Welcome to Beautiful Western Colorado
Sightseeing
Colorado is well known for some of the most beautiful vistas in the world. And much of it is practically in my backyard.
The Grand Mesa is reportedly the largest flat topped mountain in the world, and boasts more than 300 stream-fed alpine lakes at elevations over 11,000 feet, not to mention enough wildlife to keep anglers, photographers and hikers alike entertained for days. Summer sports include bicycling and 4-wheeling. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can be there in about an hour.
See also https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/gmug/recreation for other national forests nearby.
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Grand Mesa National Forest
The Grand Mesa is reportedly the largest flat topped mountain in the world, and boasts more than 300 stream-fed alpine lakes at elevations over 11,000 feet, not to mention enough wildlife to keep anglers, photographers and hikers alike entertained for days. Summer sports include bicycling and 4-wheeling. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can be there in about an hour.
See also https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/gmug/recreation for other national forests nearby.
In about half an hour you can be in the Colorado National Monument, a mini-Grand Canyon-type experience. The road over "the Monument", as it is called locally, is Rimrock Drive. It literally hugs the rim of the road, overlooking cliffs hundreds of feet in height, and in several places has viewing points where you can pull over. There are interpretive signs that explain what you are looking at, and nature trails throughout. Mountain biking on the Monument is extremely popular and there are well-known organized bike races.
The best-known feature is Independence Monument, a free standing tower of soft, red sandstone, the signature formation of the Colorado National Monument. It soars 450 feet above the floor of the monument canyon. It is a rock climber’s dream challenge. Weddings have been held on its capstone top, and in the past commercials have been filmed on it.
There are geological formations in the Monument that are of great interest to geologists to study and are found nowhere else in the world.
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Colorado National Monument
11 Rimrock DrIn about half an hour you can be in the Colorado National Monument, a mini-Grand Canyon-type experience. The road over "the Monument", as it is called locally, is Rimrock Drive. It literally hugs the rim of the road, overlooking cliffs hundreds of feet in height, and in several places has viewing points where you can pull over. There are interpretive signs that explain what you are looking at, and nature trails throughout. Mountain biking on the Monument is extremely popular and there are well-known organized bike races.
The best-known feature is Independence Monument, a free standing tower of soft, red sandstone, the signature formation of the Colorado National Monument. It soars 450 feet above the floor of the monument canyon. It is a rock climber’s dream challenge. Weddings have been held on its capstone top, and in the past commercials have been filmed on it.
There are geological formations in the Monument that are of great interest to geologists to study and are found nowhere else in the world.
The Gunnison River passes through this canyon, named because there are areas at the bottom of the deep, steep-sided canyon where sunlight never reaches. Challenging hiking trails lead to the bottom of the canyon. Cross-country skiing and snow shoeing is available in the winter months.
Les than 2 hours from Grand Junction, south on Highway 50.
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Gunnison River passes through this canyon, named because there are areas at the bottom of the deep, steep-sided canyon where sunlight never reaches. Challenging hiking trails lead to the bottom of the canyon. Cross-country skiing and snow shoeing is available in the winter months.
Les than 2 hours from Grand Junction, south on Highway 50.
The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse area is one of the last places in the country where horses still run wild. Although you aren't guaranteed to see horses, there is a good chance.
From the Bureau of Land Management web page:
The Little Book Cliffs wild horses have a diversity of colors, band sizes and ages. Through the introduction of wild horses from other herds, the range of colors within the herd is exciting and photogenic. Horses include palominos, paints, grays, blacks, bays, sorrels, blue and red roans as well as a few appaloosas. In recent years, a curly was also introduced and has since foaled. Band sizes range from two to 10 horses. Due to high public visitation, the wild horses are less skittish than other horses, so photo opportunities are ideal.
Location: The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range is located in northwest Colorado, about 8 miles northeast of Grand Junction.
Size: 36,113 acres
Topography/Vegetation: The wild horse area is characterized by four major canyon systems falling to gentle sloping plateaus covered in sagebrush and pinon juniper.
