Trying to fit in as much as possible on a vacation can be rewarding, but when life gets too busy, sometimes the best thing is to embrace a slower, more relaxed and intentional vacation. Slower travel is an emerging trend in tourism, emphasizing a leisurely and immersive approach to traveling that is more about building connections than ticking items off a list. For those seeking that change of pace, Grand Junction is the ideal destination, offering a number of restorative activities, soothing time in nature and relaxing getaways in Colorado. The charming small-town feel and a population just over 70,000 creates the ideal backdrop for a stress-free and rejuvenating escape in Grand Junction. If you're aiming to refresh culturally, physically, or mentally, this mountain town has everything you need for a relaxing respite.
Wellness retreats in Colorado
One way to plan a relaxing getaway is to focus on wellness. Nurturing wellness can look very different from person to person. Grand Junction Adventures offers guided trips and relaxing meditation and yoga sessions. Float on Butterfly Pond, or drift along the Colorado River, and find your peace surrounded by soothing water. They also offer guided trips if you prefer to slow down on a trail. They will hike with you through Colorado National Monument, or choose a mountain bike ride that is catered to your riding ability from easy desert terrain at Lunch Loops to a moderate ride in the lush forest at Turkey Flats.
Salons and Spas
For the spa lovers among us, one of the most famous wellness retreats in Colorado is the Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa. The scenic one-hour drive from Grand Junction brings you to the pristine resort which is nestled within a stunning red rock canyon. Gateway offers a variety of high-end luxury massages and body treatments.
For a more local spa day, Flora Holistic Salon, on Main Street in Downtown Grand Junction, offers a head spa for ultimate relaxation. The service transports you, and your scalp, into a state of bliss using hydrotherapy and traditional massage techniques. Who doesn’t love a head massage?
Another spa that offers multiple ways to relax is Body Therapeutics & Medical Massage. Aside from the traditional facial, massage, and infrared sauna, this deluxe spa hosts a salt grotto with a Halogenerator. Other unique offerings include floatation therapy, cryotherapy, and an oxygen lounge. You can expect premium calming experiences at Body Therapeutics in a setting that transports you as soon as you step inside. Single massages range from $55 to $159 for sessions between 30 minutes and two hours. There are 11 different facials to choose from. The Sea Calm facial, at $109, is a soothing, gentle cleanse to reduce redness, while the XMF Youth Revealing Facial, at $189, incorporates age defiance with Pro-Youth massage to plump the skin and smooth wrinkles.
Relax in nature
One of the top reasons people from across the world come to Grand Junction is to experience nature, from the red rock canyons of Colorado National Monument, to the scenic Grand Mesa, to the Uncompahgre National Forest. For those looking to slow down a bit, there are many hikes that encourage you to “stop and smell the flowers”, like the Canyon Rim Trail, a one-mile out-and-back trail that is great for spotting wildlife and flora as well as taking in panoramic views.
A stunning, serene, and remote trail atop the Grand Mesa, is Lost Lake Trail, a 3.4 mile out-and-back trail, that is an easy route, and leads to one of the sparkling 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa. Pack in a picnic and relax underneath warm sunshine, listening to the symphony of birds in surrounding trees as the water glistens around you.
For a tranquil walk or bike ride at your own pace, there is the paved Colorado Riverfront Trail, which allows you to saunter along the Colorado River, with calming sounds of water beside you and birds chirping overhead - perfect for a peaceful walk or journaling session.
Take a trip to Miracle Rock in Glade Park for stargazing, a meditative activity that can really put things into perspective. Plus, the fact that this several ton rock seems to be balancing on just a few inches will be a perfect distraction from the complexities you are grappling with in life.
For more ways to de-stress in nature, check out these spots for waterfalls in Grand Junction. After all, there are proven health benefits to spending time in nature, with studies showing that even brief exposure can lower stress and improve moods.
Indulge your taste buds
One of the best ways to slow down is to settle into a unique eatery and enjoy the food. Grand Junction has many well-loved establishments where you can indulge your taste buds, quench your thirst, and relax in a cozy atmosphere.
At Devil’s Kitchen, located atop Hotel Maverick as a rooftop restaurant, you can combine rich foods with stunning sunset views with Colorado National Monument as the backdrop. Their ingredients are regionally sourced and change seasonally. Try their Apple Butter Seared Salmon, $32, with saffron rice, sautéed spinach, fennel-radish salad and maple mustard sauce for a mouth-watering experience. The Devil’s Burger, $19, combines roasted green chilis, bacon onion jam, white cheddar cheese, herb aioli, lettuce, and tomato on a brioche bun with potato dippers.
For a truly indulgent culinary experience in an always welcoming setting, head to 626 on Rood, a bistro known for its seasonal menus, local ingredients, and extensive wine list. Unlike bustling big city restaurants, you won’t be pressured to enjoy your meal in a limited time frame. Delight in exquisite entrees like escargots, $16, or the Chilean Sea Bass, $47, paired with apple fennel arancini, saffron beurre blanc, tarragon oil, and asparagus. Save room for dessert with classic crème brûlèe, $14, or the cherry almond cake, $14.
For a leisurely meal and a farm-to-fork menu, look no further than Cafe Sol, which specializes in nutritious brunches. From paninis to salads, or the breakfast menu, served from 8 am-11 am daily, their meals will dazzle your tastebuds. The chicken bacon ranch panini, $16, blends grilled chicken, green chillis, bacon, and more to a delightful combination.
Grand Junction, a relaxing destination for all
Whether your idea of a relaxing getaway includes calming spa treatments, nature walks, or exquisite dining—and especially if it includes all three—Grand Junction is the place to go. To learn more about what slow and relaxing travel activities and excursions are available, check out the Grand Junction Adventure Guide.