With the turning of the seasons, Fall brings new and exciting adventures to the Grand Junction area. From hiking through vibrant tree-hooded trails to exploring Main Street in Downtown Grand Junction while sipping on apple cider in your finest flannel, there are many ways to find your Grand Junction adventure this fall and even more stunning sites to see as the colors change.
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Hiking and Walking
One of the best ways to welcome fall is by stepping out into nature and hiking through leaf-fallen trails so that you can smell the fresh, crisp fall air, feel the temperature begin to cool down, and see the colors change from bright, beautiful yellow to deep crimson right before your eyes.
Mesa Lakes Shoreline Trail, Grand Mesa
Difficulty: Easy
Roundtrip distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 60 ft
Cost: $5 per vehicle in Glacier Springs Parking Lot
The Mesa Lakes Shoreline Trail is a loop that takes about an hour and a half to complete and wraps around Mesa Lake. Trees and mountains surround the lake, so the water remains as smooth as glass most of the time. The landscape of trees and the blue sky are reflected along the water as the warm colors of fall dance around you. Deer, chipmunks and other wildlife scurry around this area as they get ready for the winter season ahead. The trail is dog-friendly, though pups must remain on a leash or under voice control.
Mica Mine Trail, Bangs Canyon
Difficulty: Easy
Roundtrip distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation gain: 291 ft
Cost: Free
Mica Mine Trail is a popular trail with locals and guests. Located just outside of GJ, this trail is easy with minimal elevation gain and pets are also allowed. The trail is secluded, which transports you to a new world and guides you alongside a creek where you can listen to trickling water and the sounds of the yellowing leaves rustling. About halfway down the trail, flecks of mica and quartz speckle the path, giving the trail an essence of enchantment. While your furry friends can join you, they need to remain on a leash. This trail is perfect for a family hike, a lighthearted date or a trip into nature to de-stress.
McDonald Creek Canyon, Rabbit Valley
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Roundtrip distance: 4.1miles
Elevation gain: 173 ft
Cost: Free
McDonald Creek Canyon trail offers stunning views of the Colorado River, surrounded by warm hues fluttering around in the breeze and crisp air, along with ancient petroglyphs to turn this hike into a story-telling adventure. Gather the kiddos, your partner or your imagination and make your own meaning out of the petroglyphs for a unique story of the past! The trail does cross active train tracks that you will be able to hear and watch as it passes by from a safe distance away. Dogs can join you on your adventure but must remain on a leash.
Colorado Riverfront Trail
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
One-way distance: 28 miles
Elevation gain: 62 ft
Cost: Free
The Colorado Riverfront Trail is a popular and accessible way to welcome the cooler temperatures of Fall. From walking to biking to rollerblading, there are many ways to enjoy this trail. The trail is 28 miles, though there are sections to break up the expansive adventure. The trail runs along the Colorado River, allowing you to hear the river's rushing water. The trail is paved and wheelchair accessible and travels through open-sky areas to tree canopies, giving a taste of everything this fall. From warm sunrays to leaves falling around you as you ride through the canopy; this trail will give a magical experience for those looking to explore the crisp autumn air, and even spot some wildlife along the way. Pups are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash.
Sculpture and Art Exploration
If you’re looking for something closer to town, Main Street in Downtown Grand Junction has over 115 outdoor sculptures and murals to get your imagination flowing. Grab a hot chocolate or warm latte and take a stroll Downtown, explore the sculptures and murals provided by Art on the Corner, or stop into some of the local shops and boutique spots that pique your interest. Some of the highlighted art pieces include Barkburst by Nathan Johansen, located at 359 Main Street, which puts an imaginative spin on Aspen trees. Have you ever thought you would see a shark in a high desert climate? Well, now you can, with the Hammerhead Shark sculpture located at 645 Main Street by Nicholas LoFaro. There are over 100 pieces around Main Street waiting for you to explore.
Drives
If you are looking for something a little cozier and laid back this fall, driving around and watching the colors change is another fantastic way to experience the Grand Junction area this season. So, put on some of your favorite tunes and get rolling down the road.
Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, Highway 65, Grand Mesa
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy autumn, take a drive up to the top of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, to see the vivid colors as summer transitions to fall. Play your favorite bops on the radio and cruise toward Powderhorn Mountain Resort. As you approach and pass Powderhorn, the glowing aspen trees become the full focus. They will take your breath away as the bright yellow and deep red mix sweeps across the area. On the way back down, enjoy the gorgeous and expansive red, orange and yellow views as they cascade across the area.
You can also create a multi-adventure in one trip by stopping at one of Grand Mesa’s picnic areas, like Mesa Lakes Picnic Site, to have time to enjoy being surrounded by the turning leaves, and then hiking along Mesa Lakes Shoreline Trail or Lost Lake Trail (2.5 mi, 830 ft elevation gain) to enjoy the cool, crisp air and see some amazing landscape views reflected against the rippling water. ($5 fee to park Glacier Springs Parking Area).
Rim Rock Drive, Colorado National Monument
Cost: $25 per vehicle per day, $20 per motorcycle per day, $15 per person who enters on foot or bicycle,
$45 per vehicle per year
Another option is the Scenic Rim Rock Drive, which is 23 miles point-to-point through the Colorado National Monument. The road is open to motorists and bicyclists and connects to 14 hiking trails to extend your adventure on foot. The road glows from the red canyon rocks to the bright fall colors. Bonus: It is a local favorite to take this drive during sunset to get the extra rays of golden sun to highlight the stunning colors and envelop you and your car in golden hues.
Parks and Playgrounds
If you are looking for an adventure that is a little closer to town, playing at a park is an easy way for the whole family to have a fun-filled activities this fall.
Canyon View Park & Playground
Canyon View Park is off 24 Road and with the perfect cool weather that Fall brings this park can provide hours of fun. The park offers a colorful playground equipped for children of all ages. As the weather cools down a bit, it’s a perfect time to catch up on some fun on the playground, equipped with swings, monkey bars, and even a toddler zipline. The park also has an expansive field to play catch, tag or even fly a kite with the Fall breeze. Canyon View Park offers even more options for adventures, including picnic tables and a pond. Pups are allowed but must be on a leash or under voice control or take them to visit Canyon View Park’s Dog Park and let your furry friend find some four-legged friends of their own!
For more ways to experience Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.