Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Adventure Guide

Downtown Grand Junction is the perfect place to rest and refuel before getting back out on the trails. Downtown is a designated park with over 115 sculptures and murals that line the sidewalks. The investment in the arts has been recognized through the state by becoming one of 29 designated Colorado Creative Districts. The artistic beauty of this large outdoor exhibit provides endless visual surprises as you pop into the boutique shops, peruse the antique stores, and grab a bit to eat at the many restaurants open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites.

Because Downtown is a city park, there are also play areas for the kiddos where they can crawl on the gorillas, located between 4th and 5th Street, or rock climb at the play area between 5th and 6th street. There are plenty of benches and shaded sitting areas for you to relax while the youngsters play around. Downtown is super dog-friendly, so bring Fido. Many of the cafes have dog treats and water bowls to keep your four-legged friend happy and comfortable.

DIY Activities

To immerse yourself in the arts, Downtown Grand Junction also offers a variety of DIY activities to bring out your artistic side. For an activity that just makes “scents,” concoct a custom-scented candle at Candle Kitchen. Design ready-to-paint ceramics at Fat Cat Pottery or create a masterpiece while you sip and paint at The Palette. Whatever creative activity you decide, let Downtown Grand Junction be your muse.

Events

Downtown Grand Junction also plays host to some of the most popular events in the area. The vibrant streets come alive for the Downtown Market on Main farmer’s market. Local artisans, farmers, and craft-makers display their products every Thursday night from July through September. Other events include Downtown Rides & Vibes, the Fourth of July Parade, Downtown Spooktacular, the Downtown Art Festival, the Christmas Tree lighting, and the Parade of Lights. Combine that with other concerts and events at the Historic Avalon Theatre, and there is always something to do in Downtown Grand Junction.

History

Downtown Grand Junction was redesigned in 1962 to intentionally create wide sidewalks with a serpentine street layout which naturally slowed traffic.The project, which provided a comfortable pedestrian area for patrons to relax, was the first of its kind in the United States and won many awards.

Many historical and prominent founders of Grand Junction have been memorialized along the sculpture park walk. On the 100 block of Main Street, resides John Otto, mounted on his horse. John Otto was the most influential advocate for Colorado National Monument to be adopted into the National Park System, which happened in 1911.

On the other side of Downtown, you can find Chet and Vernie Enstrom, founders of Enstrom Candies. This sculpture shows Vernie holding a recipe while Chet stirs butter and sugar in the original copper kettle that they used while making their “World Famous Almond Toffee.” Enstrom Candy is still in operation today and can be found just one block south of the Chet and Vernie Enstrom sculpture, so you can pop in to try this famous toffee for yourself, as well as see it made!

Next to the Avalon Theatre is Dalton Trumbo sitting in his bathtub reviewing a manuscript. Kirk Douglas hired Trumbo to write the screenplay for “Spartacus,” Trumbo’s most famous work.

Bonus Adventure

Soar over the Colorado River and Butterly Lake with Riverfront Zip Adventures.

Your Perfect Day in GRAND JUNCTION

With more than our fair share of natural and cultural resources, we’ve curated five specialized day trips to pique your interest and stimulate your senses — plan your perfect day!

CULINARY CRAFT

Grand Junction offers trendy food with substance, providing you with local farm-to-table nourishment and wine-tasting adventures.

MORNING:

Start strong with a hearty breakfast at Spoons Bistro & Bakery — we especially love the Florentine Benedict, which swaps the traditional ham for spinach, avocado and feta cheese. Next, you’re off to Belli Fiori Lavender Farm for a stroll through the fragrant purple fields. The Proietti family has been farming lavender in California and Colorado since 1945; be sure to stop at the Farmhouse Shop to sample Lisa Proietti’s heavenly small-batch aromatherapy, bath and culinary products.

AFTERNOON:

Grab a light lunch of seasonal local fare at Bin 707 Foodbar, where Chef Josh Niernberg, a James Beard semifinalist chef, serves up seasonal Colorado cuisine. You can’t go wrong with their popular Tempura Artichoke Hearts or Brussel Sprouts Caesar. Get rolling again on a rented eBike or cruiser at Colorado E Bikes to experience the Colorado Riverfront Trail system, 24.5 miles of scenic paved and packed trails connected to Downtown Grand Junction.

You’ll work up a thirst out on the trail so trek on over to the family-owned Highlands Distillery and relax in the cool yert for sips of your favorite spirits. The expertly crafted high-end cocktails are made with local ingredients, including lavender infusions from the farm that surrounds the distillery - Belli Fiori Lavender Farm.

EVENING:

End your wining-and-dining day with a relaxing dinner at 626 on Rood, where locally grown produce is perfectly paired with responsibly raised seafood, poultry and game. We’re big fans of the Roasted Palisade Plums and Scallops. After dinner, adjourn to Trail Life Brewing for a River Shuttle Blonde or a cider, hard seltzer or sloshy - nonalcholic is on the menu too!.

Learn more about Grand Junction’s craft beverages on page 55.

