Day One:
Morning
Jumpstart your guys' trip with hand-crafted bagels and spreads from Main Street Bagels in Downtown Grand Junction. Sink your teeth into the Jalapeño Scram for a spicy mouthful of flavors that are sure to wake you up. This savory bagel sandwich is stacked high with eggs, red onions, roasted red bell peppers, pulled pork, fresh jalapeños, cilantro, pepper jack cheese, and topped with Cholula hot sauce to really bring the heat. If you prefer a sweeter start to your day, Main Street Bagels has a variety of baked goods like cinnamon rolls and blueberry scones to satisfy your craving, or try out their famous baked granola - it's a local favorite!
Photo: @adrenaline.driven.adventures
Now that you are all fueled up, buckle up for a thrilling OHV experience with Adrenaline Driven Adventure Rentals & Tours. Ride along in a RZR with one of their expert guides to Rabbit Valley in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The combination of boulder climbs and corner drifts will definitely have your adrenaline pumping. Rip through steep canyons and lush forests before coming to the halfway point at the Colorado River. Finding your way to the river without a guide is difficult, so take advantage of their expert navigation. Once at the river, toss the football around along the shoreline, or compete to see who has the best rock-skipping technique. Then, hop back in the RZR to do the exciting ride all over again!
Afternoon
Photo: @alehousegj
After the adrenaline subsides, grab lunch and a brew at The Ale House. Their famous Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich pairs perfectly with the locally brewed Midday Siesta. You could even go as far as to say this combo is as much of a dynamic duo as Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski used to be. The best part is that the Ale House has a spacious outdoor seating area, so you don’t have to worry about that friend who never uses his inside voice!
Photo: @handjamjon
Next up is a challenge that only rewards a few lucky people with some serious Star Wars-themed bragging rights. Load up the crash pads and the climbing chalk because you’re taking on the famous Millenium Falcon. Located just 10 minutes from Downtown Grand Junction is a local favorite bouldering spot. This aptly named rock formation has humbled and conquered many men, and now you get to challenge your buddies to see who buys the next round of drinks. The Millennium Falcon has even appeared in an episode of Outside TV’s Park2Park series.
Photo: @highlandsdistillery
To settle the score and cash in on the drink your buddies owe you, head over to Highlands Distillery. This hip joint comes complete with firepits, yard games, a cool yert and carefully crafted cocktails made with spirits distilled onsite. Their outdoor seating is perfect for relaxing and rehashing the day’s adventures. Try the Man-Hattan or the Orgreat Old Fashioned, both perfectly highlight the science and art of master distilling. For a real kick in the teeth, the Blood, Sweat, & Steers is Highland’s take on a traditional bloody mary and comes stabbed with a hatch green chili jerky stick.
Evening
Finish off the night at Enzo’s Ristorante Italiano. This authentic Italian restaurant serves up fresh cuisine like made-to-order stone-fired pizzas and massive calzones. If you are craving some clean and crisp Colorado air, ask to be seated on the top patio, which overlooks a beautiful country club golf course.
Day Two:
Morning
Not just your plain ol’ coffee shop, Octopus Coffee has everything from a Working Man breakfast burrito to the I LOVE BACON breakfast sandwich. With names like that, you know you will be fueled for the rest of the day, and you’ll need it.
Photo: @VisitGrandJunction
Get ready for birdies, beers and bunkers in that order. Check out Lincoln Park Golf Course or Tiara Rado Golf Course. Lincoln Park is a forgiving 9-hole course just a few minutes from Downtown. While Tiara Rado is perfectly positioned at the base of Colorado National Monument, so there are red rock canyon views on every hole. Pull out the drivers, pack extra golf balls and shoot low!
Afternoon
Photo: @rockslidebrewpub
Now that you have unleashed your inner golf pro, celebrate the birdies or try to forget the double bogeys at Rockslide Brewery. Scarf down one of their famous brewhouse bacon cheeseburgers or their famous Salmon Fish & Chips. Pro tip: the Salmon Fish & Chips and their Burnt Ends BBQ Mac & Cheese are all you can eat on Tuesdays!
Photo: @VisitGrandJunction
You may be stuffed after taking that pro tip, so walk it off in Downtown Grand Junction. There are dozens of cool shops to pop into - from bike and outdoor gear to fly fishing and music stores. Triple Play Records is a must-see for any of the vinyl or music fanatics in the group. Flip through over 50k records, and they often have free LPs outside their door!
Evening
For dinner, check out The Winery Restaurant. Don’t let the name fool you, though. They have some of the best steaks in town and other hearty cuisine. The Winery’s menu is inspired by local produce and meat from nearby cattle ranchers, so you’ll be treated to the area’s bounty.
Day Three:
Morning
After that steak dinner, you are probably looking for a little bit of a lighter breakfast, and Be Sweet Café & Bakeshop is the perfect spot! Order their yogurt berry bowl or protein power wrap to get you through the day ahead.
Photo: @travelwithcolt
You’ve had an eventful past two days, so it’s time to slow down. Nothing is more relaxing than hiking and sightseeing in the Colorado National Monument. The red-rock spires and deep canyons are worth the short 10-minute drive from Downtown Grand Junction. If you require a little adrenaline rush to wake you up, walk along the Canyon Rim Trail, and we promise your heart will be racing. For a fun and quick stop along Rim Rock Drive, check out Upper Ute Canyon View. Walk to the left of the “mummy” and scream cowabunga at the top of your lungs. We promise you’ll be laughing hysterically when you hear the response.
Afternoon
Photo: @handlebargjtaphouse
For lunch, follow Rim Rock Drive east out of the Colorado National Monument to Handlebar Tap House, where over 24 rotating craft beers are on tap. The Lunch Loops Burger is a local favorite; speaking of locals, they all hang out here. So, if you are looking for epic mountain bike trails or hip brewery recommendations, ask away. The locals are uber-friendly in Grand Junction!
Photo: @VisitGrandJunction
Now it’s time to take the guys to Two Rivers Winery & Chateau’s tasting room to get outside your manly comfort zone. Couples sipping vino are a dime a dozen, but when you and your dudes swagger up to the wine bar, you will feel like you own the place. Plus, if you are trying to get a lady's attention, this is a surefire way to do it.
Photo: @throwaxeology
Ok, it's time to get back to man-cave activities. Channel your inner lumberjack and bury the hatchet at Axeology or Kodiaxe! Have a blast throwing sharp objects into wooden targets and slicing away all your stress. You can even mix it up with other games. Axeology also has foosball, air hockey, giant Jenga, giant connect four and they both have cornhole.
Evening
Photo: @goat_and_clover_tavern
Finish off your last night with the boys in Grand Junction at The Goat and Clover Tavern. This Irish and British pub-style bar is the perfect place to end a guys' trip. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of Guinness or digging your teeth into the Corned Beef Sandwich, the atmosphere and delicious cuisine will transport you to the British Isles.
Before you hit the road the following morning, swing by Sugar & Ice on your way out of town for a hearty breakfast sandwich and a good cup of joe.
For more itineraries and things to do in Grand Junction, check out pages 16-23 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.