Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide
Water Activities
2025-12-17 15:46:11
Float, Raft & Splash: GRAND JUNCTION’S WATERS
Grand Junction’s hundreds of lakes and miles of rivers are perfect for a bounty of aquatic pursuits. In fact, the area is a watersports haven for whitewater rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, floating, fishing and much more.
RUBY-HORSETHIEF CANYON
For those who like to go with the flow, visit the 25-mile stretch of the Colorado River that runs from Loma, Colorado to Westwater, Utah. The Ruby-Horsethief section of the river is calm with occasional mild rapids encased in magnificent red-rock canyons. Bring your camera to photograph bighorn sheep, bald eagles and the canyons that envelop you as you float down the river. Want to leave the gear and planning to someone else? Book a memorable day trek with Rimrock Adventures.
Find more splash-worthy adventures at VisitGrandJunction.com/WaterActivities.
GRAND MESA NATIONAL FOREST
The Grand Mesa is the largest flat-top mountain in the world, boasting more than 300 lakes and 3,600 miles of tributaries overflowing with fantastic trout fishing and water sports. Try Bull Creek Reservoirs (#1 and #2), which offer opportunities to catch rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout. If you enjoy motoring across smooth-as-glass water, check out Sunset, Griffith or Glacier lakes. But if you want to explore in a canoe or kayak, visit Forty Acre Lake, Kitson Reservoir or Rimrock Lake, where the paddling is pristine since motorized boats are prohibited.
JAMES M. ROBB – COLORADO RIVER STATE PARK
This 35-mile park stretches like a strand of pearls, with each section specifically designed to cater to distinct interests. Stop first at Island Acres, best if you’re traveling west on I-70. Take a swim in the lake amid the area’s distinct landscape of ribbed plateaus. This area is also home to Colorado’s Wine Country, and Palisade Cycle & Shuttle, offering relaxing ways to soak in views of the growing region. If you’re looking for a river launch, the best location is Connected Lakes. It’s an idyllic spot for boats and rafts and offers a pier for those looking to do a little warm-water fishing.
HIGHLINE LAKE STATE PARK & MACK MESA LAKE
Located half an hour from Downtown Grand Junction, Highline Lake State Park’s two lakes have plenty of room to enjoy soaking up some sun on the convenient swim beach or glide across the water on a relaxing kayak excursion. Head to Mack Mesa Lake for paddleboarding and cold- and warm-water fishing. If you’re looking for an SUP tour, check out Grand Junction Adventures lessons, rentals and SUP yoga.
COLORADO RIVER
The stretch of the Colorado River that runs through the Grand Junction area is class I or II rapids, meaning that you can pick up a paddleboard and get on the water for a calm, scenic float. Rafting is another favorite — fit for the whole family! There are many outfitters to choose from if you didn’t travel with your own equipment. You can even settle on one of the banks and try your luck reeling in some fish. Before heading out on the water, stop by Western Anglers in Downtown Grand Junction. Their friendly staff is always eager to help you stock up your tackle box for a fun-filled day of tight lines.
Chasin’ Waterfalls
Grand Junction may have a high desert climate, but don’t let that fool you. Explore Lands End waterfalls on the Grand Mesa or Big Dominguez Canyon waterfalls on No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail for sparkling cascades.
Did You Know?
Since it’s rare for so many lakes and reservoirs to be found so close together at such a high elevation, the Grand Mesa is a true treasure. And the national forest’s 10,000-foot altitude means cooler temps in the summer, making the 300 lakes a stellar retreat from the heat.
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