Follow the Locals

“I fell in love with photography because it helped me slow down and enjoy the beauty that exists in the world all around us. Living in Grand Junction, Colorado provides me with an endless canvas to capture the beauty of this special place.” — Riley Hufford, Owner, Ryguy Photography

GUYS’ TRIP

MORNING:

Kick off a fun-filled day in Downtown Grand Junction at Café Sol. Try a fried egg breakfast sandwich or a massive burrito with over a dozen ingredients to build your own from. After igniting your coffee buzz, wash it all down with a Beermosa flight. Prefer a homemade bagel and schmear? Check out Main Street Bagels, just one block east, housed in a historic building. Their bagel scram sandwiches pack a punch, like the Jalapeno Scram topped with pulled pork. Don’t forget to grab a bag of their homemade granola to snack on throughout the day; it’s a local favorite.

Break out the climbing chalk and crash pads because you’re about to go bouldering on Grand Junction’s Star Wars namesake, the Millenium Falcon. This massive rock offers a juggy overhang, complete with technical handholds and an awkward mantle at the top. Those that conquer this feat, walk away with bragging rights and a conversation piece with the locals. This famous boulder made its television debut on Outside TV channel’s Park2Park episode.

AFTERNOON:

After you’ve left your fair share of skin on the rocks, head up the road one mile to Handlebar Tap House for a burger and a brew. They offer over 24 draft beers and craft beverages made from local spirits, as well as juicy burgers that you can customize yourself with their sauce bar. This is the perfect spot to refuel and strike up a conversation with the friendly locals (they are always happy to share their favorite recreation spots) before taking on the afternoon adventures.

Bust out the mountain bikes because Lunch Loops offers a trail network covering over 50 miles and is open year-round. A popular and easy trail to get warmed up on is Kids Meal. Progress to Gunny Loop, a moderate route that follows a stream framed by colorful rock hills and on the east side, you’ll see views of the Grand Mesa.

Finish off the afternoon at Pour Fellows. This gastro pub has the added benefit of big-screen TV’s and the largest patio in Downtown Grand Junction. Sip one of the 20 brews on tap, or build your own bloody mary just the way you want it. The bayou egg rolls and smoked pork sandwich are crowd favorites. Cheers!

EVENING:

A successful guy’s getaway needs a bit of sports, a tavern, and live music to really make it a home run. Luckily, Warehouse 25sixty-five offers all of that under one roof spanning 16,000 square feet. There are TV’s throughout and there’s even a private lounge with stadium seating, couches and a massive screen. Live music, from country to bluegrass and hard rock, is booked on the regular here and you might be surprised just who is passing through so plan to scope out the line-up. Looking for one last competitive activity before calling it a night? Stop by Kodiaxe for some axe throwing and late night brews.

MORNING:

Rise and shine! Start your day off with a fresh cup of jitter juice at Kiln Coffee Bar in Downtown Grand Junction. After you’ve finished your latte, head next door to the Goat & Clover Tavern for brunch with the gals. After polishing off a mimosa, head to Hartmann Farmhouse for a uniquely memorable shopping experience. From handmade lotions and boutique clothing to house coffee and flavored sea salt, Hartmann has a variety of unique products and cute gifts to take home with you.

AFTERNOON:

Worked up an appetite? That’s good, because Tacoparty offers six appetizers and six tacos, rotating weekly — and you’ll probably want to try them all. Next, head over to Willow Creek Herbs & Teas, a popular apothecary with 500 teas and spices – create your own custom blend. Elevate your well- being with essential oils and peruse the jewelry and Native American art.

Speaking of souvenirs, nothing says “girls’ trip” like a boutique crawl. Get your retail therapy at Klik (stylish/edgy), Pollux (vibrant/trendy) and Zephyr (upscale/designer). Then wrap up your afternoon with a wine tasting at Two Rivers Winery and Chateau or Whitewater Hill Vineyards, both of which offer a wide range of award-winning varietals to try.

EVENING:

Tonight, you’re destined for scenic rooftop dining at Devil’s Kitchen. The Grand Junction sunset reflects off the Book Cliffs unveiling a magical backdrop when dining on the spacious rooftop patio. Try their signature Deviled Kitchen Eggs or their crispy Duck Wings. The regionally inspired menu, combined with the views, make this spot as memorable as they come.

Some Like It Hot

Book a stay at one of these hotels, where hot tubs and heated pools are your crew’s ticket to relaxation.

■ Clarion Inn
■ Comfort Inn
■ Days Inn
■ DoubleTree by Hilton
■ Fairfield Inn & Suites
■ Grand Vista Hotel
■ Holiday Inn Express & Suites
■ Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Grand Junction-Airport
■ Home 2 Suites by Hilton
■ Hotel Maverick
■ La Quinta Inn & Suites
■ Residence Inn
■ Springhill Suites

* Many vacation homes offer hot tubs

FAM JAM

The key to a truly memorable family day is balancing variety and adrenaline with just enough down time. Try this itinerary on for size.

