Photo by: Carla S. Dekalb
9 Minute Read
There is a place in Colorado that is somewhat unexpected - no crowds, affordable lodging, friendly locals, and a variety of outdoor activities from mild to wild. It’s where winter adventure takes on a whole new meaning. In Grand Junction, you can enjoy all the snow sports you expect in Colorado, and also hike in sneakers and mountain bike on dry trails. The western side of the state provides vast snowy alpine terrain juxtaposed with dramatic high desert, creating two seasons in one!
We've gathered the best winter fun for your next visit - check out the below activities complete with where to go and what to expect.
SKI OR SNOWBOARD
Pack up your gear and take the short 45-minute scenic drive from Grand Junction to Powderhorn Mountain Resort. This affordable family-friendly resort offers some of the best glade skiing in Colorado - all without the crowds and traffic. From groomed runs to extreme tree skiing, you can shred fresh powder suited to any skill level.
At Powderhorn Mountain Resort, you don’t need a Patagonia label to fit in. Whether you are just learning freestyle terrain or looking to catch some major airtime, Powderhorn is a super friendly and approachable ski area to hang with the locals at - Carhartts and all!
Powderhorn Mountain Resort
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Cost:
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Tentative Opening Day: Early December 2025
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Closing Day: April 2026
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Chair Lifts: 4; 1 High Speed, 2 Doubles, 1 Surface
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Base Elevation: 8,200 ft., Summit Elevation: 9,850 ft., Vertical Drop: 1,650 ft.
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Average Snowfall: 250 in.
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Parking: 48338 Powderhorn Rd, Mesa, CO 81643
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Within walking distance of chairlifts
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Downhill Ski/Snowboard
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Level of difficulty: 20% Beginner, 50% Intermediate, and 30% Advanced/Expert
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Number of Runs: 45
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Lower Peace Park (Beginner)
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Beginner boxes and rails
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Accessed by Flat Top Flyer Chair Lift
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Upper Peace Park (Expert)
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3-jump line, advanced boxes and rails
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Accessed by Easy Rider Chair Lift and Flat Top Flyer Chair Lift
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BACK-COUNTRY SKI
Powderhorn Mountain Resort Uphill Skiing
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Cost: $19 Day Pass or $59 Season Pass
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Location: Grand Mesa
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During operating hours (9 am - 4 pm): Uphill access is restricted to the hiker’s right (downhill skier’s left) of Dude, Tenderfoot, Red Eye, Maverick, and Greenhorn to the bottom of the Wonderbump racecourse
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Outside of operating hours (4 pm - 9 am): Uphill access is restricted to Bill's Run.
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Parking: 48338 Powderhorn Rd, Mesa, CO 81643
Earn your turns! Powderhorn Mountain Resort can also be enjoyed by those looking to skin up for a rewarding trip back down the mountain. Please be sure to read the resort’s Uphill Policy before you go. Discover expansive views on the largest flat-top mountain in the world!
Mesa Creek Back Country Ski Area
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa
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Runs: 13
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Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 ft
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Parking: Old Mesa Ski Hill
Just a few miles past Powderhorn Mountain Resort, you will find the Mesa Creek Backcountry Ski Area. This abandoned ski area is best known for its deep glade skiing and lack of avalanche activity. However, always check avalanche conditions before heading out. The tranquil tree-lined runs capture winter’s solitude, filled with magical snowflakes dancing around you.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI
Dog Loop
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa
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Length: 2 miles
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Difficulty: Easy/Beginner
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Pets: Allowed but controlled
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Time to complete: 1 Hour
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Parking: County Line Ski Trailhead
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Bring Fido along on this groomed trail while you immerse yourself in the snow-capped pines. This easy and beginner-friendly loop is a perfect way to spend a day in the snow. The pups are sure to bounce around in the snow and have as much fun as their owners in this winter playground.
Vista Valley
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa
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Length: 3.6 miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Pets: Not Allowed
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Time to complete: 2 Hours
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Amenities: Warming Hut
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Parking: Skyway Ski Trailhead
Spend your day gliding along some freshly groomed corduroy on the Vista Valley trail and finish off your day at the warming hut telling stories with the others who willingly share their best tips and trail recommendations around Grand Junction. Standing atop the world's largest flat-top mountain feels like looking out from a natural winter balcony.
SNOWSHOEING
Ward Creek Trail System
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa
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Number of trails: 17
The Grand Mesa is the largest flat-top mountain in the world, so if you prefer to hike in complete solitude, it’s easy to find. If you are seeking a truly remote adventure, check out the Lost Lake Trail below. Prefer the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts? Snowshoe along the Ward Creek Trail System, where you’ll still enjoy the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors, but with a little extra energy and shared adventure to make the experience even more memorable.
