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Man Biking in the fall through aspen grove

Jen Murphy, contributing writer for Outside wrote:

"Why Now: Located on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, around 230 miles west of Denver, the Grand Valley is the ultimate autumn playground. Both an agricultural haven and a geological anomaly, it has vineyards and farmland reminiscent of those in Sonoma, California; storied singletrack to rival Moab, Utah’s; and the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world, behind that of Arches National Park. Moreover, it’s home to Colorado National Monument, often heralded as a mini Grand Canyon.

 

In fall, the vistas glow with gold, the broiling summer heat (average daytime temperatures in July and August are in the nineties) subsides, and with school back in session, you might not pass another hiker or biker on the trail. After a full day outdoors, I like to hit the funky towns of Fruita, Palisade, and Grand Junction for a delicious meal at locavore-focused spots like Tacoparty and Cruise Control.

 

I was once skeptical of the Colorado wine scene, but it’s legit, and this area is the epicenter. Harvest gets underway in September and coincides with the Colorado Mountain Winefest, a one-day event (this year on the 21st) that will school you in high-elevation varietals like viognier, Riesling, and mourvèdre.

 

Adventure Intel: One of the country’s longest and gnarliest singletrack trails for downhillers is the Palisade Plunge. The route, considered challenging, starts at the top of Grand Mesa and descends 32 miles and over 6,000 feet. Palisade Cycle and Shuttle offers drop-offs through October 8 ($38) and rents mountain bikes (from $90).

 

For something mellower, the East Orchard Mesa Loop between Grand Junction and Palisade is a 25-mile cycling path that passes a dozen wineries (like Colorado Cellars) and farm stands while offering views of the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain. (Located within 60 miles of Grand Junction, it has great hiking.)

 

Pro Tip: Patric Matysiewski, winemaker at Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery and Vineyard, loves the carrot margarita at Fidel’s Cocina and Bar in downtown Palisade. “It’s the best way to end your day,” he says.

 

Where to Stay: The biking- and food-obsessed owners of the 17-room Spoke and Vine Motel in Palisade (from $144) are happy to recommend their favorite singletrack trails, tasting rooms, and restaurants. In Grand Junction, Camp Eddy’s tiny homes, Airstreams, and RV hookups are steps from the Colorado River within Las Colonias Park (from $35)."

 

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