4 Minute Read
How do we love Grand Junction? Let us count the ways! In honor of February’s 28 days, here are just as many reasons why we love the western side of Colorado. It’s the Colorado you expect, without the crowds!
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Friendly locals – One of the most frequent comments shared by guests is how friendly and helpful Grand Junction locals are. From strolling downtown to shopping at the grocery store, they smile, say hello, and exude kindness.
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Water Water, everywhere! – 300 lakes, 2 rivers, and waterfalls!
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Colorado National Monument – Affectionately known as the Heart of the World and the mini-Grand Canyon. Bonus: No crowds.
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Grand Mesa – The world’s largest flat-top mountain with four seasons of outdoor recreation to explore. The Grand Mesa is also bursting with over 300 alpine lakes filled with freshwater trout.
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Rattlesnake Arches – The second-largest concentration of arches in the world, just outside of Grand Junction.
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Scenic drives – From Rim Rock Drive winding through Colorado National Monument to the Fruit & Wine Byway, and the Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway – you can hike in your car just about anywhere in the Grand Junction area.
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Temperate weather – Grand Junction has four distinct seasons and spring starts to bloom in mid-March, which is right around the corner! Spot vibrant daffodils and brilliant tulips in full bloom in Downtown Grand Junction.
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No crowds – 76 percent of the Grand Junction area (Mesa County) is public land, which is equal to about 1.6 million acres. There is room to roam!
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Affordable parking– Parking meters and the parking garage in Downtown Grand Junction are only $1.00 per hour and only 50 cents per hour for long term parking. There is also plenty of free parking Downtown.
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Snow sports –Snow activities including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing are only 45 minutes from Grand Junction on the Grand Mesa.
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Art – There are over 115 sculptures and murals in Downtown Grand Junction, a designated Creative Arts District. Many are interactive, so play on them and take an Insta pic!
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Lunch Loops – The locals’ favorite place to mountain bike or take a quick hike, just a few miles from Downtown Grand Junction.
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City Parks – The City of Grand Junction has 43 parks. Even Downtown Grand Junction is a designated park!
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Trail Connectivity – The Grand Junction area has one of the most diverse interconnected trail networks in Colorado.
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Dog friendly – Grand Junction loves dogs; many shops welcome dogs and most restaurants have an outdoor patio.
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Affordability – Grand Junction has 36 lodging options (including hotels, motels, RV parks, and bed & breakfasts), all of which are very affordable – most rates are lower than all of Colorado. If you prefer a vacation home, choose from over 300 options listed here.
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Tree canopy – The Grand Junction area has a variety of trees including aspens, ash, cottonwood, willow, silver maple, Siberian elm, and pine trees. You can find shade just about anywhere! Lincoln Park also has an arboretum tour for you to explore the canopy up close.
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Picnics and Playgrounds – The City of Grand Junction has 25 picnic shelters that can be reserved for your next special occasion and 28 playgrounds for the kiddos to choose from.
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Disc Golf – Grand Junction has four disc golf courses, each one offering unique scenery.
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Mesa Mall – The mall includes HomeGoods, Dillard’s, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, Victoria’s Secret, Spencer’s (shout out to the Gen X'ers!), and a whole lot more! It’s also a great place to grab a bite.
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Dining – Grand Junction has over 240 restaurants! From a James Beard nominated chef and farm-to-fork cuisine to award-winning barbecue and trendy coffee shops.
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Craft beverages – From beer to wine and spirits, the Grand Junction area is a popular spot to enjoy a cocktail or a brew. Even mocktails are prevalent at area watering holes and restaurants.
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Centrally located – Grand Junction is the perfect base camp and is, on average, two hours to the following destinations: Aspen, Moab, Glenwood Springs, Ouray, Vail, and Telluride so stay in GJ and plan a variety of day trips.
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Colorado Mesa University – One of the fastest-growing universities in the United States! Go Mavs!
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Grand Junction Regional Airport – The airport has over 150 one-stop connections. Grand Junction Regional Airport offers direct flights to eight U.S. destinations: Denver, Las Vegas, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Orange County/Santa Ana, Salt Lake City and San Francisco. Book now at FlyGJT.com.
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Events – Grand Junction’s event calendar for 2025 includes Gary Allen, Colorado Stampede Rodeo, Grand Valley River Fest, Country Jam and the Junior College Baseball World Series. Make plans now before they sell out!
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Travel by bus – Bustang is an easy and affordable way to get around Colorado, connecting Grand Junction with Denver, Durango, Telluride – and everything in between! With free wifi, power outlets, bathrooms, bike racks, and friendly drivers, it’s a comfortable and safe way to travel.
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Golf – Grand Junction has year-round golf! Aim for the greens while being surrounded by red rock beauty. Grand Junction also offers an affordable 9-hole course.
For more ways to love Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.