Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:13:46 +0000

Why is Grand Junction’s Official Visitor Guide Ad-FREE?

We like to look at things a little differently here in Grand Junction. We believe the destination speaks for itself. We’re not ruled by the superficial, or the insubstantial. We prefer to put our nature in charge, to let life take the lead.

To follow our passions, broaden our horizons and to try new things. To do what truly makes us happy and to do it in a way that nurtures it for generations to come. To see Grand Junction as not just a playground but a valuable partner we are privileged to protect. To love the convergence of what makes life so special, the confluence of characters, the nexus of nature and the chameleon of colors. To find that rare balance between achieving success and giving back. To evolve thoughtfully – enhancing our quality of life, never forgetting to respect who we are and everyone in our community, especially those who have come to share it.

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New York Times

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:06:01 +0000

TOP 52 PLACES TO GO

Grand Junction is honored to be recognized by The New York Times as one of “52 Top Places to Go”. Being the only Colorado city to make the list, Grand Junction definitely deserves a spot in your travel plans. With endless outdoor adventures, authentic Western hospitality, and four seasons of fun, discover why Grand Junction has made the gold standard of travel’s “must visit” list.

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Welcome

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:03:27 +0000

Discover a different side of Colorado — you might be surprised what you’ll find.

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Nature’s Trifecta

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:50:29 +0000

Grand Junction’s majestic landscapes are very different than the rest of Colorado.

Colorado National Monument is a mini-Grand Canyon, affectionately known as “the heart of the world.” The Grand Mesa is bursting with over 300 lakes. Rattlesnake Arches is the 2nd largest concentration of natural arches in the world.

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Colorado National Monument

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:56:04 +0000

NATURE DID SMILE ON US A LITTLE BIT MORE

Grand Junction is a Nexus

There is no other place in Colorado where you experience the intersection of so many prized ecosystems. Mountains. Rivers. Canyons. Lakes. High Desert. Forests. For people who define themselves by the amount of time they spend outdoors, this is their mecca.

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Grand Mesa National Forest

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:06:30 +0000

Just 45 minutes from Grand Junction, the Grand Mesa towers above the area at over 10,000 feet in elevation. As the largest flat-top mountain in the world bursting with over 300 alpine lakes, the Grand Mesa has four distinct seasons of outdoor pursuits – making it a sportsman’s paradise. From scenic trails and natural springs to Nordic skiing and a 32-mile downhill mountain bike thrill, the Grand Mesa is perfect for those looking for unique year-round adventures.

SPRING

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Rattlesnake Arches

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:09:34 +0000

GETTING TO RATTLESNAKE ARCHES, COLORADO’S ARCHES!

Rattlesnake Canyon is home to the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world. All 35 of the arches are within one mile of each other. Bonus – they can be hiked without the crowds experienced in Moab, Utah; however, you need to plan.

THERE ARE TWO ROUTES TO CONSIDER WHEN GETTING TO RATTLESNAKE ARCHES.

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Find Your Trail

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:12:58 +0000

Here’s a quick guide to some of our favorite routes. Discover many more at VisitGrandJunction.com/Trails.

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Get Outside

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:19:52 +0000

GRAND JUNCTION’S PUBLIC LANDS BY THE NUMBERS

Rivers that beckon paddlers, anglers and floaters. Verdant city and state parks teeming with trails and translucent lakes. Open spaces thick with pinyon-juniper forests. Surreal canyonlands and other majestic landscapes. Grand Junction’s public lands come in many shapes and forms. And since 76 percent of the area’s lands are public, there are more than 1.5 million acres to explore.

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The Great Outdoors

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:43:30 +0000

1,559,551 Acres of Public Lands IN MESA COUNTY

Fun Fact

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Water Activities

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:46:11 +0000

Float, Raft & Splash: GRAND JUNCTION’S WATERS

Grand Junction’s hundreds of lakes and miles of rivers are perfect for a bounty of aquatic pursuits. In fact, the area is a watersports haven for whitewater rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, floating, fishing and much more.

