- Where is Grand Junction located?
- Grand Junction is located in Mesa County, about 250 miles west-southwest of Denver, at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers.
- What makes Grand Junction a great place to visit?
- The town is an ideal base for exploring the wealth of outdoor activities in Colorado.
1. Colorado National Monument
One of the highlights of a visit to Grand Junction is the chance to visit Colorado National Monument where a stunning landscape of red rock formations awaits you.
The majestic rock formations are believed to vary in age between 140 million years to over one billion years and bear testimony to the fascinating effects of erosion.
There are several canyons to be explored as you drive or cycle along Rim Rock Drive or set off on foot along the vast network of hiking trails.
You can pick up maps and watch a short orientation film at the Saddlehorn Visitor's Center, which is located close to the Saddlehorn Campground, where you can pitch your tent.
Colorado National Monument, 1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO 81521, Phone: 970-858-3617
2. Cross Orchards Historic Site
At the Cross Orchards Historic Site, you can take a step back in time to see how the pioneering settlers lived and farmed back in the early 1900s.
Back then, the orchards, comprising 22,000 fruit trees, were operated as an agricultural showcase, and today you will be able to watch costumed guides as they go about their regular farming chores.
There are several historical buildings to see, including the kitchen, pantry, and cook's quarters. You will also be able to see the historic Uintah Railway exhibit, with a recreated train depot and some of the rolling stock.
In addition, the Swanson display showcases farming equipment, household goods, and a collection of horse-drawn tools.
Cross Orchards Historic Site, 3073 F Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504, Phone: 970-434-9814
3. Avalon Theater
The historic Avalon Theater is located in downtown Grand Junction, less than a half-mile from the Two Rivers Convention Center.
The theater, which was built in 1923, has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur and is one of the largest performing arts venues in Colorado.
The Avalon hosts a regular line-up of first-run movies, independent productions, and foreign films. In addition, the theater hosts theatrical performances, music and other concerts, and dance recitals.
The massive theater, which boasts excellent acoustics, can seat over 1,000 guests and has an impressive layout that ensures that everyone has a great view of the stage.
Avalon Theater, 645 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501, Phone: 970-778-3088
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Colorado Wine Country
Although it's hard to believe that an area better known for skiing and mountaineering can be coaxed into producing great wines, Colorado's Wine Country is home to over 80 individual wineries and includes the highest-altitude vineyards in the U.S.
The best time to visit Colorado's Wine Country is late March to May, when the harvest has taken place and many of the wineries offer spring tastings and food and wine pairings.
To enjoy a wider range of tastings you can visit in September during the annual Colorado Mountain Winefest.
You can take a one-day or multi-day self-guided tour of the area or sign up for a guided tour and leave the driving to someone else.
5. Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
Located on a verdant 15-acre site along the banks of the Colorado River, the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens will thrill all nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts.
Regardless of the season, you will always find something in bloom in one or more of the three themed gardens, which include the lush Rainforest Garden, where you can see exotic orchids, bananas and chili peppers.
In the Shoren Eu Garden you can admire a variety of wildlife, including turtles and koi fish, while Ernie's Cactus and Succulent Garden showcases many indigenous Colorado desert-adapted plants.
The gardens host regular events throughout the year – you can check the schedule on their website.
655 Struthers Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501, 970-245-9030
6. Grand Junction Motor Speedway
Grand Junction Motor Speedway is one of the best kart racing tracks in the US and promises hours of fun for both racing enthusiasts and families.
There are rental karts for just about all ages (5 years upwards), and the regular race events are thrilling to watch. The GJMS has tracks to excite even the most adventurous karters, including a supercross track, a mud dragway, and a rally cross track.
In addition, motorheads can access a range of on-site services, including engine re-builds, seat mounting, and even chassis rebuilds.
The GJMS hosts racing events from around April to November each year, so be sure to schedule your visit during that time.
Grand Junction Motor Speedway, 3002 NI 70 Frontage Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81504, Phone: 970-256-0107 h2 class="sectionMain">If you are a photographer, don't miss:
7. James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park
In 2005 the Colorado River State Park was renamed to honor the vision of James M. Robb, who was largely instrumental in planning this wonderful outdoor recreational facility, which welcomes locals and visitors to come and get back to nature.
The James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park encompasses five distinct areas (Island Acres, Corn Lake, Colorado River Wildlife Area, Connected Lakes, and Fruita), all of which you can explore over a few days by camping in one of several serviced campgrounds while you indulge in a multitude of outdoor activities.
Boating, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and swimming are some of the water-based activities available, while cycling, hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking are popular with those who prefer to keep their feet dry. In winter you can enjoy snowmobiling and ice fishing.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
8. Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
Eureka! McConnell Science Museum will change your mind about boring museums. At Eureka!, you and your family can have hours of educational fun as your work your way around more than 100 hands-on, interactive exhibits. As you proceed from one to the next, you will learn about everything from astronomy to zoology, while having loads of fun. Highlights of the museum include the Space Shuttle Simulator, Geometry Bubbles and Colorful Shadows. The museum also offers special programs suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers, which offer young minds a safe and stimulating environment where they can explore the remarkable world around them.
Eureka! McConnell Science Museum, 1400 N. 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501, 970 254 1626
9. Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area
Within just 8 miles of Grand Junction you can visit the Little Book Cliffs, where it is still possible to see wild horses running free as nature intended. The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area covers over 36,000 acres of wilderness, encompassing rugged canyons, valleys, and plateaus. You can explore the area on foot along a network of scenic hiking trails all year round, and much of the area is accessible via 4X4 for most of the year. The roads are closed from December to May each year to protect foaling areas. The best time to spot the horses – there are about 90 to 150 wild horses in the area – is early morning and late afternoon. Another option is to explore the area on horseback along the equestrian trails.
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area, Grand Junction, CO, Phone: 970-244-3000
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