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About Grand Junction
About Grand Junction
Grand Junction sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, and with more than 65,000 residents it works as the center of Colorado's Western Slope. Outdoor recreation, an arts scene, and the services of a real city all sit within a few miles of each other, which is why the place pulls visitors from well beyond the region.
Colorado National Monument is the headline attraction, a red rock canyon system on the edge of town that holds up next to the national parks over in Utah. Rim Rock Drive runs 23 miles along the canyon rims, with overlooks and hiking trails spaced along it that show off the geology. Mountain bikers know the area for the Kokopelli Trail and the singletrack around it, and the riding has put Grand Junction on national lists of the top mountain biking destinations in the country.
The arts here run through the Museum of Western Colorado and the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. Downtown mixes historic buildings with boutique shops and award-winning restaurants that cook from what the valley grows. The local wine industry has picked up national attention, with tasting rooms and vineyards producing vintages off the terroir this particular ground gives them.
Location is a large part of the appeal. From here you can reach the high alpine peaks of the San Juan Mountains or the desert country of the Colorado Plateau, which makes the city a practical base for the whole Western Slope. All four seasons show up. Winters stay mild enough to keep hiking and biking going, and summers get hot enough that most people head for the river or up into the high country.
- Population
- 65,000
- Elevation
- 4,586 ft
- Best time
- Spring & Fall
- Known for
- Colorado National Monument
When's the best time to visit Grand Junction?
Spring and fall are the easy seasons here. From March through May and again September through November you get comfortable temperatures without the summer heat, which suits hiking and biking. Summers run hot, so most folks aim for the rivers or head up into the high country to cool off.
What's worth seeing in Grand Junction?
Colorado National Monument is the big one, with red rock canyons right on the edge of town. Downtown has the shops and restaurants, plus the Museum of Western Colorado if you want some local history, and the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra plays through the season. The mountain biking around here is some of the best on the Western Slope.
Is Grand Junction good for kids?
It is. The Dinosaur Journey Museum is a real draw for younger kids, and the Grand Junction Adventure Park gives them somewhere to burn off energy. Colorado National Monument has short overlooks and trails that don't ask much of little legs, so a family can see a lot in a day.
What is there to do outdoors in Grand Junction?
Mountain biking is what most people come for, and the trail network around the valley backs that up. Beyond the bike, you've got hiking in Colorado National Monument, fishing the Colorado and Gunnison rivers where they meet, and rock climbing on the sandstone. Camping and wildlife viewing are easy to add on once you're out there.
How do I get to Grand Junction?
Interstate 70 runs straight through, so driving is simple. You can also fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport or come in by rail on Amtrak's California Zephyr. Figure about 4 hours west of Denver, and roughly 2 hours from the Utah border.
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