COME TO LIFE | Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita Colorado Astronomy Club to see the Milky Way above the canyons. For a tour of the world’s second largest concentration of natural rock arches, Rattlesnake Canyon within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is a special spot for those willing to earn it — it’s reached via rough 4x4 drive and a moderate hike. Serious mountain bikers should add an extra day to explore the trails around Fruita, arguably the top network of singletrack in Colorado. Thirty-two new mountain-bike trails are under construction in the North Fruita Desert, so even more ridable terrain is coming soon. Rock crawlers can find vast and varied terrain there, too. The town is popular with ATVers who love desert trails. Numerous outfitters can set you up with maps and info on the area. In summer, cheer on the riders at the Rimrock Rodeo or jam out at Civic Center Park downtown. Winter Fun Skiers and riders see something more like the Grand Canyon than the typical alpine view at Powderhorn Mountain Resort on the Grand Mesa. Ski Patrol Ski Along can be your personal guide there. Or explore 50 kilometers of cross-country trails, and then end your day in one of the base area’s tiny homes. Summer Fun FROM LEFT: POWDERHORN MOUNTAIN RESORT/ERIC SCHRAMM; POWDERHORN MOUNTAIN RESORT. Powderhorn is now open during the summer with scenic chairlift rides to stunning panoramic views, 5 miles of hiking trails, and 13 miles of high-speed-lift-assisted downhill mountain biking for riders of all skill levels — including rentals, lessons and an expanding trail system. PLAN YOUR TRIP AT Colorado.com/TripIdeas 156 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2023: Page 156
