Photo by: Karyll Gonzalez
Grand Junction is where vibrant music, farm-fresh cuisine and a lively art scene converge with countless outdoor adventures. Here, alpine terrain meets dramatic high desert. Powerful rivers course through verdant valleys, and opportunities for embracing the vast wilderness that surrounds Grand Junction are abundant in every season. Come follow your passions, indulge your senses and go where life leads.
Where life leads looks different for everyone, and in Grand Junction, it can mean anything from quiet moments at a majestic overlook to an adrenaline-fueled experience on a remote trail. As a kick-off to the new year, we have made it easy for you to choose your mild to wild adventure. Get inspired and start checking off your bucket list adventures of 26 things to do in 2026!
While many of these experiences offer varying levels of exertion, they are arranged by overall intensity, from “Full Throttle Thrills” (extreme), to "Push Your Comfort Zone” (medium) to “Relaxed & Ready” (mild). However, most of these activities can be dialed up or down, depending on the experience you are seeking. In addition, VisitGrandJunction.com is packed with thousands of trails, activities, events, and experiences that match your interests, so be sure to explore if you have conquered this list or are looking for even more unique options.
Lastly, no matter what the season, Grand Junction, Colorado, is a hub for adventures all year long. There are over 300 days of sunshine in Grand Junction, and thanks to the high desert climate, many outdoor activities can be enjoyed all four seasons – including golfing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and OHVing. Let’s go!
Most adventures are available year-round. Seasonal badges below indicate when each experience is best enjoyed.
Start 2026 off with a bang and dive headfirst into the excitement that Grand Junction offers. Begin with adrenaline-pumping adventures and let the experiences unwind as you make your way towards mild.
Full-Throttle Thrills
Get your adrenaline pumping with these heart-racing experiences.
1. Sleep Under a Winter Sky
Camping in the winter has many advantages including no crowds, cheaper rates, and the stars are especially clear during this season. Camp at Saddlehorn Campground in Colorado National Monument and enjoy waking up to the frosty red-rock spires. Loop B is open year-round, and can be reserved up to six months in advance. Temperatures typically range 18-39 degrees Fahrenheit in January, and warm to 24-46 degrees Fahrenheit in February. Please note that dogs are not allowed on trails in Colorado National Monument, but they can join you at your campsite as long as they are leashed.
2. Powder Days and Ways to Play
The Grand Mesa, only 45 minutes from Downtown, transforms into a winter wonderland so that you can explore all of your favorite classic Colorado winter activities, without the high price tag. To get your blood pumping, strap on some skis or a snowboard and set off down Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s slopes. As one of the most affordable ski resorts in the state, you can explore extreme tree skiing or the three terrain parks. They even have a three-hour lift ticket for only $40! At Powderhorn, you don’t need a Patagonia label to fit in; Carhartt’s are welcome! Enjoy a softer pace on some of the many snowshoe trails along the 500 square acres of the Grand Mesa. The groomed Skyway trails are maintained by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council, so you can crunch through the snow, just make sure to stay near the edges so that skiers can glide by with ease. For a family-friendly excursion, grab the sleds and head to Old Mesa Ski Hill for some free sledding nostalgia and giggles.
3. Colorado’s Arches
Rattlesnake Canyon Arches is the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world, all without the crowds! There are two ways to access the arches: one is a strenuous 15.5-mile hike, and the other requires a 4-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. There are 35 natural arches to spot, and one that you can even walk across, 43 feet in the air! This hike can be extreme whichever route you take, so it’s recommended to bring plenty of water and hike with a buddy. For more information on how to access Rattlesnake Arches, check out this blog post.
5. New Heights
Challenge your strength and skill as you climb dramatic routes in Colorado National Monument (CNM) or McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. For guided experiences, check out Grand Junction Adventures or Summit Ridge Guides. Climbers can explore classic routes within the sandstone canyons of CNM or tackle the soaring granite walls of Unaweep Canyon. Always make sure to follow proper safety protocol, and if climbing in CNM, be aware of the slick, weather-sensitive sandstone. If you’d like to start smaller, try bouldering the iconic Millennium Falcon, a local favorite, and earn some serious bragging rights – this distinctive rock formation has even appeared in an episode of Outside TV’s Park2Park series.
