Grand Junction experiences spring earlier than the rest of Colorado thanks to its high desert terrain and warm temperatures, which literally begins in March. The tulips and daffodils have already begun blooming, so you can explore the Grand Junction area without worrying about the snow or cold weather.
What is Grand Junction like in the spring?
Grand Junction is known for being a different side of Colorado. Due to the high desert climate, temperatures in March begin rising toward 60 degrees, with April averaging high 60’s and May in the low 70’s. Evening temperatures do not drop below freezing, making comfortably warm spring adventures – especially while the rest of the state is still experiencing winter conditions.
Why does Grand Junction have such a warm spring season? It all comes down to location and climate. Grand Junction is located on high desert land, giving it a semi-arid climate and an average of 242 sunny days per year, this explains why Grand Junction’s spring starts earlier than other parts of the state.
Colorado Spring Activities Around Grand Junction
Many of Grand Junction’s attractions can be enjoyed year-round, but here are a few that are particularly enjoyable in the spring. Join the locals and guests in Downtown Grand Junction while you view over 115 sculptures and murals that line the sidewalks. Finding cafes, boutique shopping spots, and fun DIY shops like candlemaking, pottery, and painting are all within walking distance. For the outdoor adventurist, recreating outside includes hiking, biking, OHV’ing, water sports, and climbing. Here are a few other popular activities around Grand Junction that truly shine in the springtime.
Visit Colorado’s Fruit Capital
Grand Junction is known for its rich, fertile soil that provides a perfect environment for growing all types of fruit, like peaches, cherries, apples, apricots, and grapes. This has also made it the ideal spot for crafting wine. The Grand Junction area has over thirty wineries and tasting rooms, each with its own character and vibe.
There are many ways to experience Grand Junction’s wine scene. On a clear spring day, rent an e-bike from Palisade Cycle & Shuttle and cruise from one renowned winery to another. Sip a glass of local wine surrounded by nature and enjoy the fresh spring air, creating a magical memory. The stunning vistas along the ride add to your day’s adventure. For a more unique experience, sign up for a horse-drawn carriage wine tour that takes you along country roads to various vineyards and wineries.
Explore the Colorado National Monument
Open year-round, the Colorado National Monument is a great springtime destination, especially for those who love outdoor adventure. Known for its deep canyons and majestic red rock formations, the Monument has over 43 miles of scenic hiking trails for you to be immersed in its unique landscape.
Trails are dry while the melting snow flows down the canyon walls creating waterfalls and natural pools. The No Thoroughfare Canyon trail leads you through sandstone formations and is particularly well-known for its refreshing springtime water features. Whether you’re on foot, road bike, or horseback, the Colorado National Monument is well worth exploring this spring.
Enjoy the Springtime Blossoms and Blooms
As winter fades to spring, a vibrant color palette shines through Grand Junction’s landscapes in the form of blossoms and blooms. Fruit orchards that dot the countryside around Grand Junction start to bud in April and finish flowering by mid-May. The deep pink-colored peach blossoms and the vibrant greens contrast perfectly with the light pink of the apple tree blossoms, transforming local orchards into stunning backdrops. Don’t fret if you miss the blossoms this year; the fruit begins to grow in early June, and the tasty reward is worth the wait.
Springtime is also when cacti and many other species of wildflowers start to bloom and display vibrant colors throughout the summer. On a hike, look for white primrose petals and purple gilia blossoms. If you plan to visit a little later in the season, prickly pear and other cacti erupt into beautiful yellow, pink and red flowers that decorate the trails, making your hiking experience colorful and unique. You can also stop by the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens in Grand Junction to explore various local and exotic plant species.
Springtime in Grand Junction
Spring is a great time to visit the area, particularly if you want to explore unique landscapes without the crowds. Check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide for more travel ideas and help planning your visit to Grand Junction, Colorado.