10 Minute Read
Left Photo by: Visit Grand Junction Middle Photo by: @kore_mary Right Photo by: @kashmereaf
Grand Junction is framed by three natural wonders, all within one hour of Downtown. Colorado National Monument’s towering red rock canyons are known as the mini-Grand Canyon. The Grand Mesa is the world’s largest flat-top mountain, bursting with 300 alpine lakes and lush forests. Rattlesnake Canyon Arches boasts the second-largest concentration of natural arches outside of Utah’s Arches National Park. There is no other place in the world where these three distinct natural wonders—towering red rock canyons, an alpine summit rising above the valley, and a remote wilderness hiding over 30 natural arches—exist so close together.
This collection of outdoor treasures is aptly named, Nature’s Trifecta. Adventuring through them is the perfect way to find your freedom as the country celebrates America's 250th and Colorado's 150th Anniversaries.
Day One: Colorado National Monument
Morning & Afternoon
Main Street Bagels
Head to Downtown Grand Junction, where the streets are lined with life-size sculptures and make your way to Main Street Bagels. Order the Mile High Scram, complete with bacon, ham, mushrooms and Swiss cheese. They are also known for serving world-famous Klatch coffee and espresso! Once your group is fueled up and ready to take on the day, drive a short 10-minutes to the East Entrance of Colorado National Monument. Pick a hike or two from the list below, depending on your appetite for a challenge.
As you cruise along the scenic 23-mile Rim Rock Drive toward your trailhead, keep an eye out for 19 pull-off viewpoints that offer expansive views of the canyon – you’ll quickly understand why it’s called the mini-Grand Canyon. While you finish driving through Rim Rock Drive, see if you can spot the remaining viewpoints.
Stroll The Trail: Otto’s Trail
Length: 0.7 miles; Elevation Gain: 111ft; Estimated Hike Time: 1 hour; Type: Out-and-Back
Otto’s Trail, named after John Otto, the first park ranger of Colorado National Monument, offers views of many points of interest. You’ll be able to take in Sentinel Spire, Pipe Organ, Praying Hands, and Independence Monument all within this short, child-friendly hike.
Push Yourself: Devil’s Kitchen Trail
Length: 1.2 miles; Elevation Gain: 265ft; Estimated Hike Time: 1 ½ hours; Type: Out-and-Back
Devil’s Kitchen Trail features a gradual ascent to a scenic rock grotto. Towards the end of the hike, mild scrambling will pose a fun challenge with a rewarding view of a natural sandstone amphitheater shaped by years of water and weather erosion.
Earn the View: Liberty Cap Trail
Length: 3.1 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,125ft; Estimated Hike Time: 2 ½ hours; Type: Out-and-Back
For those seeking a greater challenge, the rocky climb up Liberty Cap Trail rewards every switchback and steep ascent with expanding views of the steep canyons and rock spires. Winding through open pinyon–juniper woodland and exposed sandstone slopes, the trail delivers sweeping desert vistas long before you reach the summit.
Handlebar Tap House
Cap off your Colorado National Monument adventure at Handlebar Tap House, where build-your-own burgers and 24 rotating craft beer taps are always flowing. Other popular bites are the cheese curds, poutine, jumbo wings, and mahi mahi fish tacos. Bonus – they have a “sauce bar” where you serve yourself every sauce you can imagine to top off the natural cut fries with.
Evening
Photo by: Sarah Dishong
Return to Downtown Grand Junction and explore more than 115 sculptures displayed along Main Street. If you have little ones in tow, keep an eye out for interactive pieces that invite hands-on discovery. As you wander between works of art, duck into the locally owned shops and boutiques that line the heart of downtown. Browse Out West Books for titles on regional history, find trendy women’s fashion at Klik Boutique, and treasure hunt through the eclectic antiques and collectibles at A Robin’s Nest of Antiques & Treasures.
Pour Fellows
To end the night, grab dinner at Pour Fellows, a lively gastropub serving everything from shareable appetizers like the Bayou Egg Rolls and a cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip. Popular entrees are the Show Me the Meatloaf and Beef Stroganoff, overflowing with slow-roasted tender beef. With TVs throughout, it’s an ideal spot to catch the game—whether you’re cheering for your team or joining locals in rallying behind the home crowd. Pour Fellows has the largest patio in Downtown, so it's a great place to relax if you are looking for a little more sunshine or sunset views.
Day Two: Grand Mesa
Photo by: John Knox
Morning and Afternoon
Set your alarms early to get the most out of your day on the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world with over 300 alpine lakes, dense forests, and miles upon miles of public land waiting to be explored.