Wildlife: Elk, turkey, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, chuckar partridge, gamble's quail, midget faded rattlesnake, snowshoe hare, mountain lion, bobcat, bear.
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range
The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse area is one of the last places in the country where horses still run wild. Although you aren't guaranteed to see horses, there is a good chance.
From the Bureau of Land Management web page:
The Little Book Cliffs wild horses have a diversity of colors, band sizes and ages. Through the introduction of wild horses from other herds, the range of colors within the herd is exciting and photogenic. Horses include palominos, paints, grays, blacks, bays, sorrels, blue and red roans as well as a few appaloosas. In recent years, a curly was also introduced and has since foaled. Band sizes range from two to 10 horses. Due to high public visitation, the wild horses are less skittish than other horses, so photo opportunities are ideal.
Location: The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range is located in northwest Colorado, about 8 miles northeast of Grand Junction.
Size: 36,113 acres
Topography/Vegetation: The wild horse area is characterized by four major canyon systems falling to gentle sloping plateaus covered in sagebrush and pinon juniper.
Wildlife: Elk, turkey, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, chuckar partridge, gamble's quail, midget faded rattlesnake, snowshoe hare, mountain lion, bobcat, bear.
East on I-70 from Grand Junction. Along the way you will pass through Palisade, DeBeque Canyon, towns of DeBeque, Parachute and Rifle. Glenwood Springs is well known for the natural hot springs and steam caves that were used by the Indian tribes in the area who believed they held natural healing properties. Also home to Glenwood Canyons Adventure Park. Historic western figure Doc Holiday is believed to be buried nearby, although there is no marking on what is reputed to be his grave. He went to Glenwood Springs for treatment of “consumption”, in modern days known as Tuberculosis.
What to do in Glenwood Springs? Hot spring pools, steam caves, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, rafting and kayaking on the Colorado River, guided tours by ATV or horseback, snow sports, craft and art shows, annual Strawberry Festival.
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Glenwood Springs
East on I-70 from Grand Junction. Along the way you will pass through Palisade, DeBeque Canyon, towns of DeBeque, Parachute and Rifle. Glenwood Springs is well known for the natural hot springs and steam caves that were used by the Indian tribes in the area who believed they held natural healing properties. Also home to Glenwood Canyons Adventure Park. Historic western figure Doc Holiday is believed to be buried nearby, although there is no marking on what is reputed to be his grave. He went to Glenwood Springs for treatment of “consumption”, in modern days known as Tuberculosis.
What to do in Glenwood Springs? Hot spring pools, steam caves, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, rafting and kayaking on the Colorado River, guided tours by ATV or horseback, snow sports, craft and art shows, annual Strawberry Festival.
This is a town south of Grand Junction that is accessed through a canyon with impressive rock features. The founder of the Discovery Channel, John Hendricks, purchased land there and built a resort and a car museum.
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Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa
43200 CO-141This is a town south of Grand Junction that is accessed through a canyon with impressive rock features. The founder of the Discovery Channel, John Hendricks, purchased land there and built a resort and a car museum.
Events
It seems like every city, small town, village, and hamlet in Western Colorado has at least one festival during the summers. These events usually include live music, feature local produce and products, booths of items like food and drinks, art, crafts, clothing, jewelry. Seasonal Farmers' Markets abound in the area. Below are some of the best known in this area:
Main Street is host to multiple events throughout the year including parades on July 4, Veteran’s Day, Parade of Lights early in December, car shows, Octoberfest. Downtown Grand Junction Farmers Market is a summertime weekly event and is a showcase of farm and orchard produce from the Western Slope and around Colorado. Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Avalon Theater at the corner of 7th St. and Main St. presents live plays and concerts year-round.
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Grand Junction
Main Street is host to multiple events throughout the year including parades on July 4, Veteran’s Day, Parade of Lights early in December, car shows, Octoberfest. Downtown Grand Junction Farmers Market is a summertime weekly event and is a showcase of farm and orchard produce from the Western Slope and around Colorado. Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Avalon Theater at the corner of 7th St. and Main St. presents live plays and concerts year-round.
