Visit Grand Junction, Colorado like a local. Discover the magnificent nature, things to do, places to eat, and boutique stays in this scenic city. We were born and raised in Grand Junction — truly providing an insider's perspective to this hidden gem of Colorado.
Tucked away in the heart of Colorado's Western Slope (a term used by Coloradans to describe anything geographically west of the Rocky Mountains continental divide), Grand Junction doesn't receive the same hype that other adventure destinations like Aspen, Boulder, or Breckenridge do. In fact, most people from out of state have never even heard of Grand Junction.
Located halfway between Denver and Salt Lake City on the heart of the Colorado River, Grand Junction is an easy weekend trip for many Coloradans and Utah residents. The Grand Valley offers views and recreation similar to neighboring Moab, Utah, and the famous Arches National Park, but without the crowds. The city is surrounded on nearly all sides by flat-top monuments and mesas in shades of orange, pink, and red rock. The Grand Mesa National Forest, just east of Grand Junction, is the largest flat-top mesa in the world!
In recent years, Western Colorado has undergone a lot of transformation and is now rising as a popular travel destination. The town has recently taken on a more youthful vibe in large part due to the expanding Colorado Mesa University and many more young people calling the Grand Valley home.
With an impressive collection of natural attractions, a bustling downtown filled with mouth-watering eateries and watering holes, and unique boutique accommodations, the Grand Valley is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.
There are several areas within the Grand Valley that you can choose to base yourself out of: Palisade, Grand Junction, or Fruita. Our blog will give you insight into each area.
Strap up your hiking boots and enjoy our guide to our hometown of Grand Junction.
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Outdoor Recreation Travel Guide to Grand Junction
Due to the high desert climate that's more moderate (dry) than the majority of the state, outdoor adventure is possible year-round. At every corner of the valley, you'll find hiking trails, mountain bikes, horses, and skiis. The unique Nature Trifecta defines Grand Junction and sets it apart from surrounding areas. This is a combination of three unique geographical landscapes that can't be found anywhere else in the world: The Colorado National Monument, the Grand Mesa, and Rattlesnake Arches.
Colorado National Monument
The red rock canyons and towering monoliths of the Colorado National Monument are a must-visit. Take a scenic drive along the Rim Rock Drive, hike the Monument Canyon Trail, or have a picnic while enjoying the magnificent views. The views alone are worth the $25.00 pass! Plus, the pass is good for seven days so that you can visit multiple times.
Hike Rattlesnake Arches
This area has the largest concentration of natural arches besides the famous arches in Moab, Utah. Within one mile, 35 arches can be seen! If you intend to make it all the way to the largest arch, plan plenty of time and bring more water than you think you'd need. This is a strenuous, long hiking trail. Depending on the time of year, a vehicle with four-wheel drive can make it a portion of the way, shortening the hike itself.
Mountain Bike on Tabeguache Trail, 28 Road, Kokopelli's Trail, and Lunch Loops
If you're into mountain biking, the Grand Junction area is the place to be. Offering tracks for all levels of experience, it's a mountain biker’s paradise. There are plenty of mountain biking trails near the base of the Colorado National Monument.
Grand Mesa
Hiking, skiing, camping, and fishing are all possibilities on the Grand Mesa. It is a 1.5 hour drive from Grand Junction and is the largest flat-top mountain in the world. With over 300 alpine lakes, the Grand Mesa sits 10,000 feet above sea level.
Winter - If you're into downhill skiing, visit Powderhorn Mountain Resort. You'll enjoy a day skiing at a family-friendly resort at a fraction of the cost that Vail or Aspen charge. Or, try cross-country skiing (one of our favorite activities) at the Skyway Ski Trailhead.
Summer - There are a plethora of hiking trails, campgrounds, and alpine lakes to fish in during the summer. I grew up camping near Island Lake and hiking scenic trails like Land O'Lakes Trail and Mesa Lakes Trail. Just don't forget the mosquito repellent! Mosquitos can be vicious in the summer on the Grand Mesa.
Fall - The aspen forests turn brilliant shades of orange and yellow in early fall. It's totally worth a drive on The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway to witness this display of colors.
