Grand Junction, Colorado continues to invest in improved accessibility within city limits. This includes road infrastructure, parks, playgrounds, trails, sidewalks, website enhancements, and the future Grand Junction Community Center design plans. The improvements made are in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Adventurers of all abilities repeatedly visit to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant, friendly culture. In fact, the number one comment that guests share about Grand Junction is how welcoming the locals are. Whether you decide to explore the stunning red rock canyons of the Colorado National Monument or connect with nature on adaptive trails and inclusive outdoor activities, everyone can experience Grand Junction’s caring community and stunning natural beauty.
Colorado Discover Ability
The Colorado Discover Ability (CDA) Adaptive Outdoor Recreation organization offers adaptive equipment and skilled staff ready to ensure that all guests enjoy the thrill of outdoor adventures, including riding down the slopes at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, only a 45-minute drive from Grand Junction. Colorado Discover Ability also offers a variety of other winter programs and adaptive equipment for those looking to adventure beyond the slopes like skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Nature Exploration
Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument offers a variety of accessible adventures that allow everyone to immerse themselves in its stunning landscapes. While the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive provides incredible opportunities to explore the park's breathtaking overlooks from the comfort of your car, there’s much more to experience. Visitors can take advantage of accessible facilities like restrooms, picnic areas and designated campsites, ensuring comfort and convenience. Overlooks such as Independence Monument View and Cold Shivers Point are fully accessible, providing unforgettable views. For those seeking a closer connection to nature, the first quarter mile of the Alcove Nature Trail is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a firm surface and gentle slopes. With accessible audio tours, ranger-led programs and captioned videos at the Visitor Center, Colorado National Monument’s natural wonders are available to everyone.
Palisade Riverbend Trail
Photo: Steve Traudt
The Riverbend Trail has 1.75 miles of paved path with only 29 feet of elevation gain. The trail follows along the Colorado River, presenting stunning views of the water with wildlife moving about. This is an out-and-back trail, making it perfect for whatever distance works best for you. There are also benches and tables around the park to enjoy a cozy picnic in the warm sun. Pups are also welcome but they must always be under voice control and in sight.
Las Colonias Section of the Riverfront Trail
The Las Colonias section of the Riverfront Trail is 2.1 miles and is completely paved with only 19 feet of elevation gain. With minimal tree coverage near the park, the sun will accompany you for most of this path, reflecting golden rays off the Colorado River and surrounding ponds. Feel free to bring your furry friends with you, just make sure they remain leashed while you are on this accessible trail. If you’re looking for a place for your pup to roam, there is a dog park for them to make friends and do some exploring of their own.
Other wheelchair-friendly trails can be found here.
Artful Activities
Art Center of Western Colorado
The Art Center of Western Colorado has the added convenience of its own parking lot and the wide-open galleries make it easy and comfortable to move around in a wheelchair. The Center includes four galleries, a gift shop, two enclosed courtyards, as well as several studios and classrooms. Art rotates monthly, aside from an impressive permanent collection on display. National artists as well as regional exhibitions make the Art Center the social hub of Grand Junction and an important cultural resource for guests and residents.
Candle Kitchen
Create your own candle at Candle Kitchen in Downtown Grand Junction. Bring the scent of a cozy or crisp aroma to your home for the season or prep for spring with a fresh floral fragrance. There are over 160 scent options to choose from. This is a great activity for a relaxing craft with friends, and Candle Kitchen has a wheelchair-friendly entrance and accessible parking.
Fat Cat Pottery
Fat Cat Pottery on Main Street gives you the chance to paint your own pottery! Choose from their rotating premade clay creations and let their staff fire the piece for you. You can also challenge your creative side by making your own clay sculpture. Take on any project and know that one of their friendly staff members is always available to help you if you need it. Try out one of their adult-only classes for $50 and bring your clay-making aspirations to life. You can also pick up one of their To-Go Kits and let your creativity run wild wherever you feel comfortable. With a wheel-chair accessible entrance and convenient parking, you will have no problem uncovering your artistic side.
Wine Tasting
Carlson Vineyards Downtown Tasting Room
While you are on Main Street, check out Carlson Vineyards Downtown Tasting Room. The award-winning Colorado wine flights ($15 per flight) are made with local fruit and range from dry reds to fruity wines, including their famous Palisade Peach wine. If you find a favorite or two, you can purchase bottles to take home with you or they can ship it depending on what state you live in.
Guided Tours
If you prefer to be driven around, there are several tour companies who provide a variety of experiences from beer, distillery or wine tours to RZR rides. Check out Grand Junction Adventures, Adrenaline Driven Adventures and Grand Valley Grapes & Grains Adventures and decide what experience best suits your interests.
Discover more ways to experience Grand Junction with the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.