by Cherilyn Russell

Grand Junction, Colorado 

Grand Junction, located at the junction of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, is a cultural and recreational hub of Western Colorado. It is accessible by car to several national parks, two national monuments, seven raftable rivers, three major ski resorts, high alpine lakes, lush tranquil forests, hiking trails, mountain bike loops, wineries, wildlife and shopping. Grand Junction offers unique adventures and activities to suit any lifestyle.

Arches National Park and the Canyonlands National Park, two of the most spectacular sights of the Four Corners, are located in eastern Utah and only a few hours drive from Grand Junction. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado’s newest national park, is within 100 miles. The Colorado National Monument, just west of town, is a hiker’s paradise, with 23,000 acres of sandstone cliffs and canyons rising 2000 feet above the Grand Valley of the Colorado River.

Grand Mesa, at 10,000 feet, is the world’s largest flattop mountain. Just 45 minutes from downtown Grand Junction and boasting more than 200 lakes, "The Mesa" is home to some of the finest fishing in the West. There are also many hiking trails and backcountry roads, which are open year round.

In season, enjoy water sports, fishing, camping and picnicking at Colorado River State Park; Highline State Park; Island Acres State Park or Vega State Park. Ride the rapids of the Colorado, the Green or the Yampa rivers. 

Stroll along the riverfront trails and enjoy 18 miles of breathtaking scenery and wilderness.

If snow sports inspire you, visit Powderhorn Ski Resort, beneath the rim of the Grand Mesa, for affordable skiing and snowboarding for the whole family. Or visit Aspen, Durango Mountain Resort (formerly Purgatory) or Telluride, all within a day’s driving distance or less.

In addition to the many activities for the outdoor enthusiast, there is also a wonderful variety of cultural amenities, museums and shopping.

 The Grand Valley is home to ten wineries, including Canyon Wind Cellars, Carlson Vineyards, Colorado: Cellars, Corley Vineyards, DeBeque Canyon Winery, Grande River Vineyards, Plum Creek Cellars, Rocky Mountain Meadery/Rocky Mountain Cidery, St. Kathryn Cellars and Two Rivers Winery.

Nearby, Delta and Montrose Counties have six wineries, Cottonwood Cellars, Rocky Hill Winery, S. Rhodes Vineyards, Stoney Mesa Winery, Surface Creek Winery and Terror Creek Winery. Many offer complimentary tastings and tours.

For the natural history enthusiast, the Dinosaur Journey museum offers unique hands-on interactive exhibits, fossil examination laboratories as well as multimedia presentations and lectures. There are three dinosaur hiking trails, Riggs Hill, Dinosaur Hill and Rabbit Valley.

All have views of exposed fossil remains and a working Dinosaur quarry.  Dinosaur National Monument, in Utah, is only about 100 miles west of Grand Junction.

If you’re looking to indulge your inner shopper, don’t miss downtown Grand Junction, with over 120 stores nestled in a tree-lined shopping park, featuring Art On The Corner sculptures. Visit unique galleries and studios intermingled with a charming array of clothing, book, gift and jewelry shops.

Whatever your fancy, whatever your budget, Grand Junction is a landscape of adventure and an ideal destination spot for the whole family to enjoy.
www.grand-junction.net.