5. Into the Canyons
A popular spot to canyoneer narrow sandstone slots and weave through passages is Colorado National Monument (CNM). Summit Ridge Guides offers a one or two-day class to teach you the basics of canyoneering with the right techniques in CNM. Ute Canyon (13 miles, moderate) is characterized by steep walls and geographical features. With limited rappelling, you can walk this area and do some light scrambling. Dominguez Canyon (12.5 miles, moderate) is ideal for exploring canyons, viewing petroglyphs, and scrambling. Knowles Canyon (32 miles, extreme) in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is ideal for advanced explorers, offering long and challenging routes. After the demanding 16 miles one way, the Colorado River frames the bottom of the red rock canyons, perfect for a quick refuel. Ensure you pack all necessary safety equipment and be aware of the potential sandstone slips, especially in CNM.
6. Kick the Dust Up
Send dirt flying through sandy terrain and over bumps and jumps! Grand Junction is a playground for OHV riders, thanks to its rugged desert landscape and dramatic vistas of red rock canyons in the distance. You can even experience this adventure throughout the winter thanks to the minimal snowfall in the lower elevations! Hunter Canyon, located off 21 Road, is an iconic spot that draws in experienced OHV riders with its large rocks, multiple line options, and serious terrain. For a more approachable ride, Rabbit Valley Trail System offers milder routes with the opportunity to challenge yourself on an offshoot trail once you’ve built up your confidence. Adrenaline Driven Adventures offers dirtbike, Slingshot, and UTV tours and rentals. They are an elite Polaris Adventure Outfitter with excellent equipment, and they provide helmets for riders so everything is taken care of. If you are looking to lead your own rush, you can rent the vehicle of your choice and explore on your own.
7. Ready, Aim, Fire
a. Cameo Shooting and Education Complex
The Cameo Shooting and Education Complex is Colorado’s premier shooting and education facility. With over 1,800 acres, there is a range of shooting bays based on your preferred firearm. Take aim at world-class sporting clay ranges, long-range precision rifle practice, or 3D archery loops. Line up your shot with whatever challenge you prefer and aim for the bullseye!
If you are new to the sport, Cameo’s beginner-friendly ranges and instructional experiences provide certified instructors who guide participants through safe firearm handling, proper technique, and confidence-building practice. From introductory sporting clays to archery and rifle fundamentals, Cameo provides an accessible entry point for first-timers and curious newcomers.
Cameo offers hunter education and concealed carry classes, and welcomes more than 400 events a year, both national and international events. The A Girl & A Gun hosts its annual national conference each year, where hundreds of women come together to learn about firearms, train and build a community.
b. Hunting
Plan a rifle, muzzleloader or archery hunting trip in the Grand Junction area, where vast landscapes and access to public land provide a unique experience and convenience. Set up camp under the stars or rent a nearby cabin. Explore more than one million acres of public lands and depending on the season and licensing, opportunities to hunt deer, elk, pronghorn, moose (limited draw), and waterfowl are allowed. Be sure that your licenses, tags, and season regulations are current and appropriate before heading out. To get a tag, check out the Colorado Parks and Wildlife page.
8. Shift into Adventure
Buckle your seatbelts because it’s about to get rugged! Explore desert terrain on jeeps through Rabbit Valley and descend all the way to the banks of the Colorado River. For an even more unique experience, explore one of Grand Junction’s most iconic sites at Rattlesnake Arches. This trail does require a high clearance 4-wheel vehicle. The area spans just over 10 miles from the intersection of Black Ridge Road and N 16 ½ Road to the trailhead. Before turning onto Black Ridge Road, you’ll be taken through Colorado National Monument, which offers dramatic vistas often referred to as a mini-Grand Canyon.
9. Ride the Rapids
The rapids in the Grand Junction stretch of the Colorado River are tamer than other areas, so it’s perfect for the whole family. Gear up with Grand Junction Adventures or Rimrock Adventures and enjoy a leisurely float until you reach the Ruby Horsethief Canyon Section of the Colorado River just past the Utah border. Then you’ll be in for the ups, bumps and splashes of a whitewater rafting trip where rapids can reach Class IV.
