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Winter’s snow may alter Colorado’s terrain, but it doesn’t bring hiking to a halt, especially in Grand Junction. Mild winter days with average high temperatures of 39 degrees Fahrenheit in January and 46 degrees Fahrenheit in February open the door to sunlit trails and majestic landscapes that are unique to the western side of Colorado.
Hiking in Colorado National Monument
Sunshine and great views, with comfortably cool temperatures, make the winter season a great time to explore Colorado National Monument (CNM), also known as the Heart of the World. A light jacket is often all you need, especially if the sun is shining, which is most of the time since Grand Junction has over 300 days of sunshine. For a short trek, try the Alcove Trail. This easy, self-guided nature route is only a half-mile round trip and will take about an hour to complete.
For a longer excursion, consider Liberty Cap (13.3 miles) or Monument Canyon (11.9 miles). Towering rock spires, juniper forests and frequent sightings of bighorn sheep, define the experience. Bonus: You can escape to a beautiful setting without the crowds found in other national parks. Soak in the expansive red-rock canyon views and fresh air on a winter escape into nature.
Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area and Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area
Winter brings out the quiet beauty of the high-desert wilderness of Dominguez-Escalante NCA near Grand Junction. The contrast between sculpted sandstone canyons and deep, blue skies is especially striking. With little vegetation to block your view of the horizon, the landscape opens up into vast cinematic panoramas, layered with red rock canyons, soaring cliffs and endless blue skies. A highly recommended Colorado winter hike, which also includes two waterfalls, is Big Dominguez Canyon. This trail is 12.5 miles long, but you are rewarded with the first waterfall only 2 miles in, while the second one is located 3.45 miles down the trail. Depending on the time of year you go, the water may be frozen in place or cascading down the rock walls to a pool of water below. Petroglyphs etched into stone line the route, adding a layer of history to the hike.
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is only 30 minutes from Grand Junction and reveals stunning vistas with dry winter-friendly treks. Trail Through Time is 1.5 miles long and feels like a walk back into the prehistoric past, where real dinosaur fossils emerge from the rock along the way. Interpretive plaques reveal the stories behind the ancient remains, turning each step into an unexpected discovery. This trail is a favorite for families, especially for the kiddos who squeal with delight as they spot the dino bones. It brings Jurassic Park to life!
Rustler’s Loop
Rustler’s Loop is a local favorite tracing a scenic stretch of the Colorado River, where calm, reflective waters wind alongside the path. Hikers are rewarded with expansive views across riparian corridors and open desert terrain, contrasted with the red rock canyons of Colorado National Monument rising in the distance.
Little Book Cliffs
Just eight miles from Grand Junction, the Little Book Cliffs offer sweeping high-desert scenery and a rare glimpse into Colorado’s Wild West. The area is one of only three wild horse sanctuaries in the U.S., so keep your eyes open for herds of mustangs! This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) area is open to other activities, including horseback riding and biking. The horses often migrate toward the DeBeque area during the winter months, so you might want to consider venturing northeast if you are determined to see these majestic wild creatures in their natural habitat.
Grand Mesa
When you are ready to trade in trail dust for fresh powder, head to the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, and only 45 minutes from Grand Junction. The Mesa receives 250 inches of snow per year, so you can explore all the famous snow sports that you expect as part of a Colorado winter. Carve fresh powder in the morning at Powderhorn Mountain Resort and then slide down the sledding hill at Old Powderhorn. Pirouette on an alpine lake or forge a trail on snowshoes surrounded by thick alpine forests and pristine aspen groves.
Grand Junction is surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of public land, all of which is just as delightful during the winter months as it is during the summer. Read more about other outdoor activities in Grand Junction.
Consider staying a couple of extra days to provide yourself plenty of time to explore. The area has some of the most affordable lodging in the state and there are plenty of options – over with 29 hotels, totaling over 2,800 rooms, plus over 300 vacation rentals.
For more ways to experience Grand Junction, check out the customized itineraries on pages 34 - 40 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.