COME TO LIFE | Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita Adventure Country Wine & Wondrous Colorado National Monument Day 1 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 . 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. Riverfront Trail’s Monument View section runs 28 miles along the river from Fruita to Grand Junction. The Las Colonias Park section hosts events, tiny-home rentals and open space for hiking and disc golf, plus nearby Edgewater Brewery. The Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway is another way to see the area, routing through orchards, lavender gardens, vineyards, fruit stands and river views. Look up to spy the 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 — not to mention wine, beer and cocktails. Day 2 Start your morning in downtown Grand Junction, where outdoor seating lets you bask in the morning air over brunch. Those looking to get their heart rates up have options: Jet Boat Colorado’s fast Colorado River rides; Get Air Trampoline Park’s trampoline and cave climb; Imondi Wake Zone’s cable wakeboarding and aqua park; and Grand Junction Adventure’s river tours and stand-up paddleboard lessons. There’s also Colo rado Parks & Wildlife’s Cameo Shooting and Education Complex, designed for competitions and as a 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 23-mile Rim Rock Drive or take a ranger-led tour. In the summer, hook up with Western Continued on page 156. TIM KEMPLE. 152 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2023: Page 152
