Grand Junction is known for its scenic landscapes and endless pursuits of outdoor adventure. From hiking and biking to paddleboarding and fishing, Grand Junction is a playground for those looking to get out and explore mother nature. There is plenty of room to spread out thanks to over 3,341 square-miles of land in the county, which is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined! This expansive area is over 76% public land, so trails and open spaces are not crowded anywhere.
A recent notable accomplishment for Grand Junction was being included in the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2023”. If you decide to visit, check out these helpful pointers to not only enhance your vacation in Grand Junction but also to help protect the area for generations to come.
1. Know Before You Go
Before you set off on your next epic outdoor adventure, take the time to become familiar with the area where you are recreating. Plan ahead with trail research so you know what to expect, like the length of your excursion, accessibility and elevation gain. COTREX, AllTrails, and Gaia GPS apps are excellent resources. Also be sure you leave room in your pack for extra supplies. Colorado weather can be unpredictable, and you never know when you will need to bundle up, so multiple layers are important. Bring plenty of snacks to keep you well-fueled. Sunglasses are a must in Colorado due to the elevation and sunny skies. Colorado also has relatively dry air, so be sure to bring extra water. Plus, you just might hike longer than you planned once you unplug and become one with nature!
2. Stick to Trails
While you are out on the trail, be sure to stay on established trail systems. Colorado’s ecosystems are very delicate, and staying on the trail helps to ensure that public lands remain in their natural state. Wandering off the trail and stepping on plants and softer soils can harm the environment. When looking for a place to pitch your tent, remember that great campsites are found, not made! You shouldn't have to alter a site, even when dispersed camping. Camping at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams is also recommended. This will help keep the water clean and pristine, and the fish will thank you!
3. Leave it as You Find it
Leave what you find. Historical relics like arrowheads, pictographs, petroglyphs, ancient structures, and even rocks and plants are all part of Colorado's amazing history and geology. Most of these artifacts are hundreds of years old, and future generations will want to see them, too! For rock engravings and paintings, please be sure not to touch them. Oil from your hands will darken the images, making them disappear.
4. Trash the Trash
Pack it in, pack it out. Be an ambassador for nature and pack everything you take with you. Go one step further and pick up trash if you see it along the way. Trash can also present a danger to wildlife. Others will follow your example, and let’s be honest, it will make you feel great!
5. Be Careful with Fire
While everyone loves eating s’mores and telling stories with the dim glow of a crackling campfire, it is important to remember that fires can cause severe harm to nature’s landscapes, animals, and humans. Be sure to only start fires in established fire rings or pits and keep them small and under control. It is also important to ensure your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cool before leaving them unattended. One useful method for putting out a fire is to drown it completely with water until the coals sizzling stops and then mix the ashes with soil. The ashes must be cool enough for you to touch before it’s safe to leave it unattended. Help minimize wildfire risks by always adhering to current fire restrictions.
6. Keep Wildlife Wild
Grand Junction is home to some of the state's most majestic animals. From bighorn sheep and bald eagles to elk, moose, and deer, wild animals are abundant in Grand Junction. Even though they may look cute and cuddly, please avoid feeding the animals. Doing so changes their natural behavior and exposes them to new predators and other dangers. Respect your distance when you see an animal. A good rule of “thumb” is if you can’t cover the animal with your thumb stretched out in your line of sight, you should increase your distance. When taking photos of these beautiful creatures, utilize the zoom feature on your phone instead of approaching them.
7. Share Our Trails & Parks
Be courteous. Grand Junction is known for its friendly locals, so don’t be surprised if a fellow hiker or biker shares a friendly greeting or warm smile in passing. This is common in Grand Junction, so smile and return the favor! If you have a question while out trailblazing, don’t hesitate to ask someone – they likely can help you. Always yield to those walking uphill and give them plenty of room to pass. While you might dig your own groovy tunes, others might not, and wildlife will certainly avoid you when they hear you coming. Besides, it’s much more relaxing to let the sounds of nature serenade you.
Looking for more inspirational videos to help you "Respect. Connect. Protect?" This entertaining spokespebble for public lands would love to share what they think is cool and helpful for your next adventure.
That’s it, you’re now Colo-ready! Thank you for helping to protect Grand Junction and Colorado. Visit LNT.org for more information on Leave No Trace or check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide to set out on your next Colorado adventure!