Grand Junction, Colorado lies in a valley on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains at the junction of the Colorado River (formerly known as the Grand) and the Gunnison River. Located 250 miles west of Denver, it is surrounded by the Colorado National Monument to the west, the Bookcliffs to the north, and the Grand Mesa to the east. At an elevation of 4,586 feet, Grand Junction is in a semi-arid valley. Due to the protective mountains, the climate is mild.
With a population of just over 100,000, Grand Junction contains all the amenities that you would find in a large urban area while retaining all the charm of living within a small mountain town. The region offers numerous cultural activities year round from Mesa State College Theater, Grand Junction Symphony and the Western Colorado Center for the Arts. Ideally situated, Grand Junction offers a wide diversity of year round outdoor adventures from mountain biking on Kokopelli's Trail running 128 miles to Moab, Utah to skiing or fishing on the Grand Mesa. For the nature enthusiast, the Riverfront Project provides an opportunity to view a variety of wildlife while hiking or biking along the Colorado River. For the avid golfer, Grand Junction offers four public courses and one private course.
Colorado National Monument The Colorado National Monument offers breathtaking views of the Grand Valley from 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. This maze of canyons wanders over 20,000 acres of arched sandstone, rock spires and natural monoliths. Short hikes lead to sensational canyon overlooks while longer day hikes wind through the many ravines and valleys. The park offers camping, biking and off-road driving. Rafting and canoeing between Grand Junction and Moab, Utah is a popular one to two day trip in the summer.
Grand Mesa As the largest flat topped mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa is an enchanting playground for tourists and sportsment. Among the forest of pine, cedar and aspen, fisherment can discover over 200 lakes most being stocked with rainbow, brook and native trout. There are campgrounds and lodges nestled among the spruce trees. During the appropriate seasons, hunting for bear, deer and elk is permitted. Moreover, miles of hiking and backpacking trails provide escape from the city.
Powderhorn Ski Resort Powderhorn Ski Resort on the Grand Mesa offers skiing for all levels of ability. Only 45 minutes from Grand Junction, it has an annual average snowfall of 135 inches. Children can enjoy the thrill of weekend organized ski racing with other ski area in the state. An 18 hole golf course is being designed to wind through the aspen trees and rock formations.
Historic Downtown Centrally located, enjoy dining at the city's premier restaurants and cafes, great shopping at antiques stores and boutiques, and viewing local artists' finest works with "art on the corner." In the evening, sample local theater and music at the newly renovated Avalon Theater.
Cultural
The Museum of Western Colorado contains displays of the social and geological history of the area including exhibits of Indian cultures important to Western Colorado. The Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra performs from September through April and the Mesa County Community Concert Series brings renowned artists to the city. Mesa State College's drama department offers a series of productions during the winter and summer.
Dinosaurs
Millions of years before the city's first settlers arrived, dinosaurs roamed the Grand Valley. Today, children and adults can enjoy the rich area's paleontological tradition at Dinosaur Valley Museum or the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. Increase your dino knowledge at The Museum of Western Colorado's website devoted to the big lizards at dinodigs.org. For the more adventurous, hike to one of many actual dinosaur dig sites along the Colorado River.
Wineries & Orchards Grand Junction's warm summer and mild spring and fall provide the perfect climate for growing a variety of luscious fruits and delicious fresh vegetables. Pick fresh peaches, apples, and cherries directly from the local orchards. In addition to the great produce, sample the award-winning wines from the valley's five wineries and meadery.
Health Care
Grand Junction offers a wide variety of health care facilities: St. Mary's Hospital, Community Hospital, Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Hilltop Rehabilitation Center and Family Health West for Alzheimer patients' needs, many full and part time care nursing home facilities.
The Colorado National Monument offers breathtaking views of the Grand Valley from 2,000 feet above the Colorado River. This maze of canyons wanders over 20,000 acres of arched sandstone, rock spires and natural monoliths. Short hikes lead to sensational canyon overlooks while longer day hikes wind through the many ravines and valleys. The park offers camping, biking and off-road driving. Rafting and canoeing between Grand Junction and Moab, Utah is a popular one to two day trip in the summer.
As the largest flat topped mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa is an enchanting playground for tourists and sportsment. Among the forest of pine, cedar and aspen, fisherment can discover over 200 lakes most being stocked with rainbow, brook and native trout. There are campgrounds and lodges nestled among the spruce trees. During the appropriate seasons, hunting for bear, deer and elk is permitted. Moreover, miles of hiking and backpacking trails provide escape from the city.
Centrally located, enjoy dining at the city's premier restaurants and cafes, great shopping at antiques stores and boutiques, and viewing local artists' finest works with "art on the corner." In the evening, sample local theater and music at the newly renovated Avalon Theater.
Grand Junction's warm summer and mild spring and fall provide the perfect climate for growing a variety of luscious fruits and delicious fresh vegetables. Pick fresh peaches, apples, and cherries directly from the local orchards. In addition to the great produce, sample the award-winning wines from the valley's five wineries and meadery.
Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce
Mesa County Government
