COME TO LIFE | Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita 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. COLORADO MOUNTAINS & MESAS COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT WINE & WONDROUS ADVENTURE COUNTRY 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. 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 red-rock canyonlands of Colorado National Monument will fill your photo library. Drive the Day 1 The world’s largest flat-topped mountain, Grand Mesa is a 10,000-foot-high plateau topped by forest and 300 lakes. Mountain-bike 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 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 Day 2 Start your morning in downtown Grand Junction , where outdoor seating lets you bask in the morning 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. 158 1-800-COLORADO THIS PAGE: TIM KEMPLE. OPPOSITE PAGE: POWDERHORN MOUNTAIN RESORT. 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. 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. 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 Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 158
