Explore Three Distinct Landscapes in One Trip
Just five miles from Downtown Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument sets the stage with towering red-rock formations, steep canyon walls and sweeping desert views. Drive or cycle the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, stopping at overlooks along the way to take in the scenery. When you're ready to explore on foot, choose from a variety of hiking trails that range from short walks to more challenging routes.
East of Grand Junction, Grand Mesa rises above 10,000 feet and spans more than 500 square miles. Known as the world's largest flat-top mountain, it is home to more than 300 lakes surrounded by national forest. Follow the 63-mile Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, spend time on the trails or head to the water for fishing, swimming and paddleboarding. In winter, Grand Mesa becomes a destination for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and other cold-weather adventures.
Rattlesnake Canyon Arches completes Nature's Trifecta. Located within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, the region is home to 35 natural arches clustered within a relatively small area. As the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world, Rattlesnake Arches offers a quieter hiking experience than many of the West's better-known arch destinations. Sandstone cliffs, alcoves and desert scenery create a landscape that feels remote and remarkably untouched. Read about different ways to reach the arches.
Choose Your Adventure
Trails, Views & Scenic Exploration
Beyond Nature's Trifecta, you'll find hiking trails that lead to fossil sites, historic landmarks, canyon overlooks and high-desert viewpoints. At Dinosaur Hill, follow a one-mile loop past the quarry where an Apatosaurus skeleton was discovered. The Mica Mine Trail covers 2.6 miles round-trip and leads to a historic mica and quartz mine tucked into Bangs Canyon. For more of a challenge, Mount Garfield climbs roughly 2,000 feet in four miles, rewarding hikers with expansive views where lush orchards and farms meet the surrounding high-desert landscape.
Check out the Outdoor Adventure Pass for maps and skill-level recommendations to help you choose the right adventure. Earn points as you check in at trails throughout the Grand Junction area, then redeem your points for prizes including food, drinks, sunglasses and more!
Cycling, Golf & Active Recreation
Grand Junction offers cyclists plenty of ground to cover. Local biking trails include mountain-bike singletrack and road bike rides around Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade, with options for different skill levels.
Golfers can book tee times at four area courses open to the public. Grand Junction golf ranges from a quick nine at Lincoln Park Golf Course to 18-hole rounds at Tiara Rado Golf Course and Redlands Mesa Golf Course. Chipeta adds an 18-hole executive option with more par-3 holes to keep the game moving quickly.
With four courses to choose from, beginners and experienced golfers will find a layout and playing length that fits their game.
Seasonal Outdoor Experiences
With a mild climate, comfortable temperatures, and approximately 250 days of sunshine annually, outdoor recreation remains part of everyday life in Grand Junction throughout the year.
Summer is perfect for spending time on the water. Paddle the Colorado River, fish one of Grand Mesa's many lakes or cool off with swimming, rafting and other water activities. When snow begins to fall on the Grand Mesa, outdoor recreation shifts to winter adventures like skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
The contrast between Downtown Grand Junction's comparatively mild winter weather and the nearby mountains makes it easy to combine snow sports with dining, shopping and other activities during the same trip.
Check Grand Junction's monthly weather forecast as you narrow down your dates. Then order the Visitor Guide for trail suggestions with ratings, Nature's Trifecta maps and itineraries. Use those ideas to mix outdoor plans with more things to do in Grand Junction during a multi-day stay.
