It’s the ultimate Colorado staycation. Just a few hours west of Denver, Grand Junction provides visitors a truly unique Colorado escape within the Grand Valley. With access to over 1.7 million acres of state and federally protected public lands, outstanding outdoor activities including biking, hiking and fishing, some of the best golf in the state, unique shopping and dining experiences, arts and culture, and so much more. Visit Grand Junction shared these 10 ways to explore Grand Junction:
- Explore the Colorado National Monumentat Sunrise. No matter the time of year, it’s always a great opportunity to soak in beauty of these red rock canyons. Touted by Outside Magazine and USA Today as one of the top 10 best places for solitude in the US.
Idea: Get ready to ride in one of the most scenic road cycling events in the United States – The Tour of the Moon Grand Cycling Classic travels the length of the 23-mile long RimRock Drive in the Colorado National Monument on September 29, 2018. Register early, as this ride sells out fast! - Try Downhill Biking at Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Only atop Grand Mesa can you enjoy the sweeping scenic views of the valley below as you ride down the slope at Powderhorn’s newest attraction, the downhill mountain bike park.
Idea: Take a downhill mountain biking lesson on the most recently addition, the Mutton Buster green singletrack mountain bike trail at the Powderhorn Mountain Bike Park. - Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) on the Colorado River The Colorado River is the state’s best SUPing river, with plenty of stretches of calm waters from Palisade to Fruita. This is the perfect place for anyone trying to get the hang of the board.
Idea: Take a stand up paddle boarding lesson with Grand Junction Stand Up Paddle Boarding Co. or Rapid Creek Cycles & Paddleboards. You can even give SUP yoga a try! - Get Serious About Mountain Biking. Is Grand Junction the Best Biking Town in America? You be the judge…
Idea: Mountain biking does not have to be hard-core, check out the newly expanded Three Sisters Park. *Careful* -the adjacent Lunch Loops trail system is for advanced riders only. The kiddos would also like the easiest and most family-friendly trails in the valley: Rustler’s Loop(at Kokopelli Loops), Kessel Run (at 18 Road), or Prime Cut (Bookcliffs). - FOUR! Actually, there are five beautifully designed public golf courses. Highlights include elevated tees with a red rock backdrop of the Colorado National Monument.
Idea: Don’t miss the #1 public golf course in Colorado as ranked by Golf Digest, The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa. - 50 years and going strong at the Museum of the West. Fulfill your inner cowboy or cowgirl with a trip to a museum dedicated to the Western lifestyle in downtown Grand Junction.
Idea: Have you ever imagined what life was like for a pioneer? “Ride” the stagecoach to see for yourself. Or really go back in time with a dino dig at their sister museum, Dinosaur Journey. - aRT Murals on the Riverfront Trail.Artists have transformed bleak piers and skirts of overpasses on the Riverfront Trail into vibrant, colorful, artistic expressions.
Idea: Take a walk or leisurely bike ride along the trail to see these incredible murals. - Arrive and Drive Racing at the Grand Junction Motor Speedway. If you like to drive fast, take it to the track – the Kart Racing Track, that is.
Idea: Make it a teambuilding activity for your workplace. (Talk about a memorable get together!) - Hike or ski the Grand Mesa. The world’s largest flat top mountain is your year-round paradise. Oh, and 300 lakes = an abundance of fishing opportunities.
Idea: Have you ever heard an elk bugle? Experience this magical love song from the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre National Forest. *Be safe and wear bright orange when hiking during big game hunting seasons. - Shop Downtown Grand Junction. You won’t find big box chain stores here. You will find galleries, boutique shopping, unique toy stores, charming candy stores, bookshops, cute kids’ clothing, bike shops, outdoor gear, specialty retailers and weekly farmers’ markets.
Idea: Watch them make the sweet tooth cure, mouth-watering almond toffee, at Enstrom Candies.
Ready to Visit Grand Junction? Order or view their Visitor Guide.
Author: Mile High Mamas
