Colorado is known for its outdoor recreation, and Grand Junction is no exception. However, there is only one place in Colorado where you can discover Nature’s Trifecta and experience the Colorado River. With an unexpected mix of outdoor activities, unique hotels and delightful restaurants, Grand Junction is the best vacation destination in the state. While Grand Junction is technically a high desert, it doubles as an oasis of water adventures in the summer thanks to the 1,450-mile-long Colorado River flowing right through town and over 300 lakes atop the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa. If you're looking for a place to practice your balance before going out on the moving water of the Colorado River, check out the Butterfly Pond at Las Colonias Park.
Colorado River Rafting & Tubing Tips
Before heading out on a Colorado River tubing adventure, there are important precautions you should take regardless of your chosen activity on the water:
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Safety first! Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket.
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Be sure to wear appropriate footwear (no backless sandals).
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Bring your own tube or rent one at a nearby tube rental outfitter. Grand Junction Adventures provides quality tubes and has an area with river access in Las Colonias Park.
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Check ahead for water volume and flow rates to ensure it is safe to head out on the river. If you aren’t sure, you can always call a local outfitter for advice.
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Study the map to understand exit points.
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The best times for a Colorado River trip are the months of June, July, and August. Water levels are highest in June, and the season can extend into September if there is ample snowpack from the winter.
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Grand Junction average temperatures in the summer are in the 80s to 90s. The sun is also more intense at higher altitudes, so apply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.
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Store your valuables in a waterproof case and keep them in a safe location.
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Pack a set of towels and dry clothes for when you are done with your tubing adventure.
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Leave No Trace: Pick up and dispose of your trash, including plastic wrappers, bottles, paper, etc.
River Tubing Across Colorado
If you are planning a road trip across the state, plan to stop in Denver. Blackrock Lake Park, Frog Hollow Park, and Johnson Habitat Park provide excellent settings for beginners and families with young children to kick back and relax on the gently flowing waters of the South Platte River. Those looking for adventure will enjoy the rapids and dips at the Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden and the popular Eben G. Fine Park in Boulder Creek. For a complete nature immersion, head to the Cache La Poudre River at Fort Collins, where you can float down the waters surrounded by the granite cliffs and rock formations of the Poudre Canyon. Head west to experience the Colorado River in Grand Junction for completely different stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Colorado River Tubing in Grand Junction
For the most family-friendly Colorado River tubing experience, head to Grand Junction's River Park at Las Colonias Park. Named as one of the country's best spots for river tubing by the Smithsonian Magazine, the 140-acre River Park offers a kid and beginner-friendly half-mile course and other water and land activities. As a man-made diversion of the Colorado River, this slow-moving, safe and serene waterway passes by river islands on one side and the Colorado Riverfront Trail on the other. Strap a life jacket on your little one, plop them on a tube, and watch them cheer in excitement as they float down an artificial wave, jump into the waters to cool off, and then return to the starting point for another round of fun in the sun.
For a more extended float session, start at the Corn Lake section of the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park and float to Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction. Follow that up with an hour or two of paddling or kayaking at the Butterfly Pond in Las Colonias Park. Rentals are available just steps away at Grand Junction Adventures for rafting, tubing, paddle boarding and kayaking. The park also provides plenty of biking and rollerblading on the paved Colorado Riverfront Trail alongside the mighty Colorado River, if you prefer to stay dry.
As the sun sets, head to Downtown Grand Junction on your bicycle or a short five-minute drive from the park, and choose from an exciting array of eateries—from summer favorites like burgers and barbeque to something a little more adventurous like Indian or Thai cuisine. Grab a craft beer at one of the breweries or kick back with an exquisite glass of locally crafted wine. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a cup of ice cream, gelato or pastry—the perfect finish to an eventful day.
If you plan to spend your summer in Grand Junction, and want to learn more about activities and places to stay, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.