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!
1. The New York Times – The NYT loves 52 places each year and Grand Junction was one of them. Only 12 U.S. locations were included.
2. Friendly locals – One of the most frequent comments shared by guests is how friendly and helpful Grand Junction locals are.
3. Water Water, everywhere! 300 lakes, 2 rivers, and waterfalls!
4. Colorado National Monument – Affectionately known as the Heart of the World.
5. Grand Mesa – The world’s largest flat-top mountain with four seasons of outdoor recreation to explore.
6. Rattlesnake Arches – The second-most arches in the world, just outside of Grand Junction.
7. Scenic drives – From Rim Rock Drive winding through Colorado National Monument to the Fruit & Wine Byway, and the Grand Mesa National Scenic Byway – you can hike in your car just about anywhere in the Grand Junction area.
8. Temperate weather – Four distinct seasons and spring is in bloom in mid-March; it’s right around the corner!
9. No crowds – 76 percent of the Grand Junction area (Mesa County) is public land. We naturally social distance here!
10. Lots of affordable parking– Parking meters and the parking garage in Downtown Grand Junction are only $0.75 per hour!
11. Snow sports – Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are only 45 minutes from Grand Junction in Grand Mesa.
12. Art – There are over 115 sculptures and murals in Downtown Grand Junction, a designated Creative Arts District.
13. Lunch Loops – The locals’ favorite place to mountain bike, just a few miles from Downtown Grand Junction.
14. City Parks – The City of Grand Junction has 45 parks. Even Downtown Grand Junction is a designated park!
15. Trail Connectivity – The Grand Junction area has one of the most diverse interconnected trail networks in Colorado.
16. Dog friendly – Grand Junction loves dogs; many shops welcome dogs and most restaurants have an outdoor patio.
17. Affordability – Grand Junction has over 40 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 150 options listed here.
18. 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!
19. Picnics and Playgrounds – The City of Grand Junction has 24 picnic shelters that can be reserved for your next special occasion and 28 playgrounds for the kiddos to choose from.
20. Disc Golf – Grand Junction has four disc golf courses, each one offering unique scenery.
21. Mesa Mall – The mall includes Homegoods, Dillard’s, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, Rue 21, Victoria’s Secret, Spencers (shout out to the Gen X'ers!), and a whole lot more!
22. Dining – Grand Junction has over 260 restaurants! From a James Beard nominated chef to farm-to-fork cuisine.
23. 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.
24. Centrally located – Grand Junction is the perfect base camp and is about two hours to Aspen, Moab, Glenwood Springs, Ouray, Vail, and Telluride so stay in GJ and plan a variety of day trips.
25. Colorado Mesa University – The fastest-growing university in the United States! Go Mavs!
26. Grand Junction Regional Airport – With over 150 one-stop connections from the airport. Grand Junction Regional Airport offers direct flights to seven U.S. destinations: Denver, Las Vegas, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Orange County/Santa Ana, and San Francisco. Book now at FlyGJT.com.
27. Events – Grand Junction’s event calendar for 2023 includes Ice Cube, Jim Gaffigan, Country Jam and the Junior College Baseball World Series. Make plans now before they sell out!
28. 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!
For more ways to love Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.