7 Minute Read
The Grand Junction area boasts some of the best picnic spots in Colorado, where dramatic landscapes set the stage for unforgettable outdoor dining within Nature’s Trifecta—Colorado National Monument, the Grand Mesa, and Rattlesnake Arches. Unfold your blanket beneath towering red rock monoliths or beside alpine lakes shimmering with the reflection of golden aspens.
Table of Contents
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Grand Mesa Alpine Dining
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Colorado National Monument Red Rock Dining
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City Parks
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Picnic Paradise Awaits
Grand Mesa Alpine Dining
The world's largest flat-top mountain transforms a simple picnic into an alpine excursion. At 10,000 feet above sea level, Grand Mesa's premier location has something no other destination can match: over 300 lakes dotted across 500 square miles for un-crowded alpine lake dining paired with accomodating amenities and panoramic scenery. Only 45 minutes from Grand Junction you can craft your perfect picnic escape with wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, to challenging high-altitude treks. The elevation allows for the tranquility of fall to peak in late-September and early-October, so you have plenty of time to create your own picnic retreat and dine in style underneath golden aspens.
If you want to work up your appetite prior to delighting your tastebuds, you can hike with your pup, exploring hundreds of trails that weave through pine forests and aspen groves. We recommend Lost Lake Trail, (2.5-3.4 miles depending on which way you go around Mesa Lake) leading you to a sparkling lake worthy of a photo-op.
1. Glacier Springs Picnic Area
The Glacier Springs Picnic Area, situated below Beaver Lake and along the shoreline of Mesa Lake, creates a secluded haven with fresh cool mountain air and serene lake views. Enjoy lake and pond fishing and non-motorized boating – you might even catch some lunch! End your day with a peaceful lakeside meal, where the fresh air and postcard landscapes make every bite more satisfying.
2. Land O'Lakes Overlook
For elevated dining platforms that showcase sweeping vistas stretching toward the western horizon, Land O’Lakes Overlook is an ideal spot for a mountain picnic. This 0.5-mile paved path is wheelchair accessible and showcases stunning scenery of Island Lake below. The overlook delivers breathtaking sights where glowing aspens and evergreens showcase nature’s palette in the fall. The access road does close in the winter months, so don’t put off your plans.
3. Mesa Lakes Area
Mesa Lakes Area is surrounded by tall pines where resident wildlife frequently appear, but please remember not to feed them - no matter how tempting! Located along the Mesa Lake shoreline, this area provides the ideal setting for a laid-back snack. There is easy access to the Mesa Lakes Shoreline Trail, a family-friendly 1.5-mile loop that will work up an appetite through aspen groves.
4. Ward Way Picnic Area
Ward Way Picnic Area has water access and gentle walking paths to complement your picnic. Located between Deep Ward Lake and Alexander Lake, the area’s unique perspectives transform with rich colors in autumn. The Ward Lake Trail provides scenic hiking through open grasslands and spruce-fir groves for a post-fare exploration.
Colorado National Monument Red Rock Dining
Ancient sandstone formations create the prime backdrop for dining at this geological masterpiece. Colorado National Monument (CNM) boasts exceptional picnic spots with crimson cliffs towering overhead and desert vistas stretching endlessly. There’s a timeless wonder that comes from being surrounded by 1.5-billion-year-old rock formations. The CNM’s unique geography creates the ideal scene for a mid-meal photo op.
Historic Rim Rock Drive‘s 23 miles of panoramic views and 19 formal pull-offs makes finding the best spot for your outdoor feast effortless. Unlike mountainous locations, these desert environments maintain pleasant temperatures during colder seasons, so you can have a picnic year-round in warm sunshine.
5. Cold Shivers Point
At Cold Shivers Point, every picnic feels dramatic as the canyon plunges below, guiding your gaze all the way to the Colorado River. The overlook feels like an island surrounded by cliff walls, giant stone pillars, and open skies. Enjoy an early morning breakfast at sunrise or a late dinner at sunset. Either way, the gold sunrays will enchant you.
6. Book Cliffs View
If you are looking for a front-row seat to the deep canyons and striking horizons of Colorado National Monument (CNM), Book Cliffs View is it. Located next to the Visitor Center and Saddlehorn Campground, this popular wedding spot serves up mesmerizing panoramas of the Monument. The convenient location provides plenty of parking, easy access to restrooms and interpretive exhibits.
