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It’s time to change up your holiday plans! Are you hoping for affordability, longing for a place with no crowds, and dreaming of a getaway that feels truly unique? Look no further! Discover Grand Junction’s hidden gems where you can relax, explore and enjoy all the extras without breaking the bank. Affordability and adventure is ready for you on the western side of Colorado.
Located between stunning red rock landscapes and majestic snow-capped mountains, Grand Junction provides a peaceful, scenic getaway from the holiday chaos. Whether you decide to bike alongside the mighty Colorado River, play a round of golf, or immerse yourself in the holiday lights Downtown, Grand Junction is the perfect holiday destination.
Bonus: There are over 300 vacation homes and the most affordable lodging in the state. With 32 hotels located throughout the city, there is room for all your friends and family to celebrate the holidays together!
Colorado Riverfront Trail
Unlike other parts of the state, most of Colorado’s famous outdoor adventures are enjoyed year-round in Grand Junction. Because of the lower elevation and temperate climate, snow doesn’t stick around very long in town, which is why cyclists and mountain bikers flock to Grand Junction in the winter. For a leisurely ride or stroll, visit the Colorado Riverfront Trail, which is scenic and peaceful. Stretching 23 miles and broken up into six different sections, the Riverfront Trail is just as amazing in the winter as it is in the summer. The paved trail meanders alongside the Colorado River and is perfect for those looking to escape the holiday mania and enjoy some relaxation in nature. There is even an Audubon Nature Preserve and most of the sections snake through the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park. Walk with your furry friend or rent an e-bike if you prefer a little extra help.
Year-round Golf
Grand Junction is one of the only destinations in Colorado where you can play golf year-round. The mild climate and minimal snowfall ensures you can get out on the greens no matter what time of the year it is. With four public golf courses ranging from a fun 9-hole course close to Downtown to USA Today’s 2024 Top Public Golf Course in Colorado, every golfer can experience a mix of casual and competitive play. If you’re looking for a spot to get some swings in without being outside, check out X-Golf - complete with indoor golf simulators and a full bar.
Do It Yourself
Need a break from your shopping spree? Sit back and unleash your inner artist with one of the many DIY spots in Grand Junction. Whether you plan to give your DIY creation as a gift or keep it for yourself, Grand Junction has a variety of DIY activities for you to enjoy. You can create your own custom-scented candle, paint your own piece of pottery, get messy in a splatter room or sip on some wine and let your brush glide across a canvas at one of Grand Junction’s many DIY shops and studios.
Downtown Grand Junction
The best part of spending the holiday season in Grand Junction is marveling at the festive lights as Downtown turns into a winter wonderland at night. Every year, the City of Grand Junction decorates the trees and bushes on Main Street with thousands of lights, creating the purest form of holiday magic. Start your Downtown adventure by stopping by Main Street Bagels, famous for its Polar Express Hot Chocolate and only available during the winter season. Over 115 outdoor sculptures and murals frame the streets of Downtown, illuminated by the holiday lights. This is also the perfect time to visit one of the many unique and boutique shops in Downtown, where locally-made crafts and rare holiday gifts make shopping a joy.
Bonus: Downtown hosts two of the biggest holiday events right on Main Street – Downtown Tree Lighting on November 16, 2024, and Parade of Lights on December 7, 2024.
Two-sport Destination
Ski and Bike
Grand Junction is also one of the only destinations in Colorado where you can hike and ski in the same day. Powderhorn Mountain Resort is only 45 minutes away and receives an average of over 250 inches of snowfall. This family-friendly resort is the most welcoming and affordable resort in the state. Locals love to chat it up with visitors and Carhartt’s are a welcome outfit adorning skiers. Sorry Patagonia! With four chair lifts, 45 runs and two terrain parks, Powderhorn (opening November 22, 2024) is everything you expect from a Colorado ski resort without the crowds. After you’ve had your fun on the hill, enjoy an après meal in Grand Junction before heading out on two wheels. With Lunch Loops Trail System just minutes from Downtown, it makes it easy to cap off your day with some technical turns and pedal-pushing fun.
Snowmobile and OHV
While Grand Junction is known for its world-class OHV trails and public land recreation areas, it is also the top snowmobiling destination in Colorado. Located just 45 minutes from Grand Junction, the Grand Mesa National Forest is the world’s largest flat-top mountain in the world. The high alpine elevation and extensive trail network consist of over 800 square miles with plenty of wide open terrain to get into fresh powder. The flat landscape and numerous drifted snow piles makes the Grand Mesa a snowmobiler’s playground. After blasting through snow drifts, head down to lower elevation and stir up dirt trails on the trails on a RZR or dirt bike. Seventy-six percent of the Grand Junction area is public land, totaling 1.5 million acres, so there are no crowds. For snowmobile rentals check out Adrenaline Driven Adventures Tours & Rentals. They also offer professionally guided tours on RZRs, dirt bikes, and even a slingshot. Their 5-star reviews speak volumes, including this comment from a recent guest: “My family and I booked a Uncompahgre full day RZR and Dirt bike tour. Our guide Lewis was awesome! He was a great guide/ dirt bike instructor. We all had a great time. Everyone at Adrenaline Driven Adventures was incredible knowledgeable and caring. I would highly recommend doing a full day tour. They offer so many locations that we will definitely be back!”
The holidays are best spent with the people you love, and Grand Junction is the perfect place to host those memories. For more ways to experience Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide. You will appreciate that there are no ads in this beautiful, high-end magazine.