|
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.
Maps, Park Info, Trail Guide, Geology, Biking
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.
Trail Guide, Fishing Guide, Geology, Ecology
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. Call for write now for more information on residential homes.
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.
Dinosaur Hill Interpretative Trail
Rabbit Valley Research Natural Area
Riggs Hill Interpretative Trail
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.
Mesa County
Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce
Grand Junction Convention & Vistors Bureau
Mesa County Government
Education
Mesa County School District 51
Mesa State College
Mesa County Public Library
Arts & Museums
Dinosaur Discovery Museum
Dinosaur Valley Museum
Museam of Western Colorado (Regional History)
Western Colorado Center for the Arts
Local Events
Events Calendar
Country Jam
Mesa County Fairgrounds
Movie Theaters
News
Current Weather
Daily Sentinel
KJCT TV Channel 8
Outdoors
Adventure Bound River Expeditions
Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association
Colorado River State Park
Highline State Park
Powderhorn Ski Resort
Vega Dam Reservoir

Grand Junction
Aspen
Glenwood Springs
Montrose
Telluride
Vail
Moab, Utah
|