Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Adventure Guide
New York Times
2025-01-13 05:03:44
TOP 52 PLACES TO GO IN 2023
Grand Junction is honored to be recognized by The New York Times as one of “52 Top Places to Go in 2023”. Being the only Colorado cit y to make the list, Grand Junction definitely deserves a spot in your travel plans. With endless outdoor adventures, authentic Western hospitality, and four seasons of fun, discover why Grand Junction has made the gold standard of travel’s “must visit” list.
GRAND JUNCTION WHERE LIFE LEADS
From The New York Times. ©2025 The New York Times Company. All rights reserved. Used under license. “52 Places to Go in 2023”.
WELCOME
Discover a different side of Colorado — you might be surprised what you’ll find.
Mountain-Town Character
Grand Junction is a laid-back, friendly city, serving up an authentic mountain vibe where locals kick back with visitors, recounting their adventures and sharing epic firsts while sipping a fresh pint over a spectacular sunset. One of the most common things visitors say about Grand Junction is how friendly the locals are. Come visit, we can’t wait to meet you!
Adrenaline Fix
It’s no surprise that majestic landscapes equate to adrenaline-packed adventures. From carving fresh pow at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, on the Grand Mesa, to whizzing down miles of singletrack trails in Glade Park, Grand Junction is known for it’s mild to wild outdoor recreation activities. Grab an SUP, kayak or canoe and drop into one of the many Grand Junction waterways or start your engine for an OHV experience that includes desert, rivers and canyons all on the same ride. Around every corner of Grand Junction is a new thrill.
4 Seasons of Hiking and More
Grand Junction is considered the high desert of Colorado. This provides comfortable, temperate weather all year-round in the city, yet within 45 minutes you can find the seasonal conditions you expect. In the winter, snow sports are rampant on the Grand Mesa, yet you can hike in your sneakers in Colorado National Monument, just six miles from Downtown Grand Junction. If birdies and greens are more your speed, Grand Junction boasts four public golf courses that are open year-round. Mountain bike and OHV trails stay mostly dry in Grand Junction, even in the winter, so there is no reason to hang up the wheels. Basically, if you are close to the city and Colorado National Monument, it’s comfortable and sunny all year. If you are seeking winter sports, the Grand Mesa is your spot.
Immerse Yourself in the Arts
Grand Junction’s art scene is thriving, thanks to a growing community of fervent artisans and the Downtown Grand Junction Creative District. Art is on full display in Downtown with over 115 award-winning sculptures and murals, perfect for strolling around while exploring boutique shops and trendy restaurants. Peruse eclectic art galleries or make plans at the Historic Avalon Theatre to see a film, theatrical performance or concert. Asteria Theatre, at Colorado Mesa University, also has a variety of quality entertainment. Discover more artsy activities starting on page 34.
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.
Insider Tips
Powderhorn Mountain Resort offers a lift-assisted mountain bike park, and when winter arrives, expect 250 inches of annual fresh powder. See page 33.
Grand Junction is the only place in the world where you can experience Nature’s Trifecta. The mini-Grand Canyon, the largest flat-top mountain in the world and the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world can all be found here. See page 6.
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. See page 4.
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.
IF YOU’RE SEEKING ... DOWNHILL THRILLS
Tabeguache Trail
You could bike all the way from Grand Junction to Montrose on the 142-mile Tabeguache Trail, but some of the best technical mountain biking in Colorado can be found right by the trailhead — namely, the famed Lunch Loops trail system.
Kokopelli Trail at McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
The many scenic and challenging loops at Kokopelli Trail draws riders from around the state, especially Mack Ridge — a ride along a rocky ridgeline high above the Colorado River.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort Bike Park
As ski season closes, the spring snowmelt reveals multiple professionally crafted downhill trails that dip, wind and flow with Powderhorn Mountain’s natural terrain. A lift drops you at the top, then it’s up to you to navigate the tree roots, rocky obstacles and 1,650 feet of exhilarating elevation drop.
Three Sisters Park
Adjacent to the Tabeguache/Lunch Loops trails and minutes from Downtown Grand Junction, this latest addition to the mountain-biking scene offers multi-use trails with terrain gentle enough for beginners and families.
Palisade Plunge
Downhill fans, rejoice! This 32-mile single-track trail descends 6,000 feet from the top of the Grand Mesa all the way to the high-desert floor. Read more about this thrilling trail on page 33.
IF YOU’RE SEEKING ... RIDES FOR YOUR EQUINE COMPANION
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range
Just 8 miles from Grand Junction, you can explore through the rocky, rugged terrain of this Bureau of Land Management’s 36,000-acre area, and spot majestic wild mustangs — descendants of those brought here by Spanish settlers and one of only a few wild horse sanctuaries left in the country.
Horseback Tours
Grab your cowboy hat and saddle up for a relaxing and memorable horseback tour with JR’s Carriage Service. Their experienced, knowledgeable and professional guides will take you into the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range, providing you with the best chance to see the wild mustangs.
Calling all Treasure Seekers
GEOCACHING
If geocaching is your jam, there are 834 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.
IF YOU’RE SEEKING … SCENIC CRUISES FOR ROAD BIKING
Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument
You’ll see every spire, turret and sweeping red-rock canyon of Colorado National Monument on this iconic ride, spanning 23 miles from end to end. Learn more about the Monument on page 10.
Colorado Riverfront Trail System
A breezy way to explore the area, Grand Junction is the hub of this 24.5-mile paved river trail system where you’ll pass by parks, lakes, wildlife areas, botanical gardens and even a handy bike-repair station.
Fruit & Wine Byway
Pedal your way, or get some assistance with an eBike from Palisade Cycle & Shuttle, and through lush vineyards, fruit orchards and lavender fields on one of the prettiest road-biking corridors in the country, with three routes ranging from 5 to 25 miles.
IF YOU’RE SEEKING … OFF-ROAD ACTION
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
Kick up some dust at this local favorite. With approximately 123,739 acres of public land, expansive trail connectivity and the Colorado River running through it, McInnis is a off-road adventurers dream.
Bangs Canyon Management Area
Stunning plateaus and high-desert canyons make way for wide-open views of Grand Junction and the Grand Mesa at this OHV haven, with numerous ATV trails, thrilling dirtbike single- track and the Billings Canyon 4x4 trail.
Grand Mesa & Uncompahgre National Forests
Explore more than 50 designated OHV trails in a range of high-mountain landscapes, from glorious aspen stands to barren slopes that feel like you are on top of the world.
Check out page 33 for more OHV dirt.
Fall-Foliage Hotspots
Color your world with these fall-friendly activities.
1 HIKE GRAND MESA
The aspens are so vivid on the world’s largest flat-top mountain that Powderhorn Mountain Resort even hosts a Color Weekend. See page 12.
2 CELEBRATE ART IN DOWNTOWN GRAND JUNCTION
Peruse Main Street to see artists’ interpretation of the area, and take a little of Grand Junction home with you at the Downtown Art Festival.
3 CRUISE RIM ROCK DRIVE
In Colorado National Monument, you’ll discover more shades of red and gold than you knew existed.
4 BIKE THE TOUR DE VINEYARDS
Soak up fall color and an occasional glass of Colorado vintage. Conveniently, Colorado Mountain Winefest is the same weekend.
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