25 Best Things to Do in Grand Junction, Colorado

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One of the highlights of a visit to Grand Junction is the chance to visit the 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

© 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

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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

© Museums of Western Colorado

The Museum of Western Colorado comprises three separate museum facilities as well as four outdoor paleontology sites, where you can personally dig for fossils and relics. The Museum of the West documents Native American history and culture as well as Spanish exploration, and features a wealth of other exhibits. You can visit the Wild West Technology exhibit along with various audio stations as you make your way around this interesting and educational museum. The Dinosaur Journey Museum will teach you all you ever wanted to know about the Jurassic Age, while the Cross Orchards Museum documents farming during the pioneer days of the early 1900s. Budding archaeologists can sign up for one-day or multi-day digs in the paleontology sites, where you have the chance to find dinosaur bones, teeth, and much more.

Museums of Western Colorado:

The Museum of the West, 462 Ute Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501, Phone: 970-242-0971

Dinosaur Journey Museum, 550 Jurassic Court, Fruita, CO 81521, Phone: 970-858-7282

Cross Orchards Museum, 3073 F Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504, Phone: 970-434-9814

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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.

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Located on a verdant 15-acre site along the banks of the Colorado River, the Western Colorado Botanical Garden 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

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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

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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 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.

© Eureka! McConnell Science Museum

The 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

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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 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

© The Winery Restaurant

For over 40 years the Winery Restaurant has been tantalizing taste buds in the heart of Grand Junction's historic downtown. The multi-award winning restaurant is housed in a 90-year-old building that was once the home of the city's horse-drawn fire brigade and combines lovely old architectural elements with all the essential modern touches one would expect in a fine dining establishment. You can expect a warm welcome on arrival and a selection of beautifully prepared dishes, hand-crafted using the best available ingredients and accompanied by your choice of wine from the extensive wine list. The restaurant has a great ambiance, professional staff, and a long list of regular diners.

The Winery Restaurant, 642 Main St, In The Breezeway, Grand Junction, CO 81501, Phone: 970-242-4100

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Golfers of all abilities will find the Tiara Rado Golf Course a pleasure to play. The scenic 18-hole course lies at the foothills of the Colorado National Monument, offering great views of the Grand Mesa as you make your way from hole to hole. The course offers four tee areas (to suit everyone from beginners to pros), plenty of challenging water hazards and bunkers, and a large practice area. You can hire pull-carts, golf carts, and rental clubs at the pro shop, and lessons are available if you would like to improve your golfing skills. After your game you can relax at The Rock Bar and Grill.

Tiara Rado Golf Course, 2057 South Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81501, Phone: 970-254-3830

© Trailhead Coffee Bar and Cafe

Conveniently located just a few miles from the Colorado National Monument, the Trailhead Coffee Bar and Café is the perfect go-to spot for hungry hikers, bikers, and 4X4 explorers. The cafe has a full espresso bar where you can order your favorite coffee, freshly brewed using high-quality organic coffee beans. You can get your day off to the best possible start by enjoying a tasty breakfast (served all day) and the necessary caffeine kick to set you up for an energetic day on the trails. After your adventure you can replenish depleted energy stores with another great cup of coffee and a well-deserved healthy lunch or snack.

Trailhead Coffee Bar and Café, 413 Monument Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81507, Phone: 907-314-3135

© Enstrom’s Candies

The Enstrom family began hand-crafting ice creams and mouth-watering candies back in 1929. In 1960, their world-famous Almond Toffee was created and the first Enstrom Candy Co. was established in Grand Junction. Since those early days, Enstrom’s Candies have gone from strength to strength and today the brand has no fewer than 5 retail stores in Colorado. You can also buy these delectable treats on-line. The range includes their original Almond Toffee in a variety of forms including chocolate dipped toffee, toffee popcorn and the original plain almond toffee. They also make assorted luxury chocolates and a selection of sugar-free toffee, popcorn and chocolate nut candies.

Enstrom’s Candies, 701 Colorado Ave. Downtown, Grand Junction, CO 81501, 970 863 1000

© The Art Center of Western Colorado

Striving to enrich the lives of the local community by promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of visual arts, the Art Center of Western Colorado is a must-visit destination for all art lovers. The center has amassed a permanent collection of more than 300 contemporary and historic works which provide a visual record of the progression of Western Colorado art and artists. In addition to this permanent collection, the center holds regular temporary themed exhibitions by local artists, both established and up-coming. Visitors are invited to attend a variety of workshops and classes for children, teens and adults designed to get their creative juices flowing.

The Art Center of Western Colorado, 1803 N. 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501, 970 243 7337

© Kannah Creek Brewing Company

From humble beginnings in 2005 the Kannah Creek Brewing Company now have three separate brew pubs in the Grand Junction area, where you can enjoy unique Colorado craft beers and all-American food. The company pride themselves on crafting their beers using the pure, untouched snow-melt waters of the Kannah Creek, and each of their three pubs offers an ideal place to relax with friends while enjoying great beer and good food. The original brew pub in 12th Street still produces great brick-oven pizzas, and all three venues offer a full menu of meals and snacks using locally sourced ingredients, all accompanied by delicious on-tap craft brews.