10. Pub Crawl
For an after-hours wild rush, stroll Downtown and plan a pub crawl! Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery or Trail Life Brewing are great places to start and enjoy a hearty meal to get you nourished. Head down to the Feisty Pint located one block over on Colorado Ave, and grab a Mega Mule for the whole group. If your group wants to indulge their individual palates, Ramblebine Brewing is also located on Colorado Ave and has fruity, malt-foward and hop-forward beers. Pop into Pour Fellows for a quick snack and drink, we recommend their stacked nachos! Then wrap up the night at Moody’s Lounge or the Goat and Clover Tavern. Grand Junction has many rideshare options including Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Move beyond Downtown and stop into Colorado Craft Coffee and Beer, they have trivia nights every Friday, and Beer Bingo on Tuesday's if you're up for it. Kick back and relax by the firepit at Kannah Creek Brewing Co., and enjoy a sweet treat like the deep fried apple pie! The Ale House has happy hour from 10:00 pm to closing, so you can enjoy one more hurrah.
Push your Comfort Zone
Not too mellow and not all-out, these experiences strike the ideal balance, offering just enough challenge to keep things exciting while remaining approachable and rewarding.
11. Two-Foot Treks
Hiking doesn’t hibernate in the winter. Thanks to Grand Junction’s temperate climate, you can explore dry trails all year long. Enjoy a peaceful hike through tree canopies, or explore sandstone spires with majestic look-outs. For a moderate hike, check out Serpent’s Trail in Colorado National Monument, only 10 minutes from Downtown. This trail is also known as the “crookedest road in the world” with its 16 switchbacks. Your calves will feel the burn through the gradual ascent up 3.8 miles, but the panoramic vistas throughout the trail are worth the effort. If you prefer to “hike from your car,” the 19-mile scenic Rim Rock Drive has over 19 pullouts and overlooks, so you can stop and walk just a few steps to the dramatic vistas framed by red-rock canyons. For more hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, check out this page. No matter what the season, pack layers and bring extra water.
12. Two Wheel Thrills
Put on your helmet and enjoy year-round biking on dry desert trails! Take on some epic jumps and bumps or start testing your technical skills with mountain biking trails that have views of the Book Cliffs, Colorado National Monument, or Grand Mesa! For trails that will challenge you and give you adrenaline-inducing thrills, check out the North Fruita Desert trails. Prime Cut to PBR is a local favorite that will keep you off your seat with rocks, drops, and technical areas on the 4.2-mile loop. Grand Junction’s biking trails range from easy to expert, for more biking trails check out this page.
13. Chasin’ Waterfalls
Roaring waterfalls are always a great photo-op for a day exploration. The No Thoroughfare Trail in Colorado National Monument offers waterfalls along the way, but it is called No Thoroughfare for a reason, so be sure to have a map downloaded and pack plenty of water. For a more accessible waterfall, head up to the Grand Mesa and take the road to Lands’ End Observatory. On the right, you will spot a waterfall where you can refill your water! It comes from a natural spring, so it’s clean enough to drink.
14. Indoor Adventures
For some indoor activities, there are action-packed competitions, DIY activities, and ice skating year-round. On the calm end, create your own custom candle at Candle Kitchen or paint your own piece of pre-made pottery at Fat Cat Pottery, or sign up for a clay class and learn tips and tricks for perfecting your craft. Discover at Eureka! McConnell Science Museum with over 100 interactive hands-on exhibits. You can irrigate a peach orchard, land a space shuttle in a thrilling physics simulation, and step into a phosphorescent geology cave all in one visit! For a little more challenge, rent some skates for only $5.00 at River City Sportsplex and enjoy the ice rink! There’s even cosmic skating on Friday and Saturday nights, where glow lights illuminate the rink, and a laser show accompanies the music. Pretend you’re a lumberjack for a day and throw axes at Kodiaxe. Line up your shot and aim for the target in a lane with your best buds. While rainy days are rare in Grand Junction, these indoor activities offer the perfect alternative in your itineraries!
15. Elevated Expeditions
Colorado Flight Center offers scenic air tours of the area, allowing you to see these iconic landscapes like never before. The Grand Mesa Loop soars above the largest flat-top mountain in the world, showing off Powderhorn Ski Resort, and the dramatic drop off to the cities below. Bookcliff Loop flies above Mt. Garfield, and further north of Grand Junction, so you can spot elk, deer and even wild mustangs in Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range. Canyon Country Loop journeys high above red rock spires in Colorado National Monument and along the mighty Colorado River. So buckle up and get ready for take-off!
16. Paddle Peace
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) can be as relaxing as you make it. For a calm and gentle float, check out Deep Ward Lake on the Grand Mesa or Butterfly Pond in Las Colonias Park to soak up the sun. For a higher adrenaline challenge, take out to the Colorado River. While the Grand Junction section of the river is Class I rapids, it won’t be too strenuous a journey, but it will be enough to get your heart pumping and your water legs!