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Grand Junction in the Press

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:49:23 +0000

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT!

GRAND JUNCTION IN THE PRESS

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Inside & Out

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 04:26:29 +0000

GRAND JUNCTION INSIDE & OUT

Named for its enviable location at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, Grand Junction is a special kind of crossroads — a joining of ancient and modern, rustic and refined, nature and culture. Whether you are inside or out, Grand Junction provides experiences you will not find anywhere else in the world.

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Outside

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 06:31:13 +0000

Corner Culture

Conceived in 1984 by local sculptor Dave Davis, Art on the Corner is, shall we say, the cornerstone of Grand Junction’s art-focused culture. Today, a diverse collection (of more than 100 sculptures) is on permanent display throughout the city’s vibrant Downtown. Each year, visiting experts curate a temporary sculpture exhibit, and if you think you have the perfect place to relocate a piece to your home — many are for sale.

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4 Seasons of Outdoor Pursuits

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:03:49 +0000

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.

FALL

Hiking

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A Different Side of Colorado

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:09:49 +0000

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT SIDE OF COLORADO

Winter in Grand Junction looks different than the rest of Colorado. Thanks to Grand Junction’s temperate climate, 300+ days of sunshine and easy accessibility, you can enjoy your favorite summer activities while still having access to the world-renowned snow sports that Colorado is known for. When most people think of a Colorado winter, they conjure up images of busy ski towns and high-end resorts. While Grand Junction does get snow like the rest of the state, providing for a quintessential ski vacation at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, it’s much more affordable in Grand Junction so you can justify saying another night or two!

HIKING & BIKING

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Downtown Grand Junction

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:52:35 +0000

DOWNTOWN GRAND JUNCTION

Downtown Grand Junction is the perfect place to rest and refuel before getting back out on the trails. Downtown is a designated park with over 115 sculptures and murals that line the sidewalks. The investment in the arts has been recognized through the state by becoming one of 29 designated Colorado Creative Districts. The artistic beauty of this large outdoor exhibit provides endless visual surprises as you pop into the boutique shops, peruse the antique stores, and grab a bit to eat at the many restaurants open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites.

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Culinary Craft

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 06:28:47 +0000

Your Perfect Day in GRAND JUNCTION

With more than our fair share of natural and cultural resources, we’ve curated five specialized day trips to pique your interest and stimulate your senses — plan your perfect day!

CULINARY CRAFT

Grand Junction offers trendy food with substance, providing you with local farm-to-table nourishment and wine-tasting adventures.

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Guys' Trip

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:46:22 +0000

GUYS’ TRIP

MORNING:

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Gals' Getaway

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 06:27:52 +0000

GALS’ GETAWAY

Your main squeeze is great and all, but your BFFs have a much higher capacity for Beaujolais and baby goat videos. So sip and spill the tea, the wine, and whatever’s lighting up your group chat.

MORNING:

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Fam Jam

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 06:29:26 +0000

FAM JAM

The key to a truly memorable family day is balancing variety and adrenaline with just enough down time. Try this itinerary on for size.

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History Hound

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 06:30:05 +0000

HISTORY HOUND

From disco-era muscle cars to dinosaur bones and beyond, this educational yet exhilarating itinerary looks to both earth and sky in its search for enlightenment.

MORNING:

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Expand Your Horizon

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 06:30:34 +0000

EXPAND YOUR HORIZON

With Grand Junction as your home base, take your daytime explorations farther afield to surrounding towns - it’s time to broaden your horizon!

MORNING:

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Get in the Game

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:56:25 +0000

Grand Junction’s residents are passionate about sports — and their enthusiasm is evident in every season. For event dates and details, go to VisitGrandJunction.com/Events

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What's Happening

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 06:27:04 +0000

Grand Junction has a robust calendar packed with unique festivals and popular events. For additional event dates and details, go to VisitGrandJunction.com/Events.