Note: If you plan to snowshoe on a cross-country ski trail, please stay on the edges of the trail and walk in a single-file line to avoid collisions with skiers and damage to the trails. It is recommended that snowshoers only use the Ward Lake Trail System when using the Grand Mesa Nordic Ski trail areas on the Grand Mesa. Click here for a map of the Grand Mesa Nordic Ski Trail areas.
Skyway Snowshoe Trail
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa
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Length: 1.24 miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Pets: Not Allowed
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Time to complete: 1 Hour
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Bonus: Warming Hut
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Parking: Skyway Ski Trailhead
This designated snowshoe trail was recently revived by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council, a non-profit who professionally maintains and manages all the cross-country ski trails on the Grand Mesa. Take this trail to view vistas of the surrounding area including Powderhorn Mountain Resort, the Colorado River and the Grand Junction area.
Lost Lake Trail
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa
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Length: 4 miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Pets: Allowed with a leash
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Time to complete: 3 Hours
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Parking: Mesa Lakes Trailhead
This popular trail in the summer is just as magical covered in snow. With an elevation gain of about 550 feet, the Lost Lake trail takes you and your furry friend shoreside of both South Mesa Lake and Lost Lake, surrounding you with views of dazzling frozen lakes.
ICE FISHING
James M. Robb - Connected Lakes Section
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Cost: $9 Daily Vehicle Pass, $4 Individual Daily Pass (non-vehicle), Annual Pass: $80 Affixed Annual Pass, $120 Annual Hang Tag Pass, $70 Aspen Leaf Annual Pass (64+)
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Location: Grand Junction
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Ease of access: Easy
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Fish species: Largemouth Bass, Black Bullhead Catfish, Common Carp, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Green Sunfish
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Parking: James M. Robb – Connected Lakes Section
If you’re looking for an easily accessible lake filled with a variety of fish species, Connected Lakes is a Grand Junction favorite. Grab a coffee from Kiln Coffee Bar or the retro chic Copeka Coffee and enjoy the warm beverage while relaxing lake-side. Just 2 miles from Downtown Grand Junction, this lake offers great ice fishing and peaceful views of nature.
Mesa Lake
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa
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Ease of access: Moderate
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Length of hike: 0.3 miles
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Fish Species: Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
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Parking: Mesa Lakes Lodge
Enjoy a leisurely hike to Mesa Lake on the Grand Mesa. This is an easy trek where you can check out of reality and check in with nature’s solitude. Escape to serene snow-dusted forests paired with panoramic views.
Note: Check to make sure you have a valid fishing license prior to dropping your hook in. Visit Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s website to get your fishing license.
SLED & TUBE
Photo By: Myra Gaither
Old Powderhorn
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa
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Slope: Intermediate
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Parking: Old Mesa Ski Hill
Known as Old Powderhorn, this ski hill used to be the go-to place for skiers before Powderhorn Mountain Resort opened. Now, this epic slope is a staple for locals and guests who are looking to catch some speed on their favorite tube or sled. It’s a true piece of Grand Junction nostalgia and will induce giggles from the whole family each run.
Ward Creek Reservoir
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa
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Slope: Beginner
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Parking: Ward Creek Trailhead
If you are looking for an area that is less crowded and not as steep as Old Powderhorn yet still offers amazing sledding opportunities, check out the sled hill just west of Ward Creek Reservoir Hill. Park in the Ward Creek Reservoir parking area and head west across Highway 65.
ICE SKATING
Mack Mesa
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Cost: $9 Daily Vehicle Pass, $4 Individual Daily Non-Vehicle Pass, Annual Pass: $80 Affixed Annual Pass, $120 Annual Hang Tag Pass, $70 Aspen Leaf Annual Pass (64+)
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Location: Highline Lake State Park
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Parking: Mack Mesa Parking Lot
Embrace the sunshine and the beauty of Colorado while skating outside on Mack Mesa Lake in Highline State Park. This small lake is easily accessed from the parking lots on either side of the lake and is perfect for a family day out on the blades. Only 30 minutes from Grand Junction, this state park offers a day under the warm sun with sweeping views of the Book Cliffs.
River City Sportsplex
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Admission cost: $8.00
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Skate rental cost: $4.00
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Location: Grand Junction, just 2 miles from Downtown
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Indoor Public Skate and Cosmic Skate
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Parking: 2515 Riverside Pkwy, Grand Junction, CO 81501
If you prefer to skate indoors, head over to River City Sportsplex in Grand Junction for a public skate session or check out a cosmic skate session complete with disco lights. This is an affordable adventure that will have the whole family laughing and making memories together. Skate rentals are only $5.00 and can be rented at the rink.
SNOWMOBILING TRAILS IN GRAND JUNCTION
For those seeking an exhilarating ride through Colorado’s winter wonderland, snowmobiling in Grand Junction offers the perfect adventure. With over 150 miles of trails winding through the rugged terrain of the Grand Mesa and surrounding areas, you’ll experience snow-covered landscapes and spectacular mountain views. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there are plenty of trails to suit all skill levels. Rent a snowmobile from Adrenaline Driven Adventures Tours & Rentals to explore the beauty of this unique region from a whole new perspective. Get ready for an unforgettable day zooming through snow-covered forests and alpine meadows!
