Photo by: Riley Hufford
Due to the high-desert climate and location on the western side of Colorado, Grand Junction’s seasons run a little longer than other destinations. Lucky for you, this means there is plenty of time for more summer adventures! Grand Junction’s landscapes are vastly different than other areas of the state – from Colorado National Monument, known as a mini-Grand Canyon to the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world – the scenery is unexpected and breathtaking.
Temperatures are still comfortably warm in the day and cool off in the evening. Bonus: You can afford to stay an extra night or two because Grand Junction’s 31 hotels offer affordable rates currently averaging $60 - $275 per night. It’s the perfect time for a summer getaway, and we crafted the ideal itinerary to make things extra easy for you!
Day One: Full Day of Relaxing River Rafting
Morning and Afternoon
Jump-start your day at the Coffee Trader with a perfectly brewed cup of joe from their curated selection of single-origin coffee. This coffee ranges from rich, chocolatey notes from Guatemala to bright, citrusy hints from Ethiopia. Complement your drink with a warm breakfast burrito filled with egg and cheese, bacon, ham or sausage, or indulge with a fresh, baked-in-house muffin, Danish, or scone. Enjoy the calm atmosphere and marvel at the “silly” images of dogs and cats that will top off your brew with a morning giggle! Running late or on the go? Swing by the drive-through and fuel up for a full day on the water.
Grand Junction Adventures and Rimrock Adventures offer full-day trips, but make sure to schedule in advance, as the trips start early in the morning. The eight-hour float down the Colorado River is the calm section of the river and is only Class I and II rapids. The current doesn’t get stirred up until you cross over to Utah. Make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks. Safety gear, like personal flotation devices, is provided.
Photo by: Karrin Melton
If you’re floating with Grand Junction Adventures, lunch will be made and catered riverside at the perfect scenic spot. Sandwiches and wraps are served with chips, veggies, a sweet treat, and a drink of your choice! Julie floated with Grand Junction Adventures a month ago and shared: “What a great day on the river! It was so relaxing to have everything taken care of - all day. I felt safe and comfortable. Both raft operators were friendly and efficient. The lunch buffet was excellent! We will do it again soon. Thank you!”
Although tipping is not required, keep in mind that your fabulous guide just got you down the Colorado River without losing a paddle (or a passenger) — not to mention the local lore, canyon jokes, secret cliff jumps, and surprise splash attacks. It’s the norm around here and a great way to say, “Thanks for the ride — and the memories!” It’s a feel-good moment for both of you, we promise.
Evening
After a full day on the water, swing by Downtown Grand Junction and stop in at Pour Fellows for dining+drafts+drinks. This gastropub grills up homemade comfort food in a casual setting with loads of TV’s and the largest patio in Downtown Grand Junction. The Show Me the Meatloaf is especially delicious as a poblano stuffed meatloaf served with house beef and onion gravy, or enjoy a classic Grilled Cheese and Hot Tomato Soup. Get your greens in with the Bleu Cheese Cole Slaw, yum! Quench your thirst with over 20 brews on tap, as well as wines, whiskeys, or cocktails. Try the Creamsicle Dream with whipped vodka, O.J., cream, and topped with ginger ale or the Jalapeno Blackberry Margarita made with fresh muddled jalapenos, tequila, triple sec, blackberry syrup, and house-made margarita mix with a cajun rim.
Day Two: Discover Downtown and Enjoy Sunset Views
Morning
Enjoy a relaxing morning Downtown on the patio with steamy fresh-brewed coffee and warm sunshine. Dream Café serves sweets, savory dishes and sandwiches for a good sleep-in morning. The Cinnamon Roll French Toast is mouthwatering, made with homemade cinnamon rolls that are baked daily, ensuring freshness, alongside two eggs, dream potatoes, and your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage. For a more savory option, try the Florentine Scramble with 3 eggs, spinach, dried tomatoes, mushrooms, shredded Parmesan, toast, and dream potatoes.
Another popular Downtown spot is Café Sol, which focuses on locally sourced fresh foods. Breakfast is served from 8:00 am-11:00 am. The breakfast burrito is a local favorite or choose a lighter option like the Breakfast Salad with two eggs, mixed greens, kale, quinoa, red onions, tomato, sauerkraut, sunflower seeds and the house vinaigrette.
Afternoon
Stroll Downtown and pop into local shops, like The Hog and The Hen and The Candytime Shoppe, for a quick sweet candy pick-me-up like refreshing ice-cream, chewy taffy, or decadent chocolate. If lunch fare is what you are craving, check out Grand Junction’s first brewery establishment, The Rockslide Restaurant & Brewery. They have a large patio with lots of shade and umbrellas. Start off with a light appetizer like the Mesa Verde Spring Rolls with creamy tomatillo and pineapple habanero sauces, paired with a glass of the Raspberry Wheat, or, for a larger lunch, try the Ahi Tacos with blackened or sesame-encrusted seared ahi, with cabbage and a side of pineapple pico.