Grand Junction Air Show
The air show is held on alternating years and the schedule alternates between the Navy’s Blue Angels or the Air Force Thunderbirds. So, every 4 years you can see your favorite group in their breathtaking performance
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Grand Junction Regional Airport
2828 Walker Field DriveGrand Junction Air Show
The air show is held on alternating years and the schedule alternates between the Navy’s Blue Angels or the Air Force Thunderbirds. So, every 4 years you can see your favorite group in their breathtaking performance
Palisade is a small town a few miles east of Grand Junction and is known nation-wide for its peaches. The annual Palisade Peach Festival is held in August each year at Riverbend Park in Palisade and draws people from all over the country. The festival offers live music, booths with food, art, jewelry, Western Colorado products, cooking demonstrations with peach recipes, peach pies, peach ice cream. . . . . anything peaches.
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Palisade
Palisade is a small town a few miles east of Grand Junction and is known nation-wide for its peaches. The annual Palisade Peach Festival is held in August each year at Riverbend Park in Palisade and draws people from all over the country. The festival offers live music, booths with food, art, jewelry, Western Colorado products, cooking demonstrations with peach recipes, peach pies, peach ice cream. . . . . anything peaches.
Mike the Headless Chicken Festival. Yes, there really was a chicken named Mike that lived without his head for 18 months (Really. Google it) and the City of Fruita has an annual summer festival named after him. Every year, thousands of people flock to to the Fruita Civic Center to celebrate the life of this world-famous headless chicken. There are food vendors, artisans, live music, 5k run, car show, free backyard games, disc golf, wing and peep eating contests, and a pancake breakfast. Visit miketheheadlesschicken.org.
Fruita Fall Festival. This historic event began as a harvest festival in 1910. Today, it's still a main event in Fruita featuring live music, craft and food vendors, and fun fall activities. Don't miss this award-winning festival! Held on a Friday and Saturday in late September.
Thursday night summer concert series. Enjoy a FREE weekly concert series each summer featuring a wide array of musical genres including bluegrass, classic rock, country, Americana and folk. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and bring the entire family for an evening of live music with your friends and neighbors in downtown Fruita at Civic Center Park. The music starts at 7:30 p.m.
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Fruita
Mike the Headless Chicken Festival. Yes, there really was a chicken named Mike that lived without his head for 18 months (Really. Google it) and the City of Fruita has an annual summer festival named after him. Every year, thousands of people flock to to the Fruita Civic Center to celebrate the life of this world-famous headless chicken. There are food vendors, artisans, live music, 5k run, car show, free backyard games, disc golf, wing and peep eating contests, and a pancake breakfast. Visit miketheheadlesschicken.org.
Fruita Fall Festival. This historic event began as a harvest festival in 1910. Today, it's still a main event in Fruita featuring live music, craft and food vendors, and fun fall activities. Don't miss this award-winning festival! Held on a Friday and Saturday in late September.
Thursday night summer concert series. Enjoy a FREE weekly concert series each summer featuring a wide array of musical genres including bluegrass, classic rock, country, Americana and folk. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and bring the entire family for an evening of live music with your friends and neighbors in downtown Fruita at Civic Center Park. The music starts at 7:30 p.m.
Sporting Events
JUCO, Junior College World Series of Baseball, and
Grand Junction Rockies Minor League Baseball.
JUCO, Junior College World Series of Baseball
This is an annual baseball tournament of NJCAA, National Junior College Amateur Athletics, Division 1, in which junior college baseball teams across the nation compete. Usually Memorial day through the first week of June. Held at Suplizio Field in Lincoln Park, southeast corner of 12th St. and North Avenue. Over its history several competitors have gone on to become players with major league teams, including Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins, Won two World Series titles, 1987 and 1991; Jim Leyritz, won two World Series titles 1995 and 1998 with the New York Yankees; Curt Schilling, World Series MVP in 2001, while with the Arizona Diamondbacks; and the list goes on.
Grand Junction Rockies, Minor League Baseball, mid-May through mid-September. The Grand Junction Rockies are an independent, minor league baseball team of the Pioneer League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball but is an MLB Partner League. They are named for the Colorado Rockies.
