The drive then skirts the Uncompahgre National Forest and the dramatic canyons of the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, north to Grand Junction, a town rich with scenery that rivals anywhere in the world, and a chic glamping style resort called Camp Eddy that makes a perfect basecamp. Take the winding road between Grand Junction and Fruita that runs through the Colorado National Monument. Spend an entire day exploring the flowing singletrack trails of Fruita’s 18 Road.
There’s so much to do around here that’s free that a rugged Razr tour of Rattlesnake Arches will be a worthwhile splurge, plunging down a road few vehicles can traverse to hike the world’s second-highest number of natural arches. For dinner, the inventive fare of Taco Party — crispy cauliflower, twice-fried yam, rockfish tempura! — is can’t-miss.