THE GREAT OUTDOORS 4 SEASONS OF OUTDOOR PURSUITS With our diverse landscapes and ample wide-open space, epic adventure is a year-round pursuit in western Colorado. Here’s your season-by-season guide to getting the most out of Grand Junction’s great outdoors — no matter what time of year you plan to visit. WINTER Skiing & Snowboarding As Snow’s Perfect State™, we don’t need to remind you that Colorado is a winter-sports wonderland, but we never tire of talking up Powderhorn Mountain Resort . The Grand Mesa National Forest averages 250 inches of light, dry powder each year and boasts some of the best glade skiing in the state. Powderhorn is affordable and only 45 minutes from Grand Junction. backdrops and access to an additional 180 miles of trails along the way. Don’t have a snow machine? Fret not, there are many rental shops to choose from. Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing The heavy snowfall and flat-top mountain terrain of the Grand Mesa National Forest make it a shoe-in for cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing, thanks in large part to the Grand Mesa Nordic Council , which maintains 31 miles of glorious, groomed trails. Like to go off-piste? Pristine, ungroomed backcountry skiing is also available on the mesa. Find more winter activities in Grand Junction at VisitGrandJunction.com/ Blog/Snow-Much-Fun-Grand-Junction. FROM TOP: INSTAGRAM/@ATHUXOLL; VISIT GRAND JUNCTION. Snowmobiling Have a need for speed? Get your motor running on the Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail . This 120-mile route runs from Sunlight Mountain outside of Glenwood Springs to Powderhorn Mountain on the Grand Mesa, with spectacular mountain GRAND MESA NORDIC SKI TRAILS @PEAKRESULTS GRAND MESA NATIONAL FOREST @ATHUXOLL FALL Hiking There are countless places to catch a glimpse of the brilliant fall colors in the Grand Mesa National Forest, but it’s hard to top the 11-mile Crag Crest Trail — literally. High atop the mesa at a dizzying 11,170 feet, Crag Crest gives you a bird’s-eye view of mountainsides gilded with shimmering aspens. Find more hiking trails on page 16 and at VisitGrandJunction. com/HikingTrails . Hunting The Grand Junction area is a mecca for big game and big birds, starting at the Uncompahgre Plateau all the way to the White River and Gunnison National Forests . Hunting season for elk, pronghorn, deer, moose, desert bighorn sheep and other game runs from September through mid-November, while winter brings scores of ducks and geese to the Colorado River. Fishing FUN FACT: Grand Junction is named for the convergence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers — two fantastic spots for trout fishing in our crisp-yet-sunny fall weather. The high-elevation lakes and streams of the Grand Mesa National Forest are also great destinations. Learn more about hunting and fishing at VisitGrandJunction.com/HuntingFishing . Before setting out on your hunting or fishing excursion, you’ll need to obtain the proper license from Colorado Parks and Wildlife — either online at Cpw.state.co.us , or at CPW’s local offices and license vendors around the state. 30 Follow the Locals “The unsurpassed access to public lands coupled with convenient and beautiful drives to nearby destinations like Moab, Steamboat Springs, Telluride, Aspen, and Glenwood Springs, makes Grand Junction an ideal place to thrive as a student while exploring the benefits of the great outdoors. The younger generation loves the western side of Colorado and so do I.” — Sarah Shrader , Program Director, Colorado Mesa University Outdoor Recreation Industry Studies and Owner, Bonsai Design | VISIT GRAND JUNCTION OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE
Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide: Page 30
