The diversity of the flora in Grand Junction is best seen in the spring and summer, when buds are busting all over the area.
Spring Blossoms, East Orchard Mesa- Abundant, sweet-smelling blossoms in beautiful shades of pink, white, and red are emerging in the orchards surrounding Grand Junction. The fruit trees are blooming earlier than normal this year due to an unusually mild winter and warm spring. In order to catch a glimpse of the orchards during their peak blossoming period, make plans to visit in early to mid-April.
Colorado National Monument, Canyon Rim Trail – Visitors can enjoy the beautiful cliffrose and yucca blooms at the majestic Colorado National Monument in late spring or early Summer. A popular short trail perfect for viewing wildflowers is Canyon Rim Trail, which starts right outside the back door of the Visitor Center and follows the cliff edge for half of a mile above spectacular Wedding Canyon. The Colorado National Monument is home to over 100 species of native wildflowers. Evening primrose, prickly pear, and gilia blossoms are visible on the Colorado National Monument this time of year. June begins with colorful cacti ranging from yellow, red, and peach to rich magenta.
Grand Mesa, Lands End Road - Lands End road twists its way to the top of the Grand Mesa as part of the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, CO 65, from Cedaredge to Mesa. For two wonderful overlooks, visitors should be sure to hike the Land-O-Lakes Overlook or visit the Lands End Observatory. Along the byway, travelers pass through various scenery changes. Start in a desert canyon, and as the byway navigates to the top of the mesa, enjoy aspen foothills, lakes, alpine forests, lily ponds and meadows bursting with wildflowers. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these wonders.
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area: Rabbit Valley - McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA) is in the high desert canyon country of western Colorado and eastern Utah. Located thirty miles west of Grand Junction, the Rabbit Valley Recreation Area is an expanse of 24 square miles, high-mountain desert terrain of McInnis Canyons NCA. Found growing among wind-sculpted sandstone, wildflowers add a welcome burst of color. And with the elements to contend with, these flowering plants are as hearty as they are colorful. The Bureau of Land Management operates this area, where visitors can enjoy wildflowers in a multitude of ways. Mariposa lily, double bladderpod, globemallow, Jones’ blue star, and grand buckwheat are some of the wildflowers that bloom in McInnis Canyons.
Western Colorado Botanical Gardens - The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens is a paradise found with over 600 exotic tropical plants from around the world. As the temperatures warm up and the flowers start to bloom, the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens in Grand Junction has several events planned for summer visitors. Garden Groove, a summer concert series held at the gardens, gives visitors a great occasion to enjoy music and beautiful flowers. Outdoor gardens include the Rose, Herb, Native, Western Heritage and Children's Secret Garden.
Twitter
Facebook