Grand Junction, Colorado’s gem on the Western Slope, is a must-visit destination rich with captivating landscapes, delightful wines, juicy peaches, and much more. Let’s dive into the top things to do in Grand Junction to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
Colorado National Monument
Located just at 11 Rimrock Dr, Fruita, this masterpiece of nature charges $25 per car, $20 for motorcycles, and $15 for pedestrians and cyclists. The Colorado National Monument boasts breathtaking rock canyons and formations. The showstopper is Rim Rock Drive, a scenic route along the canyon edge with multiple overlooks and trails like Otto’s Trail, Canyon Rim Trail, Coke Ovens Trail, and Devil’s Kitchen Trail. Allocate several hours to fully savor this natural wonder.
Historic Downtown
Head to Main Street in Grand Junction for a charming stroll. This compact downtown area is packed with vibrant buildings, gardens, and public art installations like sculptures and murals. Enjoy shopping, dining in various coffee shops and cafes, and people-watching in this inviting urban space.
Eat at Great Restaurants
Grand Junction’s food scene is a delightful surprise. With a variety of cuisines from budget-friendly spots to upscale dining, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your taste buds. Favorites include Pablo’s Pizza, Bin 707, Devil’s Kitchen, and for breakfast, Main Street Bagels, Cafe Sole, or Dream Cafe.
Enstrom: Toffee and Confectionery
Located at 701 Colorado Ave, Enstrom offers a sweet treat since 1960. Open from 7am to 7pm during weekdays, 8am to 7pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays, this shop combines a candy store with a cafe offering coffee, ice cream, and various confections. Don’t miss the signature almond toffee.
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range
Just outside Grand Junction in Clifton, this sanctuary offers a unique chance to see feral horses up close, though sightings are never guaranteed. The area features numerous hiking trails and vault toilets. Note: The site is accessible via an unpaved, sometimes rutted road past the Cameo Shooting Education Center.
Museum of the West
Visit this museum at 462 Ute Ave to explore the history of Western Colorado, from ancient Anasazi artifacts to Wild West memorabilia. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, admission is $7 for adults and $4 for kids.
Grand Mesa
As the world’s largest flat-top mountain, Grand Mesa offers hundreds of miles of trails and spectacular views. Start your adventure at the Grand Mesa Visitor Center near Cobb Lake, surrounded by beautiful lakes and wilderness.
The Avalon Theatre
Located at 645 Main St, this historic venue offers a wide range of performances from theater productions to film screenings. Built in 1923, the theatre seats 1,100 people, so it’s a good idea to check their website for upcoming events and buy tickets early.
Palisade, Colorado
Just outside Grand Junction, Palisade is a picturesque farming town famous for its vineyards and peaches. It’s a wonderful place to explore vineyards, farm stands, and the charming downtown area.
Grand Junction Motor Speedway
This renowned go-kart track at 3002 N I 70 Frontage Rd offers exciting races for all skill levels. Open Tuesday to Friday from 3pm to 7pm and on weekends from 9am to 7pm, the track features technical turns and some serious racing opportunities.
James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park
This “string of pearls” along the Colorado River has five distinct sections, offering bird watching, boating, fishing, and camping. Admission is $10 per car or $4 per person.
Big Dominguez Canyon
South of Grand Junction in Whitewater, this area offers hiking trails, petroglyphs, and even swimming spots. It’s a perfect place to immerse yourself in nature.
Colorado River Activities
From rafting to kayaking, the Colorado River presents plenty of water-bound adventures. Outfitters like Rimrock Adventures and Palisade River Trips offer guided experiences.
Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
Explore diverse ecosystems at 655 Struthers Ave. Open Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, the gardens feature a succulent garden, rainforest garden, and even a popular butterfly house. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-11.
Road and Mountain Biking Trails
Grand Junction offers extensive biking trails along the river and more challenging mountain trails like Lunch Loops and Joe’s Ridge.
Cross Orchards Historic Site
Open Thursday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm at 3073 F Rd, this site features vintage buildings and farming equipment over 12 acres. Visitors can even ride a small train on Saturdays for a small fee.
The Art Center
At 1803 N 7th St, this center showcases local artwork and offers classes. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm, admission is $3 for those 12 and older.
Audubon Nature Preserve
Located at 610 Dike Rd, the preserve provides excellent bird-watching opportunities. It’s free to explore and hosts several events throughout the year.
Powderhorn Mountain Resort
This nearby ski resort offers 1,600 acres for winter sports. Though smaller than some Colorado resorts, it’s more affordable and great for beginners.
Dinosaur Journey Museum
Located at 550 Jurassic Ct, Fruita, this museum displays local dinosaur fossils and is kid-friendly. Admission is $9 for adults and $5 for kids, and it’s open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
Explore science exhibits and activities at 1400 N 7th St. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, this museum is perfect for families.
Atomic Legacy Cabin
Discover western Colorado’s atomic history at 2597 Legacy Way. Open Tuesday from 9am to 12pm, Wednesday from 10am to 1pm, and Thursday from 1pm to 4pm, this free museum offers a unique perspective on uranium mining and processing.
Don’t miss these memorable Grand Junction attractions! Whether you love exploring nature, enjoying fine dining, or diving into history, there’s something special for everyone.