Snowmobiling Trails
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Grand Mesa’s Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Mesa, Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail
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Trails: 800 square miles of groomed trails
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Cost: Free
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Location: Dave Wood Snowmobile Trailhead and ending at Forest Road 402
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Trails: 1.2 million-acre area
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White River National Forest Trails
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Cost: Free
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Location: White River National Forest
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Trails: 2.3 million acres
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WINTER HIKING
Otto's Trail
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Cost: $25 per non-commercial vehicle, $20 motorcycle pass, $15 per individual (hiker, bicyclist)
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Location: Colorado National Monument
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Length: 0.8 miles
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Difficulty: Easy
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Time to complete: 30 minutes
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Parking: Otto’s Trailhead
Put your snow boots away because hiking in Colorado National Monument during the winter most often requires only hiking boots or a good pair of sneakers with decent tread. The lower elevation, sunny climate and red sandstone keeps this area warm and inviting year-round, making it perfect for winter hiking, and exploring when much of Colorado is blanketed in snow. Check out Otto’s Trail as it leads you to stunning views of both Monument Canyon and Wedding Canyon.
No Thoroughfare Canyon
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Cost: $25 per non-commercial vehicle, $20 motorcycle pass, $15 per individual (hiker, bicyclist)
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Location: Colorado National Monument
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Length: 5.6 miles out & back
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Time to complete: 2.5 Hours
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Parking: Devil’s Kitchen Trailhead
If you are looking for more of a challenge, No Thoroughfare Canyon meets that expectation. Although this hike is more difficult than most hikes in Colorado National Monument, the reward of a jaw-dropping frozen waterfall at the end is definitely worth it. Make sure to download a map of this trail before heading out as it is called No Thoroughfare for a reason. Hiking with a friend is highly encouraged.
WINTER MOUNTAIN BIKING
Rustler's Loop
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Junction
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Length: 3.9 miles
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Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
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Parking: Rustler's Loop Trailhead
Trails remain mostly dry throughout the winter season in the lower elevations, meaning that you can enjoy a two-wheel adventure. As a perfect ride for beginners looking to be challenged, yet not intimidated, Rustler's Loop as a variety of terrain that helps introduce new riders to the sport. Take in the beauty of the scenery and the Colorado River, which flows just below the rim's edge.
Photo by: Owen Grady
Chutes & Ladders Loop
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Cost: Free
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Location: Grand Junction
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Length: 6.9 miles
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Difficulty: Intermediate/Difficult
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Parking: Main Parking Lot - Lower Lot
While Chutes & Ladders Loop does include some steep uphill sections that will challenge your lung and leg strength, there are plenty of opportunities to open up as it quickly becomes fast and flowy with few hazards and surprises to watch out for.
APRÈS CRAFT BEVERAGE SCENE
Carlson Vineyards Downtown Tasting Room
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Cost: $10 Wine Flight
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Address: 545 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
After enjoying Downtown Grand Junction’s art scene, framed by over 115 outdoor sculptures and murals, stop into Carlson Vineyards Downtown Tasting Room for a wine flight and a bottle or two. One of their most popular wines is the peach wine made from Palisade Peaches.
Trail Life Brewing Company
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Address: 436 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Satisfy your adrenaline-induced hunger after a day playing in the snow at Trail Life Brewing Company. Quench your thirst with a house-brewed beer like the Rowdy’s Revival Blonde or the Mountaineer IPA. The Colorado Burger is hearty enough to tackle your appetite and get you refueled. Sharing a space with this hip brewery is The Gear Junction, which is an outdoor consignment store that sells new and used high-end gear for camping, cycling, rafting, skiing, and more.
Clark and Co’s Distillery
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Address: 3926 US-6, Palisade, CO 81526
Clark and Co’s Distillery serves up deliciously crafted cocktails with views of the Book Cliffs, alongside the Colorado River. Sip on a delicious cocktail like the Butterfly Lemonade made with butterfly gin, lavender, lemonade and topped with a fresh lemon or try out four different infused moonshines in a moonshine flight.
WHERE TO RENT:
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Rentals: Downhill Skis, Cross-country Skis, Snowboard Rentals, Snowshoes
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Address: 2822 North Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
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Rentals: Mountain Bikes, Biking Gear
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Address: 537 North 1st Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
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Rentals: Mountain Bikes, Biking Gear
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Address: 549 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
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Rentals: Mountain Bikes
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Address: 401 Colorado Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Powderhorn Mountain Resort Rental Shop
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Rentals: Downhill Skis, Snowboards, Snow Gear
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Address: 48338 Powderhorn Rd, Mesa, CO 81643
Where to purchase sleds and tubes (no rentals available):
For more ways to experience Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.