. The Grand Mesa is filled with rewarding terrain for both mountain and road cyclists. If water is more your element, paddling and rafting abound on the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. Or drop a canoe, SUP or kayak into one of the Grand Mesa’s 300 lakes. OHV you ask? YES!
Hike, Golf & Bike Year-Round
The temperate climate of the Grand Junction area supports a comfortable year-round climate with an average of 245 days of annual sunshine — making it possible to partake in many of Colorado’s famous outdoor pursuits throughout the year. In winter, venture up to a higher altitude to schuss down the slopes at Powderhorn Mountain Resort and take in snow-dusted scenes via cross-country skis or snowshoes, or snowmobile on the Grand Mesa. Or stay at a lower elevation to tee off or hit the trails with your regular ol’ hiking boots and experience the beauty of the expansive public lands that surround the city. Learn more about Grand Junction’s four seasons of outdoor pursuits on page 28 and read about our more than 1.5 million acres of public lands on page 25.
Immerse Yourself in the Arts
Grand Junction’s arts scene is thriving, thanks to a growing community of fervent artisans plus the addition of the Downtown Grand Junction Creative District (one of Colorado’s 30). Shop the boutiques and trendy galleries in the Creative District or catch a film, theatrical performance or concert at the Historic Avalon Theatre. Robinson Theatre at Colorado Mesa University also has a variety of entertainment. Discover more artsy activities starting on page 16.
Sportsman’s Paradise
The tree-studded skylines that form much of Grand Junction’s horizon hold more than Colorado’s scenic beauty. Thousands of deer, elk, moose, desert bighorn and other game live in those mountains, positioning Grand Junction as the region’s base for hunters pursuing their quarry each year. Add to that the hundreds of fishing lakes on the Grand Mesa along with the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers — you’ll find there’s no shortage of angling opportunities.
Peaches and grapes aren’t the only things that thrive in this climate. Grand Junction is blessed with mild seasonal temperatures year-round, making it the ideal destination for outdoor-adventure enthusiasts.
Explore Colorado’s Wine Country & Booming Craft-Beverage Scene
The Grand Junction area is home to the famous Palisade Peach and is the heart of Colorado Wine Country. The Grand Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) includes 31 wineries and tasting rooms, and is one of only two designated AVAs in Colorado. But there’s more to the craft-beverage scene than award-winning wine. The area also has a bounty of breweries and distilleries, such as the long-loved Rockslide Brewery and family-owned Highlands Craft Distillery, where vodka and gin are created inhouse from grain grown as close to Grand Junction as possible. Check out itineraries starting on page 16 and browse winery and tasting room listings on page 46.
Accessible Desert
There’s no reason to spend extra hours in the car to join the masses in Utah. Our trail systems are one of our best-kept secrets. Whether you’re looking to ride bikes, gas up your OHV, explore on horseback, discover over 35 arches, or simply don hiking boots, our nearby public lands serve up endless scenic places to explore.
Insider Tips
Powderhorn Mountain Resort offers a lift-assisted mountain bike park, and when winter arrives, expect 250 inches of annual fresh powder.
Grand Junction has an abundance of cycling shops ready to help you with rentals, repairs and local info on all of the best scenic terrain, including eBike rentals for your wine and orchard tours, cruiser-style.
The Little Book Cliffs are home to one of the few remaining wild mustang herds in the United States. Explore the area by SUV, horseback, foot or bike.
Connect with Us
As you explore the area, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook (Visit Grand Junction), Instagram (@VisitGrandJunction), TikTok (@VisitGrandJunction) and Twitter (@VisitGJ) and share your photos and experiences using the hashtag #ShareGJ.
Calling all Treasure Seekers
If geocaching is your jam, there are 863 geocaches hidden all over Grand Junction. Geocaching involves using GPS devices or smartphones to locate strategically hidden containers with little prizes and logs. Find out how and where to play at Geocaching.com.
For current events, lodging, dining and activities to inspire your next adventure. VisitGrandJunction.com
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