17. Fairways and Fresh Air
Tee up! Grand Junction has a wide variety of courses for your golf game that can be accessed year-round. Looking for a quick 9-hole game? Head over to Lincoln Park Golf Course, only 10 minutes from Downtown. Aim for birdies at Chipeta Golf Course, one of the most affordable golf courses in Grand Junction, with epic views of the Book Cliffs. If you’re looking for panoramic vistas, check out Redlands Mesa Golf Course or Tiara Rado Golf Course. Redlands Mesa was named the top public golf course by Golfweek and was designed by award-winning golf architect Jim Engh. Tiara Rado is a bird sanctuary that hosts more than 90 species each year. The back nine of this course is wide open, so you will be grinning from ear to ear, no matter what shape your swing is in.
Relaxed & Ready
For calm experiences to rejuvenate or simply enjoy a relaxing day, check out these mild and accessible activities.
18. Mark your Calendar
2026 is especially unique for Colorado, as it marks America’s 250th birthday and Colorado’s 150th birthday. As the only centennial state, celebrations are popping up all over, and Grand Junction is gearing up for two epic drone shows, only happening in 2026.
The annual Arbor Fest is a lively celebration of trees, community, and craftsmanship – and this year, it shines even brighter with a dazzling drone show featuring nearly 150 drones that light up the sky! There are free tree seedlings to take home or a silent auction to bid on larger trees. Stroll through Lincoln Park, a designated arboretum, and admire its diverse collection of trees while browsing food trucks, craft vendors, and sipping on a local brewery’s craft beverage. This event will take place on April 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a full day of connecting with nature and community.
Another annual event that is gearing up to celebrate CO’s birthday is the Palisade Peach Festival! This beloved two-day event showcases the region’s world-famous Palisade Peaches. Join the fun on August 21, 2026, from 3:00 – 8:00 pm and August 22, 2026, from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm in Riverbend Park for festivities packed with flavor. On Friday, you can catch a magical drone show, lighting up the sky. Throughout the rest of the weekend, enjoy peach-eating contests, cuisine demos with local chefs, and paddleboarding for peaches!
Photo by: Joshua Scott
The BANFF Mountain Film Festival returns to Grand Junction for its tenth year, showing adrenaline-filled mountain films at the Avalon Theatre (February 13 - 14). You can also be swept away by a stunning ballet rendition of Cinderella at Asteria Theatre, produced by Colorado West Ballet (April 2 - 4). During the summer, Downtown’s Market on Main farmers market brightens Main Street (July - October) with fresh produce and artisan crafts. Amp up the adrenaline with Rides & Vibes (May), a biking race that brings in riders from all over the country and is just as fun to spectate as it is to participate! For more events, check out our event calendar.
Photo by: Steve Traudt
The Blue Angels are coming back to Grand Junction for the 2026 Air Show, October 3 - 4. These famed, powerful blue jets soar through the sky in tight formations as they loop, twist, and roll, leaving the crowd stunned. As the U.S. Navy Blue Angels command the sky, their performance becomes a stirring tribute to courage, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of our nation. Each pass reminds us of the dedication behind the uniform and the freedom it protects. As part of the Air Show celebration, there are many informative booths, historical planes and other interactive exhibits. This event sells out the town’s lodging, so plan ahead and book your room. There are over 29 hotels & motels and over 300 vacation homes, offering some of the most affordable lodging in the state.
19. Stroll, Shop, Sip
Even after the holidays, we all need a little retail therapy, and Downtown Grand Junction offers the easiest way to shop local and refuel all in the same place. There are no franchises on Main Street, so you can browse with confidence knowing that each shop features thoughtfully curated goods and locally made finds. Grab a latte from Kiln Coffee Bar, then pop into the boutique shops. From a flower boutique (So MICA Floral!) to an old-fashioned candy store and deli-shop (The Hog and the Hen) and numerous clothing boutiques (Pollux, Williams Mercantile, Zephyr, Klik Boutique), you can get your fix and the perfect décor piece or accessory. Afterwards, stop into the new cat café, The Downtown Cat, and enjoy time petting furry friends with a quick snack.
20. Sugar Pick-Me-Up
Photo by: Graff Dairy
We all need a little sweet treat before we head onto the next adventure! Enstrom’s famous toffee will have you stashing some in your suitcase! Snag some ice cream while you’re Downtown from Baker’s Boutique, Gelato Junction, and Colorado Q. Swing by Graff Dairy for nostalgic ice cream and sit on their patio to watch the sun set – we promise it’s a great way to wind down after a day of exploration.
