7 Best Things to Do in Grand Junction, CO
The Western Slope refers to the region of Colorado that lies west of the continental divide. Some of the most untamed, undeveloped, and diverse terrain in the nation may be found there, which makes up nearly a third of the state of Colorado. One of the Western Slope’s major cities, Grand Junction, is full of amazing, thrilling, and breathtaking things to do.
The Colorado National Monument, a rust-colored canyon with famous rock formations, hiking paths, and breathtaking vistas of the Grand Valley, is located in Grand Junction. One of the finest things to do in Colorado is just this.
Grand Junction’s top tourist attractions are all found outside. Right here in the center of Colorado’s Western Slope, you may explore breathtaking landscapes, a 5,000-year history, architecture, camping, and hiking. Our list of the top tourist destinations and activities in Grand Junction, Colorado might help you plan your trip.
Colorado Wine Country
Colorado’s Wine Country is dedicated to over 80 different wineries and features the highest-altitude vineyards in the United States, which defies belief considering the region is better renowned for skiing and climbing. When the harvest is over and many wineries are offering spring tastings and food and wine pairings, late March to early May is the perfect time to visit Colorado’s Wine Country.
You may go in September when the annual Colorado Mountain Winefest is taking place to sample a greater variety of wines. You may join up for a guided trip and let someone else do the driving, or you can take a single or multi-day self-directed tour of the region. Use your Delta frequent flyer number and avail the best offers and deals for your trip to Colorado.
Colorado National Monument
The opportunity to explore the Colorado National Monument is here. A breathtaking panorama of red rock formations awaits you. It is one of the highlights of a trip to Grand Junction. According to estimates, the magnificent rock formations range in age from 140 million years to more than a billion years. They are evidence of the interesting impacts of erosion. ‘
As you go along Rim Rock Drive in a car, a bicycle, or on foot while using the extensive system of hiking trails, you may discover a number of canyons. The Saddlehorn Visitor’s Center, near to the Saddlehorn Campground, where you may set up your tent, offers maps and a brief orientation video. It truly is one of the 7 best things to do in Grand Junction, CO.
Explore the downtown area
Grand Junction’s central business district is where the city’s vitality beats, both historically and aesthetically. Historic structures that now house the city’s eateries, shops, and art galleries line Main Street on each side.
When the area was converted into a pedestrian-friendly retail park in the 1960s, the Main Street that you see today was built in that manner. In order to create a regional entertainment and cultural hub, the design has really been expanded from Main Street to Seventh Street and Colorado Avenue.
Speaking of the arts, First Fridays are held in Grand Junction. Local galleries let people wander in and out on the first Friday of each month to foster a convivial atmosphere. Social media spreads the word as the scene.
Check out a show at the Avalon
Although you can absolutely plan a trip to Grand Junction exclusively around the outdoors, it’s not just about the outdoors in Grand Junction. Nevertheless, a visit to the Avalon Theater and Historic Downtown are essential.
The theater can accommodate more than 1,000 people. It was built in 1923 and is today one of Colorado’s biggest performing arts venues. Great performers including Pat Benatar, John Philip Sousa, Al Jolson, and many others have performed here. Today, it also holds dance, film series, seminars, and private events in addition to musical concerts.
Grand Mesa
Grand Mesa, Grand Junction’s second most visited destination, and the Colorado National Monument battle for attention. The Grand Mesa, which stretches 500 square miles between the Colorado River and the Gunnison River. It is the biggest flat top mountain in the world.
The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway is the most convenient route for exploring the mesa. Believe it or not, Colorado offers 26 gorgeous byways. Starting at exit 49 off of I-70, the Grand Mesa scenic drive follows CO-65 through the Grand Mesa National Forest to Cedaredge.
There are also many places to explore on foot in the region; there are 400 miles of trails, to be precise. In the national forest, visitors will find the mesa’s highest point, which is at an elevation of around 11,000 feet.
Visit the Science Museum
Your opinion about dull museums will be quite different when experiencing the McConnell Science Museum. You and your family may explore more than 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits at Eureka! for hours of educational entertainment.
You will learn about everything from astronomy to zoology as you move from one to the next while having a great time. The Space Shuttle Simulator, Geometry Bubbles, and Colorful Shadows are some of the museum’s highlights.
A secure and engaging setting is provided through the museum’s unique programmes for toddlers and preschoolers so that young brains may explore the amazing world around them. Make your Delta Airlines Booking now so that you do not miss out on this amazing and quirky experience.
Visit wild horses and run with them
Did you realize that Colorado is home to some of the country’s last remaining wild horses? The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area Covers more than 36,000 acres of canyons and plateaus. It is located eight miles northeast of Grand Junction. These stunning animals wander the region freely. So visitors coming in for a hike or mountain bike excursion might come upon them.
The Coal Canyon and Hoodoo Trails are located inside the BLM. They initially follow a gravel road for about three miles before diverging. The Hoodoo Trail ascends to the crest that is between Coal and Main canyons. Also, the Coal Canyon Trail follows the stream bed directly below Mount Garfield. You might be able to see some of the more than 100 wild horses that roam these routes.
