   Tomorrow's high temp: 87° F |
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BLM Trails: Great Hiking & Biking in Grand Junction, ColoradoTen Facts about Grand Junction's Colorado National MonumentAccessible, Affordable Whitewater Rafting in Grand Junction, Colorado
  
  GET OUTSIDE: THE '-INGS' HAVE IT
It's time for the springtime "-ings:" hiking, biking and floating adventures you'll remember for a lifetime. And when you're done playing for the day, it's time to enjoy the finest dine "ing" on the Western Slope. Float On One such adventure is a float down Colorado's Gunnison River. You'll leisurely snake through the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area just a half-hour from downtown Grand Junction for up to 27 miles of calm Class 1-2 rapids that allow you to take in the spectacular views of sandstone and metamorphic rock. Along the way, the Gunny offers everything from fishing for rainbow trout to hiking. When I last floated down the Gunny, we parked our rafts and hiked for about an hour to view some petroglyphs and enjoy the ancestral home of the Freemont and Ute peoples. On the trek back to the rafts, we encountered water running though large grooves carved in the rock over the ages. The surprisingly warm water eventually found its way to waterfalls and pools. A truly great Colorado adventure. Bike the Trails Kokopelli's Loop trails and 18 Road trails are must-rides for all mountain bikers. Accessed just beyond Fruita off Interstate 70 between the Loma and Salt Creek exits, Kokopelli's Loop trails are a blast. In addition to Kokopelli, the Loop trails include several local favorites, ranging from the fun and easy Rustler's Loop and Mary's Loop to the heart-pounding, white-knuckle Moore Fun trail. The 18 Road system is also just north of Fruita. Go west on Interstate 70, exit on 19 Road and take a left off O Road for about a mile for a full afternoon of fun rides. When you first arrive, get started with an easy romp down Kessel Run. It's easy to find. From the trailhead, just ride up 18 Road to the top, and away you go. After Kessel, you can try Zippity Do Da Trail and cruise the ridge. And if you're having too much fun to leave, just camp out for the night. Take a Hike Hiking adventures abound in Colorado's Grand Valley. Again just minutes from downtown Grand Junction, you will find Rough Canyon and the BLM's Bang's Canyon trailhead. Spring is a great time to come here and see a variety of wildflowers in bloom. You'll find orange desert globemallow, flowering cliffrose, vibrant red claret cup cactus and more. Venture a few miles west of town past Fruita, and you'll find the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness on the northwest side of the Uncompahgre Plateau. This wonderland of geological features -- spires, giant alcoves and desert patina -- extends 70,319 acres. Canyons reach a depth of almost 1,000 feet, forming spectacular red rock cliffs. Spring runoff and summer thunderstorms create glistening waterfalls and pools. Dine Downtown Cruise downtown Grand Junction for patio season, and enjoy some of the region's finest dining at Il Bistro Italiano, a local gem that beautifully blends Northern Italian cuisine with Western Colorado's fresh meats, cheeses and produce. The spring menu is truly special; try the roasted vegetables and goat cheese salad, as well as a big bowl of black mussels in a spicy tomato and garlic sauce. Or sit outside and taste the flavors of Northern Italy and the Mediterranean at Dolce Vita. Another local favorite is Pablo's Pizza, which uses quality ingredients in its creative pies. Finish your meal with a stroll down to Gelato Junction for a light dessert. It's the perfect way to end a fun-filled day in the Grand Valley. |
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