Hike Mt. Garfield
If you find yourself around Palisade and are looking for a good hike look no further than hiking the famous and iconic Mt. Garfield. Plan for a 2-3 hour, 4-mile roundtrip, 2,000 ft of elevation gain adventure up one of the most unique rock formations you will ever see. Once atop, you will experience epic views of the entire Grand Valley.
Where to Dine
Bin 707 Foodbar
This locally-owned restaurant is known for its farm-to-table dishes. Enjoy Colorado's bounty with a creative menu that changes with the seasons. This top-notch restaurant could be located in any major city!
626 On Rood
This modern-American restaurant boasts an extensive selection of wines and a menu featuring innovative dishes. Their wine-pairing dinners are a must-try.
Las Marias
If you're craving authentic Mexican food and a margarita, look no further!
The Rockslide
We've both been eating at The Rockslide since we were kids. The salmon fish and chips pair perfectly with local beer brewed on-site.
505 Fix Food Truck
Bre's family is from New Mexico, and this food truck is by far the most authentic New Mexican food in town! Try the chile rellenos or frito pie. Check out their website to see their schedule, as they are a mobile food truck.
Fidel's Cocina and Bar (Palisade)
Another Latin restaurant ... we know! What can we say? We always gravitate towards flavors from south of the border. This is a fairly new restaurant in downtown Palisade that cooks with sustainably sourced ingredients. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, handmade food, and great cocktails, this is your spot!
Hot Tomato Pizza (Fruita)
This East Coast-style pizzeria is a staple of Fruita. Bre used to stop here for a slice of pizza weekly in high school! The pizza dough is made daily and baked in a traditional stone deck oven. If you're lucky, you might time your visit just right and be lucky enough to taste the seasonal Palisade Peach pizza! The lines can get long here, but it's worth the wait.
Main Street Bagels Artisan Bakery & Cafe (Grand Junction)
If you are looking for a good spot to fuel up for a day of adventures then plan to stop at this spot on 4th Street and Main Street frequented by locals for a quick bite and fuel up of caffeine. Their bagels are made fresh daily using local ingredients and they have plenty of other menu offerings.
Where to Drink
If there's one thing that complements outdoor adventure, it's a good happy hour post hike or mountain bike. At every brewery, bar, or winery, you'll notice nearly every vehicle has bikes on the back and everyone is wearing outdoor gear. This is just the culture in Grand Junction.
Two Rivers Winery (Grand Junction)
Colorado’s Western Slope is known for its wineries, and Grand Junction is no exception. Visit Two Rivers Winery for a taste of local wine with stunning views of the Colorado National Monument.
Brewery Hop (Grand Junction)
If you're staying near downtown Grand Junction, there are a handful of breweries to visit. These include Trail Life Brewing, Gemini Beer Company, Ramblebine Brewing Company, and Base Camp Beer Works. Most of these are dog and kid friendly with large patios!
Peach Street Distillers (Palisade)
Our absolute favorite cocktails in the Grand Valley can be found at the charming Peach Street Distillers. Their handmade dill pickle vodka in a Bloody Mary can't be beat! There are also many cocktails that incorporate local fruit, like Palisade Peaches. They've expanded to include a full food menu as well. Know that all of their alcohol is brewed on site, and it's brewed strong!
Palisade Brewing Company (Palisade)
Right down the street from the distillery is the local brewery. Most famous for their beer Dirty Hippie, this brewery has such a local hometown feel to it. You can't help but feel like a local!
Wine Tasting Tour (Palisade)
If you have a whole afternoon to spend in Palisade, we highly recommend joining a wine tour. You can hire a shuttle with a knowledgeable guide, ride the infamous trolley, rent bicycles, or even travel by horse-drawn carriage to take you to a handful of the 30+ award-winning wineries.
Base Camp Provisions (Fruita)
Fruita is a little town that's gained a lot of popularity amongst mountain bikers nation-wide. Downtown Fruita may be small, but it's packed with personality and trendy bars like Base Camp Provisions. Stop here for a beer and dinner after a day of adventuring.
Things to Do
Although outdoor recreation rules the Grand Valley, there are plenty of other options if you're not the outdoorsy type. Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade all have charming downtowns filled with live music, art, and boutique shops. Spend some time in each one!