7. Grand View Point Overlook
Grand View Point Overlook reveals commanding vistas of Monument Canyon, Independence Monument, and the Grand Junction area. This majestic spot makes for an unmatched picnic. Located along Rim Rock Drive, this popular overlook provides close parking and short walks to jaw-dropping sights. Sunrise is especially stunning as the first rays light up the cliffs.
8. Devils Kitchen Picnic Area
This scenic spot has easy-to-reach picnic tables in the sun or under pavilions. For a more secluded picnic, the 1.5-mile Devils Kitchen Trail hike from Rim Rock Drive leads to the natural "kitchen" of eerily tall rock columns and stacked slabs. It’s in the name, a setting where nature does the cooking—serving up unbeatable scenery with every picnic.
9. Upper Ute Canyon View
Upper Ute Canyon View is a fun spot perfect for families, or anyone who wants to have a good time. The excellent acoustics create surprisingly clear echoes – so be sure to stop here and yell at the top of your lungs. The "mummy" rock formation creates a natural landmark for this engaging picnic destination. It’ll have you laughing the whole time.
City Parks
The City of Grand Junction's municipal park system makes it easy to enjoy convenient outdoor dining without sacrificing natural beauty or recreational landscapes. Pack a picnic and settle under the shade of cottonwoods, shelters, or out under the sun while kids tumble around on plush grass. These thoughtfully designed green spaces blend urban accessibility with the beauty of nature, with amenities that often surpass many remote locations. Grand Junction’s parks are ready for your next picnic, with amenities to make the planning easy. Jungle gyms, bathrooms, sidewalks, large grassy areas and shelters for small or big groups are abundant.
10. Downtown Grand Junction
There are 43 parks in the Grand Junction area, including Downtown Grand Junction! It’s a designated park with wide sidewalks, art sculptures and vibrant murals brightening up the alleyways. The urban tree canopy keeps guests shaded and comfortable. You can picnic on one of the many benches and people watch. If spreading a blanket isn’t your style, dine at one of the restaurants located in Downtown. The Rockslide Brew Pub, Trail Life Brewery, and Pour Fellows all have roomy and shaded patios.
11. Canyon View Park
Canyon View Park provides expansive lawn areas and multiple covered pavilions with picnic tables allowing for larger gatherings. As one of Grand Junction's largest parks with over 110 acres, there’s plenty of space for children to jump around, play ball, or simply giggle at the ducks floating by in the ponds. The playground creates the ultimate experience for the little ones, making it easy for families to pack a picnic and sit under gazebos. Bring a kite – it’s the perfect autumn activity!
12. Las Colonias Park
Photo by: Nicholas Vezakis
For a riverside escape, Las Colonias Park is a local favorite for waterfront dining along the Colorado River. This water playground includes Butterfly Pond, perfect for dipping your feet in. If you are more adventurous, rent a stand-up-paddleboard from Grand Junction Adventures, based right on site. The paved Colorado Riverfront trail and picnic areas are wheelchair accessible. The Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park hosts concerts along the river, you can check out their line-up along with other events here.
13. Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park has picnic tables and a vast lawn area dotted with trees, wonderful for spreading a blanket under while remaining close to Downtown. The park also includes a virtual arboretum tour for exploring the tree canopy up close while enjoying the changing hues.
14. Connected Lakes
Photo by: Ryan Davison
Connected Lakes has boat ramp access, sandy shores, and plenty of space for dogs to run and splash around, only 10 minutes from Downtown. These connected waters along the Colorado River provide excellent opportunities for fishing, standup paddleboarding, and during the fall, the lakes reflect golds and reds.
15. Watson Island
Photo by: Nigel Bibler
If you’re craving a bite between putts, Watson Island is the place to be. Pair disc golf challenges with snack breaks along the banks of the Colorado River. Tree-lined fairways and riverfront approaches set the scene for every throw, while the course itself invites beginners and experts to technical shots made to test your skills.
Picnic Paradise Awaits
Grand Junction's unique geological landscapes transform meals into unforgettable experiences, giving picnickers an unparalleled canvas of natural beauty from alpine lakes to red rock canyons. Grand Junction has affordable lodging available year-round, so you can easily spend an extra day or two in Grand Junction to explore multiple picnic spots. There’s 1.5 million acres of public land to recreate on.
Find more info on Grand Junction’s public lands on pages 20 and 21 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide and start planning your getaway today