Colorado Mesa University also uses this field for their baseball league games.
Suplizio Field
1315 North AveJUCO, Junior College World Series of Baseball, and
Grand Junction Rockies Minor League Baseball.
JUCO, Junior College World Series of Baseball
This is an annual baseball tournament of NJCAA, National Junior College Amateur Athletics, Division 1, in which junior college baseball teams across the nation compete. Usually Memorial day through the first week of June. Held at Suplizio Field in Lincoln Park, southeast corner of 12th St. and North Avenue. Over its history several competitors have gone on to become players with major league teams, including Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins, Won two World Series titles, 1987 and 1991; Jim Leyritz, won two World Series titles 1995 and 1998 with the New York Yankees; Curt Schilling, World Series MVP in 2001, while with the Arizona Diamondbacks; and the list goes on.
Grand Junction Rockies, Minor League Baseball, mid-May through mid-September. The Grand Junction Rockies are an independent, minor league baseball team of the Pioneer League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball but is an MLB Partner League. They are named for the Colorado Rockies.
Colorado Mesa University also uses this field for their baseball league games.
Ralph Stocker Stadium
998 N 12th StColorado Mesa University, CMU, football games.
Ride the Rockies is a major bicycling event through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Route varies from year to year but often comes through Grand Junction. Held in June.
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Rocky Mountains
Ride the Rockies is a major bicycling event through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Route varies from year to year but often comes through Grand Junction. Held in June.
Fruita Fat Tire Festival. Mountain and desert rides, a bike expo in downtown Fruita at the Civic Center Park, and more! ..
Are you ready to spend an epic weekend for Colorado’s premier mountain bike festival? The Fruita Fat Tire festival gathers enthusiasts for a weekend of biking, expos, concerts and other activities in early May.
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Fruita
Fruita Fat Tire Festival. Mountain and desert rides, a bike expo in downtown Fruita at the Civic Center Park, and more! ..
Are you ready to spend an epic weekend for Colorado’s premier mountain bike festival? The Fruita Fat Tire festival gathers enthusiasts for a weekend of biking, expos, concerts and other activities in early May.
Parks
At 2.5 miles away, the closest large park near my home. A 114-acre municipal park with baseball, softball, football and soccer fields, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, horseshoes, handball, dog park, skate facility, picnic tables & shelters, children’s play area and LOTS of walking/bicycling trails.
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Canyon View Park
730 24 RdAt 2.5 miles away, the closest large park near my home. A 114-acre municipal park with baseball, softball, football and soccer fields, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, horseshoes, handball, dog park, skate facility, picnic tables & shelters, children’s play area and LOTS of walking/bicycling trails.
This is the best-known park in the City. Swimming pool with water slide, Suplizio Field (baseball), Stocker Stadium (football), a 9-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, picnic tables & shelters, children’s play area. Several events are held here each year including an Arbor Day celebration and a Chili cookoff.
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Lincoln Park
910 N 12th StThis is the best-known park in the City. Swimming pool with water slide, Suplizio Field (baseball), Stocker Stadium (football), a 9-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, picnic tables & shelters, children’s play area. Several events are held here each year including an Arbor Day celebration and a Chili cookoff.
Outdoor Activities
Grand Junction is a hub for many outdoor activity options including winter and summer sports, all within driving distance. There are multiple opportunities for adventure that include skiing (both downhill and cross-country) at world class resorts, rafting or kayaking the Colorado River, horseback riding, hiking, ATV trails and mountain biking in nearby national forests and national monument, and abundant tour guide and equipment rental companies to accommodate your needs.
Powderhorn Resort on the way to the Grand Mesa is the nearest skiing, about 1 hour away. Downhill and cross-country skiing.
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Powderhorn Mountain Resort
48338 Powderhorn RdPowderhorn Resort on the way to the Grand Mesa is the nearest skiing, about 1 hour away. Downhill and cross-country skiing.
About 2 1/2 hours east of Grand Junction on I-70, Vail is one of several world famous ski resorts in Colorado. Summer activities nearby include whitewater rafting, ATV tours and horseback riding.
