Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide • Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide • Traveling with Your Dog

Four-legged guests 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 retrieve geese and ducks along the Colorado River (public lands portions only). Learn more about hunting in the Grand Junction area on page 30 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 Ristorante Italiano, which has a couple of patios that overlook Bookcliff Country Club. Blue Moon Bar & Grille is the longest continuous-running restaurant & bar still going strong in Downtown Grand Junction. Enjoy the fresh air, sunny skies and a refreshing brew on the spacious outdoor patio - your furry friend is welcome here as well!

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 Adventures 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 28-mile Riverfront Trail (one-way) or score unparalleled sunset views of the Grand Junction area on the 8-mile Palisade Rim Trail. Leash laws vary at different locales, so be sure to review them before you head out.

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 49 for more options.

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.

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.

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.

Conveniently tucked right off Interstate 70, this Palisade green space is a nice spot where pups can take a dip in the Colorado River.

“There are many reasons my wife and I love living in Grand Junction, but one of them is how dog friendly the area is. So many restaurants and cafes have patios, coffee shops have dog treats, there are many dog parks, and the trail network that allows hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing with your furry friend is enormous. Be sure to follow leash laws and leave no trace please!”