MORNING:

The day’s journey begins at Main Street Bagels, where the whole family can fuel up on house-made treats — including bagels, artisan bread, handcrafted granola and a variety of other baked goodies. Hot Tip: take a bag of their Peanut Butter Crunch granola for later, after the adrenaline rush of your morning with Jet Boat Colorado wears off.

Yes, you’re about to embark upon the ride of a lifetime, on a New Zealand-style jet-boat ride through the twists and turns of the Colorado River. The scenery of Colorado’s canyon country is decidedly breathtaking … but it’s your expert driver’s thrilling moves, including fishtails, power slides and speed runs, that will leave your little ones gasping with supercharged delight.

AFTERNOON:

After your midday meal selected from Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery’s expansive, something-for-everyone menu, let the kids choose their own adventure! Experience an earthquake and uncover Jurassic-era bones at the interactive, hands-on Dinosaur Journey. Enjoy an out-of-this-world experience in the interactive space shuttle simulator at the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum, along with more than 100 other exhibits designed to make the wonders of science accessible to all ages. Also check out Get Air Trampoline Park and Bananas Fun Park too!

Need a sweet afternoon pick-me-up? The historic Graff Dairy has been a local favorite for over 60 years. This micro creamery is famous for its ol’ time malt shakes and homemade ice cream, but they also have a full menu. If you’re adulting, espresso and lattes are on tap.

EVENING:

Perk up your little peeps with dinner at Enzo’s Ristorante
Italiano, where delights like The Meat-Baller Calzone and Oregano Orange Brandy Chicken Scaloppini are made from scratch while you enjoy a mouth-watering Asiago Artichoke Dip. Then scoot down to the Grand Junction Motor Speedway, where kids as young as 5 can pilot karts around the world-class sprint track. You’ll squeal with excitement as they zoom across the finish line.

HISTORY HOUND

From disco-era muscle cars to dinosaur bones and beyond, this educational yet exhilarating itinerary looks to both earth and sky in its search for enlightenment.

MORNING:

Start your journey into the past at Dream Cafe, where the owners promise to help you “dine on Cloud 9.” Order their daily specialty: fluffy, house-made cinnamon rolls roughly the size of your head.

This sugary sustenance will energize you through an informative morning walking the Dinosaur Hill Interpretive Trail, a mile-long self-guided hike that hits 10 points of geological and paleontological interest. For a more unstructured exploration, visit the nearby Fruita Paleontological Area; this half-mile patch of scrubby bentonite cradles a perfectly preserved slice of the Jurassic Period. Keep your eyes peeled for real-life fossil hunters.

AFTERNOON:

Break for lunch in historic Downtown Grand Junction at one of the longest-operating businesses in the downtown area, Blue Moon Bar & Grille, where the globally inspired menu feels like a journey in and of itself. Then head over to the Museum of the West, where the interdisciplinary Western Investigations Team works to solve enduring mysteries of local heritage — including the gruesome tale of Colorado’s infamous prospector turned cannibal, Alferd Packer. Learn about their latest project before making your way over to Cross Orchards Historic Site for a look into the agricultural history of Grand Junction. Spanning 12 acres, Cross Orchards is a living farm complete with vintage equipment, railroad cars and historic buildings. The large barn and bunkhouse were built in the 1890s and are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

EVENING:

Pair a night of fine dining with authentic French cuisine at Bistro 317, whose owners were born and raised in France. Finish off your meal with one of their famous macaroons. Then, it’s time for the ultimate nightcap: stargazing at the Colorado National Monument.

Honoring Heroes

Visit the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado to honor the sacrifice and service of Colorado veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZON

With Grand Junction as your home base, take your daytime explorations farther afield to surrounding towns - it’s time to broaden your horizon!

MORNING:

Fuel up with a fried pie and a fresh donut from Kokopelli Farm Market before heading up to the breathtaking Grand Mesa, just 45 minutes from Grand Junction, for a guided experience from Pali-Tours. If you’re looking to bring a small snack along, grab a picnic charcuterie box from A Taste of Palisade and pick one of the 300 alpine lakes to lounge by.

AFTERNOON:

After your 11,000-foot adventure, descend back down the mountain to Clark & Co’s Distilling for moonshine and riverside views while munching on a Brandy Shack Burger. Finish polishing off a jar of moonshine before taking a horse-drawn carriage with JR’s Carriage Service to tour the local orchards like Clark Family Orchards, Peachfork Orchards & Vineyards, and Z’s Orchard.

Along the way, stop at one of the local wineries and tasting rooms to sip on some delightful vino. Vines 79, Sauvage Spectrum, Grand River Vineyards, The Ordinary Fellow, and Bookcliff Vineyards are all worth hitching the horses at.

EVENING:

Play some frisbee golf at the disc golf course or toss a line in the stocked trout pond at Riverbend Park before heading over to Peach Street Distillers. Try one of their famous Bloody Mary’s infused with spiced vodka paired with a Smoked Pastrami or Italian Grinder.

Finish the night in the Old West at the iconic Rimrock Rodeo, where local cowpokes compete in events like barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, mutton bustin’ and more (7 pm on Tuesday evenings, June–August).