Photo: @wanderwithjoey
Grand Junction offers an array of outdoor activities that are fun for both your furry friend and yourself – making it the perfect pet-friendly weekend getaway. As one of Colorado’s most pet-friendly places to visit, Grand Junction has a plethora of lodging options and outdoor dining patios that provide you and your companion a comfortable place to relax.
Pet-Friendly Vacation Activities
Hiking:
Photo: @hanako_bliss
The Grand Mesa is a majestic place to experience high-alpine hiking. With its higher elevation, cool temperatures and ample amounts of shade, it makes for a perfect pup playground. Bursting with over 300 lakes, the Mesa provides hundreds of spots where your pup can splash around as well.
Although dogs are not allowed on the trails in the Colorado National Monument, Grand Junction is surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres of public land just waiting for you and your furry friend to explore. Aside from the Grand Mesa, check out some of our other favorite dog-friendly hikes in Colorado here.
Sculpture Tour:
Photo: @teacupgrizzlybear
There are more than 115 outdoor murals and sculptures on display in Downtown Grand Junction as part of Art on the Corner. As a self-led walking tour (or should we say “dog-led”), be artistically inspired at your dog’s pace. While the artistic styles and subject matters differ greatly, all the sculptures are unique and skillfully crafted. Considering Downtown Grand Junction is a designated park, your dog will relish taking a stroll that provides trees, bushes and grass to smell while you take in the visual offerings.
Rivers:
Photo: @thewanderlusthuskies
The two rivers that flow through Grand Junction (the Colorado River and the Gunnison River), offer plenty of opportunities for standup paddle boarding, fishing and other water sports that are close to town. If your dog isn’t the type to jump aboard, they will enjoy running along the shore and frolicking in the water.
Dog Parks:
Photo: @mesamutts
While your dog can tag along on many of the outdoor activities you already have planned for your pet-friendly weekend getaway, it’s nice to have a place designed just for them. Visit the Las Colonias Dog Park and Canyon View Dog Park, where your dog can cavort off-leash within the fenced area. There are also paved bike trails, a bike park and picnic facilities nearby. Stop by Ramblebine Brewing Company, which is just up the road, for cold craft brews and good food – all of which can be enjoyed in their outdoor seating area.
Dog-friendly Restaurants and Breweries:
Photo: @rockslidebrewpub
Whether you’re enjoying a cold drink at a patio bar or a satisfying dinner after a day of active fun, the best companion is your dog, so take him along! Blue Moon Bar & Grille has an excellent Monte Cristo and Spoons Bistro and Bakery's macadamia crusted fresh Halibut with lime beurre blanc sauce is divine. Check out the original brewery in Grand Junction, Rockslide – the salmon fish and chips are a local favorite.
Pet-Friendly Lodging for Your Weekend Getaway
Photo: Hotel Maverick
Now that you’ve got your dog-friendly activities figured out, where can you stay with your dog in Grand Junction and put your paws up? Being the pet-friendly destination that it is, most Grand Junction hotels allow dogs, including Grand Junction RV Parks. Here is a list of over 50 options including vacation homes, or check out these dog-friendly lodging options listed on pages 40-42 (see pets allowed column) of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.
Because life is ruff, your dog deserves a vacation too! With tons of dog-friendly hotels and outdoor activities, the paws-ibilities are endless for a pet-friendly weekend getaway in Grand Junction.
