Vineyards under a butte near Grand Junction - Photo by Denise Chambers/Weaver Multimedia Group

From tasting wine in Colorado's wine country to sipping a hot cocoa with views of snow-capped peaks, the Northwest Region of the state is a place meant for savoring life's finer things. Here, travelers will find an abundance of activities year-round. In fact, life-long Colorado residents are still finding surprises in this land of serrated peaks, dramatic canyons and fertile valleys.

A majority of the region's eastern border follows the Continental Divide - the meandering ridgeline that separates North America's watershed. Nestled beneath the divide you'll find some of the world's most legendary resort towns, including Aspen/Snowmass, Breckenridge, Keystone and Winter Park; Vail, Beaver Creek and Steamboat Springs lie a little farther beyond. These havens for powder hounds in winter become playgrounds for sun-seekers in summer, when the valleys overflow with waterfalls and blossom with wildflowers.

Progressing west, mountains give way to plateaus and mesas, with a diverse group of communities thriving on tourism and agriculture. The mighty Colorado River flows through this area, forming impressive canyons along the way. Glenwood Springs is famous for its thermal hot springs and rafting industry. An hour's drive downstream, the thriving and scenic city of Grand Junction is home to more than 120,000, and its profile as a producer of fine wines is increasing with each year. Nearby are two major recreation attractions: the Colorado National Monument (which is home to spectacular rock formations and staggering vistas) and Grand Mesa (where lakes are scattered throughout pristine forest). Farther to the north and straddling the Utah border, Dinosaur National Monument preserves ancient and remote canyons along both the Yampa and Green Rivers.

For inspiration, relaxation or just a refresher course on how sweet life can be, the Northwest Region of Colorado is tailor-fit for an unforgettable vacation.


LARGEST CITY: Grand Junction. Population: 120,000+ in the metro area.

FAMOUS RESIDENTS: Aspen attracts the rich and famous from all over the world. The late John Denver and the late writer Hunter S. Thompson once called it home; tennis star Martina Navratilova still does. In fact, celeb sightings are common not only in Aspen, but Vail and Beaver Creek as well.

HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: To summarize the Northwest region’s historical significance in one sentence is like trying to paint its landscape with a single color. From Fremont Indians displaying their rock-art skills on the walls of Canyon Pintado to Dustin Hoffman fine-tuning his craft at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp, the region’s history is full of surprises.

Additional articles:
Canyon Pintado
Town of Meeker
Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp

FUN FACT: Utes called the springs in Hot Sulphur Springs "Spiq-uet Pah," or Smoking Water, and bathed in the steaming pools for their healing effects. It is said they led their animals in as well.