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Grand Junction

An aerial photo of Grand Junction, Colorado. There are tall, towering rock formations jutting up from the otherwise desolate and desert-like ground. There are shrubs and green trees scattered along the land, and in the distance is a landscape full of desertscapes and trees underneath distant peaks. Everything is under a deep-blue sky peppered with fluffy white clouds.

Grand Junction is the largest city between Denver and Salt Lake City and is known as one of Colorado’s premier vacation destinations.

 

Discover a Different Side of Colorado in Grand Junction

 

Seventy-six percent of the Grand Junction area is public land, totaling 1.5 million acres. That massive expanse of nature coupled with a comfortable, year-round temperate climate provides the perfect setting for endless outdoor adventures no matter the season. Grand Junction is also the only place in the world where you can experience three of nature’s greatest accomplishments — Nature’s Trifecta.

Nature’s Trifecta: Colorado National Monument, The Grand Mesa & Rattlesnake Arches

This renowned trio consists of awe-inspiring geological wonders that can’t be found anywhere else. The Colorado National Monument is part of the National Park Service, and is often referred to as the “mini-Grand Canyon” and affectionately called the “Heart of the World.” The Grand Mesa is the largest flat-top mountain in the world, bursting with more than 300 alpine lakes, making it a year-round sportsman’s paradise. Rounding out this epic triad is Rattlesnake Arches. With 35-plus naturally formed sandstone arches, Rattlesnake is the second-largest concentration of arches outside of Utah.

Year-Round Things to Do in Grand Junction

The area's climate is much more temperate than the rest of the state, which lends itself to year-round adventures like hiking, biking and even golfing. While other Colorado destinations are covered in snow, winters in Grand Junction remain relatively dry. Comfortable hiking and biking combined with the area’s expansive trail network provide options you can’t find anywhere else. Exploring in sneakers and a light jacket in the winter is common on this side of the state. And if you do crave the classic Colorado winter, it’s just a 45-minute drive to skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at 10,000-plus feet of elevation. All of this makes the city a perfect playground for experiencing two seasons of sports at once. Come discover a different side of Colorado in Grand Junction.

Water Fun on the Gunnison & Colorado Rivers

Grand Junction affectionately earned its name thanks to the convergence of the Gunnison River and the mighty Colorado River. While the area is considered a high desert, there are dozens of waterways and tributaries for you to explore. Rafting, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and tubing are all easily accessible and close to the city’s amenities. If you prefer to cast your line and wait for a bite, the Grand Junction area offers plenty of fishing hot spots. Between the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park and more than 300 freshwater lakes on the Grand Mesa, you’ll have no trouble finding your next honey hole here.

Western Colorado Charm

The area is rooted in Western culture and hospitality. Expect friendly locals who are happy to strike up a conversation and give you ideas for trails to explore or restaurant recommendations. Staying true to the Wild West feel, Grand Junction also boasts one of only three wild horse sanctuaries in the entire country that is designated to protect wild horses. The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range consists of more than 36,000-plus acres in which these majestic mustangs roam freely. More than 100 horses, including palominos, paints, bays and sorrels, embody the untamed spirit of this natural landscape.

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