Before heading out, fuel up at Kiln Coffee Bar. The baristas brew up the single-origin coffee just the way you like it, or mix it up with something different – kombucha and matcha are also on the menu. Be Sweet Cafe & Bakeshop pastries are plentiful, as well as grab-and-go items for your daypack.
When you arrive on the Grand Mesa, you will see a landscape that invites you to slow down and settle into the moment. Whether you’re casting a line at sunrise, paddling across crystal-clear water, hiking along wildflower-framed trails, or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air, this is the kind of place that draws people outdoors. Afternoons are spent reading beneath the shade of tall pines, quiet coves become perfect fishing spots, and every trail leads to another peaceful view across the world’s largest flat-top mountain.
The Grand Mesa has adventures for each season. See the possibilities below!
Cast a Line and Relax
Photo by: Katie Skalla
Waterdog Reservoir, Cottonwood Lake, and Jumbo Reservoir are top choices for anglers hoping to reel in rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. Cast from the shoreline or elevate your experience by getting out on the water. Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or tube from Grand Junction Adventures and spend the day paddling, floating, or simply soaking up the alpine sunshine between casts.
Exploring the Grand Mesa is an invitation to follow your curiosity. If a fun trail catches your eye, hike it. If a glassy lake calls for a swim, wade in. If you find the perfect patch of shade for a picnic, settle down and stay awhile. The Grand Mesa rewards those who slow down, offering space to disconnect, inhale fresh mountain air, and enjoy unhurried moments that make the day feel well spent.
Evening
After a relaxing day exploring the vast Grand Mesa, enjoy a refined dining experience featuring artfully prepared cuisine and seasonally inspired dishes.
Bin 707 Foodbar
Bin 707 Foodbar is owned by James Beard–nominated chef Josh Niernberg. The restaurant has become a true culinary destination, offering a dining experience that reflects the flavors and ingredients of the area. Start your meal with the Sunchoke Hushpuppies or Elk Tartare, and follow with standouts like the Beeler’s Bone-In Pork Chop or Lamb Tenderloin. Save room for the Momofuku Milk Bar Pie and Chocolate Pretzel Pie—desserts that are nothing short of unforgettable. If you prefer lighter fare, Bin offers Bangs Island Mussels, brick oven pizza, their famous Bin Burger, and skinny fries.
Suehiro Japanese Restaurant and Sushi
Suehiro Japanese Restaurant and Sushi, or “Suehiro’s” as locals call it, has been a downtown staple since 1989. Founded by Sumiko Boyd, originally from Okinawa, Japan, the restaurant blends a relaxed atmosphere with traditional Japanese design elements, creating an inviting space for an authentic dining experience. The menu features mouthwatering favorites such as gyoza, yakitori, chicken katsu, katsu curry, yakisoba, and an extensive selection of fresh sushi rolls.
The Winery
The Winery, awarded one of Grand Junction’s “Best of the West,” has stood the test of time and has reached iconic status over its 40-year history. Housed in a 100-year-old building that once served as a horse-drawn fire station, the restaurant carries a rich piece of Grand Junction history. Guests return not just for perfectly seared steaks, chicken, pork, and fresh seafood, but also for an exceptional wine list featuring international classics and regional selections that pair beautifully with each course. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere makes it a must-try dining destination.
Day Three: Rattlesnake Canyon Arches
After a restful night's sleep, fuel up and head to the second-largest concentration of arches in the world!
Morning and Afternoon
Cafe Sol
Before heading out to explore Rattlesnake Arches, begin the morning at Cafe Sol, a local favorite known for its fresh, organic ingredients and relaxed atmosphere. Jump start your morning with a freshly squeezed mango, pineapple, ginger smoothie or kick it in gear with a Cubano or Americano. The menu is overflowing with options that include grain bowls, breakfast sandwiches, biscuits & gravy, and from-scratch pastries. With plenty of satisfying options to start the day, it’s the ideal place to gather energy before setting off toward the quiet trails and remarkable natural arches waiting in the nearby wilderness.
Exploring the landscape home to the world’s second-highest concentration of natural arches comes with two distinct approaches. One is a longer hike, 15.5 miles and the other is shorter, but requires a 4-wheel drive high clearance vehicle. Regardless of which trail you choose, bring layers of clothing, plenty of snacks and water, appropriate hiking shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Although dogs are allowed, neither trail is appropriate for your furry friend.
Pollock Bench Trailhead – 15.5 mile hike. Open year-round.