Continue on your stroll throughout Main Street and try to spot as many of the 115 art pieces and murals as you can as part of Art on the Corner. The program was one of the nation’s first public-art initiatives—now showcasing famous works of art in steel, bronze, marble, and stone. Most of the art is a permanent collection; however, well over a dozen new sculptures rotate in every year to keep the display new and exciting. As you stroll along Main Street, each piece—from a gleaming chrome buffalo to a frog that you must kiss—brings history, whimsy, and community spirit to life in unexpected corners of the city. Many of the sculptures are meant to be played with or hopped on, so don’t be shy!
Evening
As the sun begins to set, head to Hotel Maverick’s rooftop bar, Devil’s Kitchen, and enjoy the best view in town with Colorado National Monument as the backdrop. Try the Beef Short Ribs that are cherry braised, served with Boursin mashed potatoes, farmer’s market vegetables, and a local red wine demi glaze, or the Colorado Paella with venison sausage, shrimp, chicken, peppers, onions, spicy tomato sauce, and saffron rice. There are two new cocktails to choose from: the CO Cherry Cosmo, a mix of vodka, orange liqueur, cherry, and lime juice with simple syrup; and David’s Grand J., a mix of vanilla vodka, cold brew, espresso liqueur, simple syrup, and topped with famous Enstrom’s toffee crumbles.
Photo by: Sara Victoria Kiser
Now that you are fueled up, make the most of the longer days and explore Colorado National Monument (CNM). While you’ve seen it from the rooftop, you will experience an even more majestic panorama once you enter! You can “hike from your car” along the 23-mile, scenic Rim Rock Drive, which takes you through the twists, turns, and tunnels along the stunning red rock canyons. There are many pull-offs along the way with mini lots to park in so you can walk just a few steps to see the overlooks and witness why it is called the “mini-Grand Canyon.” If you feel like taking a short, sunset hike, Canyon Rim Trail is a 0.5-mile trail that, as it sounds, meanders along the rim of the CNM. You can watch as the sun descends over the red rocks with golden hues or check out these other places to watch the sunsets and sunrises in Grand Junction.
After a stunning hike, squeeze in a nightcap at SoCo Social House in Downtown Grand Junction. Enjoy delicious craft beverages in a historic, red brick 1906 Coors warehouse – you can easily imagine the history that has unfolded within its walls, from the early days of Colorado’s brewing heritage to today’s lively social scene. Taste the flavors of their specialty cocktails, like the Strawberry Rhubarb Gimlet with vodka, strawberry rhubarb wine, strawberry syrup and rosemary bitters; or kick back and relax with a local craft beer, like the Dirty Hippie. SoCo is open every day from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm with live music every other Friday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Day Three: Enjoy solitude in Higher Altitudes on the Grand Mesa
Morning
Wake up in the morning and grab a cup of java and a hearty breakfast from Main Street Bagels. Choose from their famous bagels, or other baked goods, including breads, cinnamon rolls, scones, and gluten-free muffins. Pair these with your favorite latte, or a smoothie like their Four Berry smoothie with raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. The Super Vitality Smoothie is protein packed with berries, banana, nutrient boost, protein powder, oat bran, and wheat germ. Bonus: Main Street Bagels, loves furry friends, so bring fido in and treat them to some homemade doggie biscuits!
After breakfast, pick up a rented fishing rod, paddleboard or canoe and enjoy the calming waters as you settle in the cooler temperatures on the Grand Mesa, only a 45-minute drive east of Downtown. To enhance your relaxation, pack a picnic and listen to the soothing sounds of birds and other wildlife as you snack at Mesa Lakes Picnic Site, or bring a blanket and choose your own spot among the mature aspen trees providing you shade and beautiful sounds from the rustling leaves.
Try your luck at reeling in a rainbow, brook, or cutthroat trout at Cottonwood Lake, or drift along on a gentle float in the crystal waters at Deep Ward Lake. You can also wander along serene trails, under tree canopies with glistening waters around you. Mesa Lakes Trail, 3.2 miles, and Lost Lake Trail, 3.4 miles, are both easy paths to explore, and take about an hour and a half to complete, leaving you with stunning vistas of blue and green lakes. If you’re up for more of a challenge, Crag Crest National Recreation Trail is a very popular hike, clocking in at 10.4 miles. This trail gives you breathtaking views overlooking the Grand Mesa, tree-covered shady areas, and even peeks at surrounding lakes.
For more things to do in Grand Junction and affordable lodging, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor’s Guide.