Grand Junction, Colorado

Grand Junction is the biggest city in western Colorado, with a population of around 60,000. It’s situated in the Grand Valley, a region full of striking contrasts.

There’s an outdoor recreation and amazing landmarks in every direction. Amazing sandstones sit just west of town in the dry canyonlands of the Colorado National Monument. Located to the east is Grand Mesa, a gigantic flattop mountain full of forests and alpine lakes that welcomes you.

The town sits at an elevation of 4,593 on Colorado’s western slope within Mesa County. It was incorporated on July 22, 1882. There’s a large historic downtown area full of shopping and dining.

Main Attractions

Grand Junction CO Amtrak Station — Grand Junction Amtrak Station. Photo: Egaowakaii

Amtrak Train – What do you do when you arrive in Grand Junction? You get on a train heading out of a Grand Junction…just joking. This convenient national rail line connects GJ with the popular tourist destinations of Glenwood Springs, Granby, and Denver to the east. It continues east from Colorado to Chicago where it finishes. To the west, it goes to California.

Colorado National Monument – Enjoy hiking, biking, and sightseeing in this breathtaking location. Colorado National Monument is one of the state’s most striking natural landmarks. Drive along this scenic auto tour from Grand Junction to Fruita.

Grand Mesa – At fifty miles wide, it’s the largest flattop mountain in the world. A scenic byway connects the town of Mesa with Cedaredge, to the south.

Wine and Vineyards – The Western Slope is home to an array of excellent wineries. Spend part of your day strolling through vineyards and enjoy free wine tastings daily at places.

Read about the best things to do in Grand Junction.

Recreation

Grand Junction CO Winter Looking North — Wintertime in Grand Junction, looking north. Photo: ryan lockwood

Biking:

Lunch Loop Bike Park is located behind downtown near the entrance to the CNM. There are several single-lane dirt trails in addition to the bike park.

Camping:

Colorado National Monument offers well-maintained campgrounds.
Nearby Colorado River State Park has campgrounds, one in Fruita and the other in Palisade.
Read about the camping near Grand Junction and Fruita.

Fishing:

Colorado River provides year-round fishing opportunities close to town.
Read about the lakes and rivers to fish near Grand Junction.

Hiking:

There are lots of trails in the Colorado National Monument, although pets are not permitted.
Read about the hiking trails near Fruita and Grand Junction.

Accommodations

Booking.com

Hotels and lodging:

Read about the best hotels in Grand Junction.
Read about the top bed and breakfasts in Grand Junction and Palisade.

Special Events

Jun – Country Jam – For more than twenty-five years Grand Junction has hosted Country Jam, one of the nation’s largest country music festivals, held over four days in mid-June.

Downtown is full of art sculptures.