Make your way to the trailhead by driving west on Horsethief Canyon Road. The trailhead offers ample parking and restrooms before you begin the six-mile stretch toward the Rattlesnake Arches bend. Once on the Pollock Bench Trail, you’ll encounter forks at 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 miles—take a right at each junction. From there, the terrain becomes more technical. Expect minor scrambling, careful descents (sometimes sliding down on your bum), and several short 4–5-foot sections of cliff that must be scaled. At mile 3, you’ll reach another fork—take a right again. After additional hiking and scrambling, you’ll arrive at Window Rock Tower, the first of many striking formations along the route. Around mile 6, the Pollock Bench Trail meets the Upper Trailhead at Rattlesnake Arches. Continue along the two-mile bend to see Hole in the Bridge Arch, followed by the iconic Rattlesnake Arch, which spans 120 feet high and 40 feet wide. Continue onward to reach Cedar Arch, the final arch along this route. After taking in the views and snapping a few photos, retrace your steps back to the Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead. Turn onto the Upper Trailhead route to experience one of the arches from above. When you’re ready to head back, return through the Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead and follow the full six-mile Pollock Bench Trail back to your vehicle.
Upper Trailhead via Glade Park – requires a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle. Closed February 15 - April 14.
Reaching the Upper Trailhead depends on the time of year, as seasonal gate closures determine which access road is available. For either access road, enter the east entrance to Colorado National Monument on Rimrock Drive. Take Rimrock Drive to 16 ½ Road. About 1,000 feet after turning left onto 16 ½ Road, turn right on Black Ridge Road. Follow Black Ridge Road until you come to a fork in the road.
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Upper Black Ridge Road (Upper Access Road): Gates open April 15 - August 14
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Lower Black Ridge Road (Lower Access Road): Gates open August 15 - February 14
The route on the right is the Lower Access Road and is open from August 15 to February 14. The Upper Access Road is on the left and is open from April 15 to August 14. After the two routes converge, the last two miles to the trailhead is considered the roughest section of the drive, so many people hike or bike the remaining distance. From Rimrock Drive to Rattlesnake Arches trailhead, it takes about 75 minutes regardless of which access road you take.
Once at the trailhead, begin hiking until you reach a clearly marked signpost reading “Upper Trail,” “Lower Trail,” and “Trailhead.” To enjoy an overlook of Cedar Tree Arch and several other arches from above, follow the Upper Trail for about half a mile. To explore the arches from below, return to the signpost and take the Lower Trail. After turning left onto the Rattlesnake Arches Lower Trail, continue until you reach another fork—stay left. Follow this route for roughly two miles to reach the base of Cedar Tree Arch. The trail concludes at the bottom of the arch; when finished, retrace your steps back to the previous fork.
Evening
Congratulations! You’ve just experienced Nature’s Trifecta—three iconic treasures that prove nature really does play favorites. In the spirit of the America 250 and Colorado 150 commemorations, celebrating America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries, cap off your trip with a true American meal at one of the restaurants below.
Trail Life Brewing
After a day exploring the trails and arches near the Grand Junction area, Trail Life Brewing is a welcoming place to relax and refuel. Located in Downtown Grand Junction, the brewery is known for its adventurous craft beers and creative, trail-inspired menu. Order a pint of one of their rotating house brews or keep it chill with a hemp-derived nonalcoholic beverage, infused with CBD. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available. The food menu goes beyond typical pub fare and includes a variety of vegan and gluten free options. With a lively taproom and patio that often fills with hikers, bikers, and climbers fresh off the trails, Trail Life Brewing captures the spirit of the outdoor community that defines Grand Junction.
Trail Life Brewing brings people together over more than just great flavor. Housed in the same building is The Gear Junction, the only outdoor gear consignment store in Grand Junction. Browse raft, bike, ski, climb, and camp gear. Yes, new gear is for sale as well.
Rockslide Brew Pub
A longtime downtown favorite for locals and the oldest Grand Junction brewpub, Rockslide Brew Pub is the perfect place to pair a tasty meal with a house-crafted pint. Producing its microbrews in small batches right inside the restaurant, Rockslide delivers fresh flavor in every glass. Found a favorite? Take it home in a refillable growler and enjoy it long after your meal ends.
Kannah Creek Brewing Company
Looking to bring your pup along for a meal? Kannah Creek Brewing Company welcomes pets on the patio. Settle in with brick-oven pizza, calzones, stromboli, fresh salads, and more, then choose from a lineup of 15 house-brewed beers on tap. With rotating daily specials that change every two weeks, there’s always something new to try.
For more things to do in Grand Junction and discover affordable lodging, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor’s Guide.