Grand Junction Main Street
Stroll down the endearing Main Street, lined with a blend of modern and historic architecture. Enjoy local art galleries, small boutiques to shop, and regular downtown events such as the Thursday Farmer's Market and the Art on the Corner exhibits. Whether you're an artist, a food connoisseur, or just want to leisurely browse local shops, there's something for everyone downtown.
Dinosaur Journey Museum (Fruita)
If you're traveling with kids, the Dinosaur Journey Museum is a must see! The robotic dinosaurs are a favorite amongst tiny adventurers. Visitors can also dig to discover dinosaur bones, examine real fossils, ride on a simulated earthquake, and witness a working paleontology lab.
Palisade Farmer's Market (Palisade)
This Sunday market has been named one of the top Farmer's Markets in the country. Shop for local ingredients to cook with, listen to live music, and get a bite to eat from the food trucks.
Museum of The West
Discover the rich history of the Grand Valley at the Museum of The West. This museum is packed with historical artifacts, including outlaw firearms, an old schoolhouse, and an old stagecoach. Climb up the tower to see 360 views of the surrounding geography.
Explore the Riverfront Park at Las Colonias Park
This 140-acre park, right along the Colorado River, is a new development in Grand Junction. Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Grand Junction Adventures and float down the river. Two man-made waves have been built into the river, giving you the opportunity to feel like you're in the midst of an intense rapid! Or, choose to zipline across the river! Right next door is Las Colonias Amphitheater. It's a wonderful low-key concert venue that books some pretty incredible musicians! See the summer line-up, here!
Other Notable Festivals/Events
Grand Junction is known for several unique events throughout the year that you could plan to add to your trip. Here are some of our picks for the more notable events and festivals:
Junior College World Series (JUCO) baseball tournament (End of May, Memorial Day weekend): Every year since 1959 Grand Junction hosts the Junior College World Series (JUCO) baseball tournament at Suplizio Field. The event has 10 teams competing over 8 days to take home the title. Thousands of people converge on the city from all over the country to watch some of the best raw talent in baseball. On the night of Memorial Day, there is always a big fireworks display.
Market on Main (July through September): a bustling farmer's market that occurs every Thursday at 5:30 pm in Downtown Grand Junction on Main Street. Local produce and products, live music, and food trucks — you really can't go wrong here. Plan to stick around some of the weeks they have the free Rhythm and Blues concert series at 4th Street and Main St during and following the farmer's market.
Palisade Peach Festival (2nd or 3rd weekend in August): Palisade, Colorado is renowned for being one of the best places in the country for peaches. Their annual peach festival has been running for 56 years and is a weekend packed full of events all over Palisade, focused on celebrating the peak of the peach season. Restaurants and bars throughout town serve peach-themed food and drinks and there is plenty of live music. The main festival event is a ticketed affair.
Colorado Mountain Winefest (2nd or 3rd weekend in September): In case you haven't caught on, Palisade, Colorado is also famous for its wine country. According to USA Today the Colorado Mountain Winefest in Palisade is rated in the top 10 wine festivals in the country. Much like the peach festival, thousands of people converge on Palisade for a weekend packed full of wine-themed adventure and live music. Once again, the main event is a ticketed event.
Best Boutique Stays in Grand Junction
This new hotel is the hot spot for aspiring college students, parents, and anyone and everyone. The hotel features a rooftop bar and restaurant called Devil's Kitchen, which receives rave reviews.
For a cozy stay, check out this charming B&B. It’s set on 16 acres of land, and each room is uniquely decorated. Enjoy the delightful breakfast served each morning.
This boutique motel is a stylish and comfortable lodging option in the heart of Palisade. Each room is carefully designed and it’s within walking distance to downtown Palisade and local wineries.
Turn your winery visit into a stay! Two Rivers Winery and Chateau offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the Colorado National Monument.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a food lover, or a wine connoisseur, Grand Junction has something to offer you. This Colorado gem truly is a remarkable destination, blending the charm of small-town life with the grandeur of the great outdoors. Plan your trip today and discover the magic of Grand Junction for yourself!
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For the love and adventure,
Bre & Daniel
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