21. Art Exploration & History Explained
Downtown Grand Junction is framed with over 115 murals and sculptures as part of the first outdoor art exhibit in the country, Art on the Corner. Some of the exhibits are even made to be climbed on by kiddos! Pose for a photo with the stunning masterpieces, and then pop over to local art galleries like Uncanny Valley Art Gallery, or art centers like the Art Center of Western Colorado, and you can pick up a painting to hang on your walls or simply ooh and ahh at the local’s work!
History is brimming in Grand Junction! Stop by one of the Museums of Western Colorado to be transported back in time. Dinosaur Journey Museum will have you feeling like you are in a Jurassic Park movie with animatronic dinosaurs, an area for kiddos to dig for fossils, and even a lab where you can watch paleontologists uncover real dinosaur bones! Dinosaur Journey Museum also offers dino digs in the summer, so that you can become a true paleontologist for a day! The Museum of the West walks you through exhibits where you can “ride” in a stagecoach, experience the pastime saloon, and spot some artifacts straight from Grand Junction history. Cross Orchards Historic Site allows you to walk through a preserved farmstead and experience true farm life! Plus, they host a farmers market in the summer, and host events throughout the year, so you can pick up handmade and hand grown goodies.
22. Wildlife Spotting – Creatures of Colorado
Photo by: Carla DeKalb
For a relaxing experience, sit back and try to spot some of Grand Junction’s wildlife. On Colorado National Monument you can look for herds of bighorn sheep along the scenic Rim Rock Drive or lizards sunbathing on trails. The Grand Mesa is home to deer, squirrels, and moose, though make sure to keep your distance and not feed the animals – no matter how cute they look! The Little Books Cliffs Wild Horse Area treats you to herds of wild horses! Book a horseback ride with JR’s Carriage Service or simply take a hike on the 6-mile Coal Canyon trail, and see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. It’s a life-changing experience!
23. Find your Zen
We all deserve a little downtime, so enjoy a relaxing massage, facial, or even a holistic scalp treatment. Soothe your scalp at Intention Headspa. While receiving a neck massage, warm water gently massages your scalp as calming aromas fill the calm salon, allowing your mind to drift while your body unwinds. At Flora Holistic Salon, your hair will be nourished, and you can choose from a variety of hair hydration treatments. The salon also offers hair extensions, hair color, scalp massage, and holistic products.
24. Treasure Hunting
Explore a real treasure hunt with geocaching! There are over 800 secret spots to find your prize in Grand Junction. Tucked among red rock canyons, laid out riverside or dotted along Downtown - all you need is a GPS or phone to start discovering geocaching. Explore with friends, family or add an exciting twist to your solo outing and be rewarded along the way.
25. Reel, Bite, Repeat
Photo by: Katie Skalla
You can fish year-round in Grand Junction. Pack up your tackle and pole and set out to one of 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa stocked with different types of trout, or opt to fish closer to town at James M. Robb State Park – Connected Lakes. Another great option is the Colorado River, where you’ll often find locals fly fishing in the fall. Ice fishing in the winter is popular on the Grand Mesa but be sure to wear plenty of layers and follow proper safety protocols. Always ensure that your fishing license is up to date; or if you need one, you can obtain a new one on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
26. Splish, Splash
Make a splash in the Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool! Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day this is a popular spot for families to relax and let out some energy. For the smaller kiddos, there is even a splash pad so that they can play in the water too!
For an amusement park experience, check out Banana’s Fun Park! The numerous attractions are too many to mention, but include a massive water slide with over 150 water and jet features, miniature golf, go-carts, bumper boats, arcade, lazer tag, lazer maze, and a 10,000 sq. ft. inflatable playground pavilion with slides and obstacles. There is a restaurant onsite with a very extensive menu so all the kiddos will be happy.
Another great option is the Lazy River at Las Colonias Park. This man-made channel off of the Colorado River creates the perfect calm float. So, pack up the inner tubes, sit back and enjoy some time under the sun.
There’s no better time to start checking off your 2026 bucket list. If you are looking for other adventures in the Grand Junction area, check out VistGrandJunction.com. There’s a reason why the New York Times chose Grand Junction, Colorado as one of the 52 Places to Go in the world! We look forward to welcoming you!
For more things to do, places to stay, and stops to refuel, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.