This western Colorado escape, located within 120,000-acre McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, is home to the second-largest concentration of arches in the U.S. The rough terrain surrounding these otherworldly wonders naturally limits guests—sandstone arches are accessible by either a rugged 4×4 drive or a 15-mile round-trip hike, so the crowd-free views are a well-earned reward. – OUTSIDE ONLINE There is nothing more Americana than free-roaming mustangs, and Grand Junction has scores of them. More than 120 wild mustangs roam free at a U.S. reserve. Ditch the crowds and bike, paddle, climb or hike your way through the Western Slopes well-kept secret: Grand Junction, Colorado. – RED BULLETIN Travelers who stay in Grand Junction, Colo. (named for the junction of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers), can visit Rattlesnake Canyon in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, featuring the second-largest concentration of natural stone arches, after Arches National Park, along with excellent mountain biking and camping. The serene Colorado National Monument preserves red-rock canyons, rock monoliths, pinyon pine forest and desert wildlife—hikes here are awe-inspiring. – WALL STREET JOURNAL Grand Junction in western Colorado is known as the state’s fruit capital. Beginning in April, you can see cherry blossoms, plus peach and apricot blossoms, for a profusion of pink and white. Since it’s Colorado, the fruit orchards have beautiful mountain backgrounds. – USA TODAY With 1.5 million acres of public lands, hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, the Colorado and Gunnison rivers for rafting, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, and a “mini Grand Canyon” to explore. – TEXAS LIFESTYLES After a day of adventure, enjoy a pint on a sunny patio at one of the area’s many exciting craft breweries. Enjoy more local flavors by visiting in the late summer and fall, the best time to sample Colorado’s pride and joy, local Palisade peaches. Savor them in all their juicy, ripe perfection at one of Grand Junction’s renowned farm-to-table restaurants. – TRAVEL LEMMING Floating down the Colorado River in Grand Junction, Colorado, offers quite a scenic ride. Rafters can enjoy a relaxing, calm float all the way along the river until they would reach the state lines of Utah. – FODORS VisitGrandJunction.com
Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide Grand Junction Adventure Guide: Page 25
