Grand Junction is known as a friendly and welcoming community - we hear this regularly from guests who visit. It’s always nice to visit a place that makes you feel like a local even if you don’t live there, and Junction is just that place. Residents say “hi” as they pass you walking downtown, they are happy to share their favorite trail and are eager to provide an opinion on their favorite place to sip a local brew at a scenic patio. If you are looking for a quick and convenient getaway for the upcoming 4th of July weekend, consider Grand Junction!
What's happening in Grand Junction this weekend?
Fireworks! Yes, there will be a beautiful display at 9:45 p.m. after the GJ Rockies baseball game at Suplizio Field on July 4. They play the Rocky Mountain Vibes from Colorado Springs. If you don't plan to attend the game, you can watch the fireworks from Lincoln Park which is adjacent to Suplizio Field.
Wave your flag at the 4th of July Parade! This wholesome event is in Downton Grand Junction at 10:00 a.m. Celebrate our nation's independence with a good old-fashioned parade. Grab a coffee and a bagel and enjoy the floats, firetrucks, and fun. After the parade, take time to roam around downtown and view the 115 outdoor sculptures that frame the wide sidewalks. Boutique shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants provide a variety of entertainment.
Beer, brats, and baseball! There's no better time to enjoy this all-American game than on Independence Day weekend. Reserve your seats ahead of time, grab a Nathan's Famous Hot Dog, and settle in to root, root, root for the home team.
Live Music is back! Check out Warehouse 25 SixtyFive's line-up for this weekend which includes JAGERTOWN, Clay Walker, Tracy Lawrence, and Sam Riggs. Blues artist, Tab Benoit, a grammy nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist is the headliner at the Mesa Theater on July 4.
What's the average hotel rate in Grand Junction right now?
Grand Junction has a wide range of affordable lodging including hotels, motels, extended stay, and vacation rentals. You'll be happy to know that the average nightly rate is currently $90 to $200 so consider staying an extra day or two!
Does Colorado National Monument require reservations or are there long lines?
No and no. There are no reservations required at Colorado National Monument and considering it’s more of a national park than a monument, there is plenty of room to spread out – either on the scenic Rim Rock Drive or the many hiking options it offers. We promise that it is so majestic, you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.
Are there playgrounds for kiddos and parks to have a picnic?
Yes, there are many city parks to enjoy the great outdoors in with a variety of playgrounds, shelters, and picnic tables to choose from.
Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery
Are restaurants open for dine-in and to-go, as well as taverns and bars?
Yes, restaurants, bars, and taverns have indoor and outdoor seating that allows you to enjoy the warm sunny days and the beautiful night sky. There are a plethora of outdoor patios in Grand Junction, so get outside and add some Vitamin D to your nourishment.
Are the trails busy in the Grand Junction area for biking, hiking, OHV, or horseback riding?
Because Mesa County is 76 percent public land, and larger than the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined, there are plenty of trails and open spaces to explore. We like to say we naturally social distance here! Be sure to practice responsible Leave No Trace principles.
Are there campfire restrictions?
Mesa County is in stage 1 fire restrictions; however, this restriction does not prevent fireworks. Stage 1 fire restriction does not allow: personal use of fireworks; any fire not within a permanently constructed fire grate in a developed park, campground, private residence or picnic area; smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least six feet diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.
What's the weather like?
The forecast is perfect! Grand Junction is fortunate to have comfortable weather with warm days and cool nights that are 20 - 30 degrees lower in temperature. And this weekend is no exception!
How far is Grand Junction?
Not far! Grand Junction is only 4 hours from Denver or Salt Lake City - we are right in the middle. Beautiful scenery is served up for your road trip! The Grand Junction Regional Airport is super convenient and has affordable flights, including Frontier Airlines between Denver and Grand Junction as low as $68 round trip.
What else is there to do?
Grand Junction is known for its wide-open spaces and limitless outdoor activities – Water sports, OHV trails, Grand Mesa (the largest flat-top mountain in the world with 300 lakes), Colorado National Monument (the national park you've never heard of so you have to go see it), artsy Downtown and perfect weather with warm days and cool nights. You’ll want to spend a few days here to have enough time to experience it all. Check out all the activities to choose from here!
The Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide is the best travel agent you could ever hope for – all of the area’s activities are laid out beautifully with no distracting cumbersome ads. Be sure to leaf through it!