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Vail
About 2 1/2 hours east of Grand Junction on I-70, Vail is one of several world famous ski resorts in Colorado. Summer activities nearby include whitewater rafting, ATV tours and horseback riding.
If you love golf, you'll fall in love with this course that is nestled at the base of the Colorado National Monument. (See the Sightseeing section above). See https://www.golfgrandjunction.net/.
Other golf facilities in the area include : Lincoln Park Golf Course (9 holes), Chipeta Golf Course, Redlands Mesa Golf Course, Adobe Creek Golf Course.
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Tiara Rado Golf Course
2057 S BroadwayIf you love golf, you'll fall in love with this course that is nestled at the base of the Colorado National Monument. (See the Sightseeing section above). See https://www.golfgrandjunction.net/.
Other golf facilities in the area include : Lincoln Park Golf Course (9 holes), Chipeta Golf Course, Redlands Mesa Golf Course, Adobe Creek Golf Course.
Just outside of Glenwood Springs, Sunlight Mountain Resort, at 100 miles and less than 2 hours from Grand Junction, is the next closest, the closest being Powderhorn. Take I-70 east to Glenwood Springs, then turn south towards Aspen on Colorado highway 82. Turn right at 27th Street and follow the signs to "Ski Area", or "Sunlight".
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Sunlight Mountain Resort
10901 Co Rd 117Just outside of Glenwood Springs, Sunlight Mountain Resort, at 100 miles and less than 2 hours from Grand Junction, is the next closest, the closest being Powderhorn. Take I-70 east to Glenwood Springs, then turn south towards Aspen on Colorado highway 82. Turn right at 27th Street and follow the signs to "Ski Area", or "Sunlight".
126 miles and a little over 2 hours from Grand Junction. Again go to Glenwood Springs and turn towards Aspen onto Colorado Highway 82. You'll go through Carbondale, Basalt and Woody Creek, then turn right onto Brush Creek Rd.
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Snowmass Village
126 miles and a little over 2 hours from Grand Junction. Again go to Glenwood Springs and turn towards Aspen onto Colorado Highway 82. You'll go through Carbondale, Basalt and Woody Creek, then turn right onto Brush Creek Rd.
Continuing along Colorado Highway 82 past the ski areas of Sunlight and Snowmass, you will ultimately come to Aspen, another one of the world-famous ski towns in Colorado. 128 miles from Grand Junction and just over 2 hours.
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Aspen
Continuing along Colorado Highway 82 past the ski areas of Sunlight and Snowmass, you will ultimately come to Aspen, another one of the world-famous ski towns in Colorado. 128 miles from Grand Junction and just over 2 hours.
Along the Colorado River there are 24 miles of paved paths, perfect for walking, biking (including e-bikes except at the Audubon section of the trail), even rollerblading.
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River Front Trail
River Front TrailAlong the Colorado River there are 24 miles of paved paths, perfect for walking, biking (including e-bikes except at the Audubon section of the trail), even rollerblading.
Pets and Pet Care
586 25 Rd.
This is a nearby veterinary hospital that I use for my Lilly. They have great staff and are very caring individuals.
Amigo Animal Clinic
586 25 Road586 25 Rd.
This is a nearby veterinary hospital that I use for my Lilly. They have great staff and are very caring individuals.
573 25 Rd., Unit A.
This is where I take Lilly for grooming. 1.6 miles from home. They do a great job.
Casa De Pets, LLC
573 25 Road573 25 Rd., Unit A.
This is where I take Lilly for grooming. 1.6 miles from home. They do a great job.
Canyon View Park and dog park is only 5 minutes away, a 114-acre municipal park with baseball, softball, football and soccer fields, tennis, volleyball, handball, and basketball courts, horseshoes, a dog park, skate facility, picnic tables & shelters, and LOTS of walking/bicycling trails.
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Canyon View Park
730 24 RdCanyon View Park and dog park is only 5 minutes away, a 114-acre municipal park with baseball, softball, football and soccer fields, tennis, volleyball, handball, and basketball courts, horseshoes, a dog park, skate facility, picnic tables & shelters, and LOTS of walking/bicycling trails.