4 Minute Read
Fall in Grand Junction is a season all its own. While much of Colorado and the U.S. are cooling down, our autumn feels like an extended summer wrapped in vibrant colors. Here, the golden hues linger longer, and crisp evenings follow sun-filled days. With average daytime highs of 75–82°F in September and 67–70°F in October, and little to no rain, you can leave the gray skies behind. So, grab your binoculars, sunglasses, and friends, and enjoy a perfectly temperate leaf-peeping getaway in Grand Junction.
Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, Grand Mesa National Forest
Distance: 63 miles
Time: 2 hours (allowing for stops and photo-ops)
Photo by: Chris Adkison
Arguably one of the highlights in fall sightseeing in Colorado is the Grand Mesa. Leaves are starting to change and will last at various elevations through early October. They peak at the top first, then the shades change each week at lower elevations. It’s like a wave of color slowly cascading down the mountain.
The Grand Mesa is the largest flat-top mountain in the world, bursting with over 300 clear, tranquil alpine lakes that reflect the vibrant scenery. The hundreds of hiking and biking trails guarantee there are no crowds. Before you enjoy your leisurely drive up the Mesa, stop by Downtown Grand Junction to visit The Hog and the Hen and the Candytime Shoppe for a delicious sandwich, or call in advance and pick up the perfect charcuterie board for your picnic under the hues. “The Tom” sandwich is a local favorite. This bodega-style market is filled with unique items that you won’t find in other stores, including retro candy. It’s definitely the perfect stop!
The annual Color Weekend, hosted by Powderhorn Mountain Resort, takes place September 26-27, 2026, so you can see the radiant colors while riding from a chairlift. Cost is just $20.50 per person (kids under five ride free; those with a Summer 26 Season pass can ride with their pass). We highly recommend getting off at the top and walking along the Mesa Top Trails, or hiking all the way back down the Stagecoach Trail to immerse yourself in the bright hues. Along the way, you’ll also find spots to capture epic photos with the sweeping landscape in the background.
Photo by: Derrick Snider
The Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway leads you to the aptly named Skyway Ski Trail (elevation 10,500 feet) and the popular Grand Mesa Lakes. The northern entrance to the byway is the small town of Mesa. If you need a pit stop, drop by the Mesa Bloom Market, filled with a variety of locally sourced products and gifts. The highlight of this scenic drive is Land’s End Overlook, perched on the edge of Grand Mesa at 10,500 feet. The views are uniquely magnificent—even in a state blessed with incredible vistas. Land’s End Road closes during the winter months, so don’t put off your plans.
Don’t fret if you miss the Grand Mesa autumn colors—there is still much to feast your eyes on in the area. Grand Junction’s elevation is 4,583 feet, so colorful foliage in town peaks mid- to late October.
Colorado River Scenic Drive: James M. Robb State Park
Distance: Roughly 40 miles, depending on the route
Time: 2 hours – full-day
Known as “the string of pearls,” there are five parks within the James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park, all connected along the Colorado River. Starting at the Island Acres section near Grand Junction, the park continues all the way to Fruita. At a minimum, drive along each section to enjoy some beautiful riverfront scenery. For a more immersive experience, take a short walk or bike ride to the various viewpoints or along the nature trails. Depending on whether your interests include birdwatching, fishing, riverside picnics or photography, this scenic route can take two hours, or you can turn it into a full-day, multi-activity trip. The Colorado Riverfront Trail is a paved, leisurely ride, making it the perfect bike ride to take among the autumn colors. There is plenty of tree shade to stop and rest or read a book. The rhythm of the river and the rustle of the leaves are the perfect background music for your new favorite book of the season.
Driving Tour of Colorado Wine Country
Distance: Roughly 20 miles, depending on the route
Time: 2 hours – full-day
A drive through the vineyards of the Grand Junction area is truly unforgettable. Sunshine, bluebird skies, pristine countryside landscapes, and rolling hills are draped in fruit orchards and vineyards bursting with the season’s bounty. There are over 30 vineyards in Palisade, framed by country farms, rows of vines, and peach trees waving in the fall breeze.
If you prefer to stay closer to Grand Junction, visit Two Rivers Winery and Chateau. This chateau looks like it was plucked right out of the French countryside. They are also known for their award-winning wine. A local favorite is their cabernet sauvignon. Keep up the sipping tour by exploring the craft beverage scene in Grand Junction.
The Pinnacle of Grand Junction Scenic Drives: Rim Rock Drive, Colorado National Monument
Distance: 23 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Colorado National Monument, part of the National Park Service (NPS), is often called the “mini–Grand Canyon.” Couple that with the fact that there are no crowds, unlike other NPS sites in Colorado and the country, and you can look forward to a peaceful day of driving and hiking. Rim Rock Drive’s 23 miles of majestic views are known as one of the grandest scenic drives in the American West. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s with mostly simple hand tools. There are 19 well-marked viewpoints, with easy parking, along the route and 14 hiking trails (some as short as a half mile). If you leisurely drive along Rim Rock Drive and make a few stops, you can experience the park in less than two hours. It’s like hiking from your car!
The best way to experience all there is to see in Colorado National Monument is to plan a half day in this unique natural wonder. Be sure to stop at the Upper Ute Canyon Overlook pull-off (it’s on the right side as you drive up Rim Rock Drive from the Grand Junction East Entrance), walk to the left of the “mummy,” and yell! We guarantee you will be surprised and delighted.
Keep your eyes focused on the road—it’s curvy and you will likely spot bighorn sheep climbing the walls and walking along the roadside! As you drive, you will see enormous spires and cliffs jutting out from the ground and reaching far into the clouds. That is two million years of erosion you are looking at!
Autumn’s comfortably warm daytime temperatures are very pleasant for hiking and a picnic in Colorado National Monument. If you are a night owl, evenings are cool and perfect for clear night sky viewing—the Milky Way will be in full view.
Grand Junction, Colorado Lodging Options
With affordable lodging options & numerous vacation homes, now is the time to make plans to visit Grand Junction before fall passes you by. Restaurants have specialty menus incorporating local produce, and nightlife is bustling!
Find more autumn adventures and activities on pages 5, 13, and 30 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide!