Grand Junction

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

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Two people road bike next to rows and rows of crops that lead to mesas and a light-blue sky in the distance. — Grand Junction

An aerial view of six people road biking surrounded by yellow and orange rock formations. In the distance, green farm lands run into mountains. — Grand Junction

Lots of people sit in a a public park in downtown Grand Junction with green-leafed trees, low brick walls and public art. In the background there are two-story red-brick buildings. — Grand Junction

A golf course green in Grand Junction is surrounded by rocky outcroppings. — Grand Junction

People run up a road switchback. The ground in the middle is covered with snow and the whole area is surrounded by sheer red rock walls. — Grand Junction

A Grand Junction vineyard at sunset sits under a yellow sky with clouds. In the distance a red barn is surrounded by green-leafed trees. The vines are green and are in line with wooden fence posts. — Grand Junction

6 people cross-country ski through a snow-covered winter wonderland next to a river. There are evergreen trees dusted with snow. — Grand Junction

A red canoe with a family of three wearing red life jackets sits in the middle of a lake on the Grand Mesa. Evergreen trees lead up to the lakeshore under a bright-blue sky. — Canoeing on the Grand Mesa

A couple, the woman wearing a lilac-colored shirt with shorts and the man wearing a red-shirt with khaki shorts, walks along a ridge on a dirt path. A child sits on the shoulders of the man wearing a red hat. To the left of the path is a hill of green grass. In the distance evergreen trees meet a hazy sky. — Hiking near Grand Junction

A whitewater kayaker in a red jacket sits in a green and blue kayak in the middle of a white wave in the midst of a brown river. In the background there's a rocky shoreline. — Kayaking the Colorado River near Grand Junction

Atop a wooden shelf, there are green and glass bottles of wine lined up. In the distance people listen into a wine tasting at Plum Creek Winery in Palisade. — Wine tasting at Plum Creek Winery in Palisade

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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Discover a Different Side of Colorado. There is no other place where so many unique ecosystems converge. Towering over the city are the red-rock canyons of the Colorado National Monument, known as the mini-Grand Canyon.

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