WINTER

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Traveling with Your Dog

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:47:30 +0000

GRAND JUNCTION Through Your DOG’S EYES

Four-legged guests adore Grand Junction’s outdoor splendor just as much as you do — so why leave a member of the family at home? Here are some signature activities that will earn you two paws up from your canine best friend.

HUNTING

Whether you have a fowl- and small-game pointer or retriever or large-game tracking hound, we know your furry friend is an indispensable hunting companion. Bring them along for an epic elk- and deer-hunting adventure in the Grand Mesa National Forest or Uncompahgre Plateau, or to help you retrieve geese and ducks along the Colorado River (public lands portions only). Learn more about hunting in the Grand Junction area on page 30 and at VisitGrandJunction.com/Hunting.

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Weddings and Conferences

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:42:22 +0000

LET YOUR EVENT COME TOGETHER HERE: WEDDINGS, CONFERENCES & BEYOND

Plenty to see and do around every corner, spacious gathering places, an excellent location on Interstate 70 and some of Colorado’s most breathtaking landscapes make Grand Junction a flawless destination for gatherings big and small. Don’t forget that Grand Junction Regional Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in the state, offering many direct flights to accommodate your conference attendees (learn more about flights on page 64).

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Stay Here, Drive There!

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:50:12 +0000

Grand Junction is known as being a mecca for outdoor recreation. A lesser-known fact is that it is conveniently located near many National Park Service (NPS) sites, aside from Colorado National Monument (CNM). Grand Junction’s central location includes 31 hotels offering affordable lodging, hundreds of dining options and endless outdoor activities — a perfect home base for a “Stay here, drive there!” vacation.

After exploring the Grand Mesa National Forest, Rattlesnake Arches, and CNM in Grand Junction, guests often venture out on day trips to see other nearby national parks. If you’re looking for the ultimate public lands experience, stay in Grand Junction a couple of extra days to experience five of Colorado and Utah’s most renowned NPS sites.

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Lodging

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:08:03 +0000

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Attractions, Activities & Services

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:08:32 +0000

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Craft Beverages

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:09:20 +0000

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Dining

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:09:59 +0000

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Map

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:13:43 +0000

Getting to Grand Junction

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:47:29 +0000

Flights to GJ

The following destinations offer nonstop service to and from Grand Junction Regional Airport.

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Do Grand Junction Right

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 07:58:29 +0000

DO GRAND JUNCTION RIGHT

PROTECT YOUR PUBLIC LANDS

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Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide

Contents

Why is Grand Junction’s Official Visitor Guide Ad-FREE?

New York Times

TOP 52 PLACES TO GO

Welcome

Nature’s Trifecta

Colorado National Monument

NATURE DID SMILE ON US A LITTLE BIT MORE

Grand Mesa National Forest

Rattlesnake Arches

GETTING TO RATTLESNAKE ARCHES, COLORADO’S ARCHES!

Find Your Trail

Get Outside

The Great Outdoors

Water Activities

Grand Junction in the Press

Inside & Out

Outside

4 Seasons of Outdoor Pursuits

FALL

A Different Side of Colorado

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT SIDE OF COLORADO

Downtown Grand Junction

Culinary Craft

Your Perfect Day in GRAND JUNCTION

CULINARY CRAFT

Guys' Trip

GUYS’ TRIP

Gals' Getaway

GALS’ GETAWAY

Fam Jam

FAM JAM

History Hound

HISTORY HOUND

Expand Your Horizon

EXPAND YOUR HORIZON

Get in the Game

What's Happening

Traveling with Your Dog

GRAND JUNCTION Through Your DOG’S EYES

HUNTING

Weddings and Conferences

Stay Here, Drive There!

Lodging

Attractions, Activities & Services

Craft Beverages

Dining

Map

Getting to Grand Junction

Do Grand Junction Right