2021-12-09 04:15:25
Grand Junction, Palisade and Fruita are the heart of wine country and an area “on the rise” thanks to farm stands, vineyards and excellent local-centric dining, according to Food & Wine Magazine. Day 1 The world’s largest flat-topped mountain, Grand Mesa is a 10,000-foot-high plateau topped by forest and 300 lakes. Mountainbike trails lace the area, including the new Palisade Plunge — an advanced 32-mile high speed single track ride. The Colorado River is accessible to kayaks, canoes, rafts and paddleboards. The Riverfront Trail’s Monument View section runs 28 miles along the river from Fruita to Grand Junction. Its Connected Lakes section has great SUP-ing, fishing and kayaking. The surrounding Audubon area is home to 200 species of birds, minutes from the city. The Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway is another way to see the area, routing through orchards, lavender gardens, vineyards, fruit stands and river views. You’ll spy the Bookcliffs, named for their shape. For dinner, the agricultural bounty doesn’t disappoint: Expect seasonal menus and notes of hyperlocally sourced peaches, cherries, plums and more in all the meals — not to mention wine, beer and cocktails — you savor. Day 2 Start your morning in downtown Grand Junction, where outdoor seating lets you bask in the morning air over brunch. Work off the calories strolling streets lined with shops, galleries, murals and 100-plus outdoor sculptures. Those looking to get their heart rates up have options: Jet Boat Colorado’s fast Colorado River rides; Get Air Trampoline Park’s trampoline, cave climb; the Imondi Wake Zone’s cable wakeboarding and aqua park; and Grand Junction Stand Up Paddle’s river tours and lessons. The area is also home to Colo rado Parks & Wildlife’s Cameo Shooting and Education Complex, designed for competitions and as place where kids can learn the safe use of firearms. West of Grand Junction, the stunning redrock canyonlands of Colorado National Monument will fill your photo library. Drive the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive or take a ranger-led tour. In the summer, hook up with Western Colorado Astronomy Club to see the Milky Way above the canyons. For a tour of the world’s second largest concentration of natural rock arches, Rattlesnake Canyon within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is a special spot for those willing to earn it — it’s reached via rough 4x4 drive and moderate hike. Serious mountain bikers will want to add an extra day to explore the trails around Fruita, arguably the best network of singletrack in Colorado. The town is also popular for ATVers who love desert trails, while rock crawlers find vast and varied terrain in the North Fruita Desert area. Numerous outfitters can set you up with maps and info on the best trails. In summer, cheer on your favorite riders at the Rimrock Rodeo or jam out at Civic Center Park downtown. Stay & Play Options Clifton, Collbran, Fruita (page 183), Grand Junction (page 184), Loma, Mesa, Palisade (page 186), Parachute, Rangely (page 186) WINTER FUN FAMILY-FRIENDLY POWDERHORN MOUNTAIN RESORT IS LOCATED ON THE GRAND MESA. Skiers, riders and snowtubers see something more like the Grand Canyon than the typical alpine view. Allow Ski Patrol Ski Along to be your own personal guide to the mountain, or explore 50 kilometers of cross-country trails that are maintained by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council. Then end your day’s adventure by staying at one of the base area’s tiny homes. SUMMER FUN AT SKI RESORTS POWDERHORN IS NOW OPEN DURING THE SUMMER with scenic lift rides, hiking trails, concerts and lift-assisted downhill mountain biking, including rentals, lessons and an expanding trail system. MAKE TRACKS TO DINOSAUR JOURNEY MUSEUM: ADMISSION IS JUST $9 FOR ADULTS AND $5 FOR LITTLE T-REXES AND INCLUDES GUIDED HIKES OF THE PATHS GIANT REPTILES ONCE ROAMED. COLORADO BACKCOUNTRY BIKER’S MULTIDAY TRIPS HAVE RIDERS TRAVELING TO AND STAYING IN COZY BACKCOUNTRY HUTS. THE DELUXE PACKAGE INCLUDES A NIGHT AT GATEWAY CANYONS SPA & RESORT FOR A NICE (AND NEEDED) PLUSH BED, HOT SHOWER AND HEARTY MEAL.
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