Four-legged visitors adore Grand Junction’s vast open space, so why leave a member of the family at home? Here are some tail wagging activities that will earn you two paws up from your canine bestie. As always, be a good partner to your dog and others - follow appropriate leash laws in all areas. You might be comfortable with your dog off-leash, but others may not be.
Hunting
Whether you have a small-game pointer or a large-game tracking hound, we know your furry friend is an indispensable hunting companion. Bring them along for an epic elk or deer hunting adventure in the Grand Mesa National Forest or Uncompahgre Plateau, or peg geese and ducks along the Colorado River (public lands portions only). If you're looking for a guided hunt you can take your canine companion on, check out Keys Guide & Outfitting.
Patio Chillin'
Soak up some sunshine on one of the many patios that allow leashed pooches. Grab some hearty grub at Spoons Bistro & Bakery or savor some apres-hike bites, lawn games and cold brews at Edgewater Brewery. Famous for their Whipped Pain Killer, Highland's Distillery has a drink for every occasion and a large outdoor seating are for your pup to enjoy. A popular Italian restaurant with two patios that overlook Bookcliff Country Club is Enzo’s, a local favorite. The owner at Mains Street Bagels shared, "we love seeing dogs and we give them free treats." The wide sidewalks and plentiful seating is a hotspot for locals.
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The Baker’s Boutique, known for its homemade cupcakes, is located at the entrance to Canyon View Park. Your pup would love to take you for a run in the city’s largest park, nicely groomed with lush grass and picnic areas.
SUP
Thanks to the Colorado River and Gunnison River running through Grand Junction, there are endless places to launch your stand-up paddleboard. Consider the Grand Mesa National Forest’s 300 alpine lakes or the peaceful Colorado River that runs slow and steady. Pups with stellar balancing skills can go along for the ride. Need a board? Outfitters like Grand Junction Stand Up Paddle Board have your covered.
Trail Sniffing
Enjoy hiking with your tail-wagging pal? Although you can drive through Colorado National Monument with your dog, hiking with them in national parks is prohibited. However, with Mesa County being 76 percent public land, most hiking routes in the Grand Junction area are open to dogs. Go for an easy walk through cottonwood groves and wetlands on the 24.5-mile Riverfront Trail (one-way) or score unparalleled sunset views of the Grand Junction area on the 8-mile Palisade Rim Trail. On the Upper Loop, consider leashing your dog on the steep areas that are on the cliff’s edge. This area will reward you with petroglyphs if you keep an eye out.
For more exciting adventures to discover in Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide!