Kannah Creek Brewing Company, 1960 N. 12th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501, Phone: 970-263-0111

© Kiln Coffee Bar

When it's time to take a coffee break you can head to Kiln Coffee Bar at 326 Main Street to sample some brilliant hand-crafted coffee from one of Colorado's best roasters. The family-owned coffee bar is proud to offer visitors a seasonally rotating selection of Colorado's best coffees. Not only can you choose your favorite beans, but you can also choose how you would like to have it brewed – popular brewing methods include the traditional espresso machine, French press, Aeropress, and regular filtered coffee. (You can also choose your creamer – milk, cream, soya-milk, almond-milk, etc.). If you are feeling hungry, you can grab a fresh pastry to go with your fragrant coffee.

Kiln Coffee Bar, 326 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501, Phone: 970-644-5990

© 626 on Rood

At 626 on Rood, foodies can enjoy a variety of innovative New American menus accompanied by an extensive selection of fine wines, beers, and spirits produced by personally selected wineries and breweries. 626 pride themselves on allowing guests to sample obscure vineyards and varietals and serve many of their wines by the glass, flight, or carafe so that you are free to try several different styles and flavors. If you visit during Social Hour, you can order tasty light meals from the Portion and More or Social Hour menus, while the dinner menu offers elegant salads, entrees, and mains, all freshly prepared from scratch.

626 on Rood, 626 Rood Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501, Phone: 970-257-7663

© Adventure Bound USA

You know you are going to be in good hands when you book your Colorado rafting adventure with Adventure Bound USA, which has been thrilling visitors for over 50 years. The company is based in Grand Junction and offers a variety of day trips and multi-day rafting adventures through some of the most scenic canyons and gorges in Colorado. One of the most popular rafting destinations is the Yampa River, which flows through the Dinosaur National Monument, where you can take a short hike to see ancient Native American sites. If you choose to raft the Green River, through the Lodore Canyon, you will traverse one of the most scenic stretches of river in the state.

Adventure Bound USA, 2392 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505, Phone: 800-423-4668

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Setting off on two wheels is without doubt one of the best ways to explore the remarkable Colorado landscape. Wine lovers can combine a leisurely cycle with some great wine tasting on the Classic Palisade Wine Country Guided Tour, which is offered from April to September. You can choose from one-day or multi-day tours and hybrid/electric bikes are available if you are worried about your fitness levels. After your bike fitting, you will set off with your guide to cycle along scenic country roads that wind gently through the heart of Colorado Wine Country. After passing beautiful fruit orchards and vineyards, you will be treated to a private wine tasting, cellar tour, and lunch. After lunch you will continue your discovery of Colorado's finest vineyards and wines.

At Your Pace Freestyle Riding Adventures, Palisade, Grand Junction, CO 81502, Phone: 970-776-0181

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You can uncover some of the best scenery in Colorado as you make your way along the One Riverfront Trail system, which preserves and showcases a wide variety of landscapes and habitats along the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. The trails are suitable for walking, hiking, and cycling, but no motorized vehicles (with the exception of wheelchairs) are allowed. The Riverfront Trail is divided into five separate sections, and if you want to complete the entire trail, you need to prepare for a 60-mile round-trip. Birdwatchers and nature-lovers will have the chance to spot over 200 species of birds and a wide variety of small animals. The trail is open all year round and guided tours are available.

One Riverfront, 544 Rood Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501, Phone: 970-683-4333

© Redlands Mesa Golf Course

Set against a picturesque backdrop of craggy mountains, the Redlands Mesa Golf Course is widely considered to be the best golf course in the state of Colorado. When you set off to play this 18-hole championship course you can anticipate stunning vistas around every corner to complement your game. The course boasts long rolling fairways, many bunkers and several elevated Tees which will provide a challenge to players of all abilities. There is a practice facility and private and group lessons are offered by the resident PGA professionals. Before or after your round you can enjoy a meal and drink at the Ocotillo G J Restaurant and Bar.

Redlands Mesa Golf Course, 2325 W. Ridges Blvd, Grand Junction, CO 81507, 970 256 7400

© Bananas Fun Park

Offering every member of the family the opportunity to let their hair down and have some serious fun, the Bananas Fun Park is a must on your Grand Junction itinerary. In summer, the Coconut Grove Aqua Play Park is the coolest place in town, boasting a 10,000 gallon tipping bucket and masses of fun fountains and jets for all ages. If you prefer to stay dry you can enjoy a round of mini-golf at the Caddy Shack, enjoy the Go Karting or mini karts, lose yourself in the Laser Maze or challenge your friends to a game of Laser Tag. Younger visitors will love the Inflatable Playground. You can play all day long with a Day Pass.

Bananas Fun Park, 2469 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, CO 81505, 970 241 7529

© Body Therapeutics Medical Massage

Body Therapeutics is the place to go for medical massage, float tank therapy and general spa services designed to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body. The spa specializes in natural therapies designed to ease chronic pain, accelerate recovery from injury and teaching visitors how to use natural methods to improve their health and mental well-being. You can book a relaxing float session, enjoy a wonderfully beneficial medical or other massage or treat yourself to a calming facial. There are also two types of sauna to try as well as an Oxygen Lounge, which promotes rapid recovery after injury or jet-lag.

Body Therapeutics Medical Massage, 2500 Broadway Unit E, Grand Junction, CO 81507, 970 644 5255

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If you have what it takes to beat the clock and be an escape room winner, the Escape House Grand Junction is waiting to take your booking. The family-owned facility is home to a choice of four premium escape rooms, each of which has been carefully designed to offer you and your team a fun and immersive escape room experience. You can be a magician for a day when you choose the Grand Illusion escape room or set off to find your missing eccentric aunt in the Lost Continent escape room. They all offer great fun and you will need to work together as a team to unravel clues in order to escape.

The Escape House Grand Junction, 605 Grand Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501, 970 985 4080