Affordable Inns of Grand Junction

Goblin State Park-Mushroom Rocks

by BruceDunning

This is a trip worth a side diversion because of the different type rock formations, all concentrated in a small area. It is like a once in a lifetime view; different from some others in the area. From Grand Junction you would go about 60 miles and pass Green River to exit at Hwy 24. TAke that 30 miles and turn off to go another 11 miles to the park.
You can call them hoodoos, but maybe goblins hoodoos because the shape makes some feel they look like goblins. These mushroomed shapes rocks were formed from eroded sandstone rock that was carved by water over years. Colors of red and cream colors are wonderful. The valley is 2 miles long and one mile wide. Small overall. You can walk around and into the formations in the valley of climb some other trails in the hills surrounding them.
The park was not formed until 1964, and had been a "hidden" secret since early 1900's due to the remote region. Park entry fee is $7 for the 1-2 hour viewing, but can take longer if you want some hiking. CAmping is $16 a nite. While I was there the roads were torn up for some resurfacing and grading. Overall, it was not a bad ride, though. A lot is blacktop surfaces.

Agricultural Town on the Upper Colorado River

by atufft

"The Grand River"

Until the House of Representatives officially changed its name in 1921, what is now known as the upper Colorado River had been refered to as the Grand River. Until that time, the Colorado River began at the confluence of the Green (see Green River, WY) and Grand Rivers. However, the name Grand Junction was not for this confluence, but for the confluence of the Grand and Gunnison Rivers. In any case, Grand Junction is the largest town on the western slope of the the Colorado Rockies, and is set within a wide agricultural region also known as the Grand Valley. The town is set along the river, and on the opposite bank from the town, there is a back drop of flat topped mountains or mesas. While the city is mostly engaged in agricultural commerce, it is also a center for mountaineering because it is very close to Mesa Verde and Arches National Parks. The once trashed and polluted Colorado River bank and quiet business district have been cleaned up and revitalized with an orientation toward cycling and pedestrian pleasures. At the time I arrived recently, a farmers market was the excitement of the city, with live music and local vendors selling their crafts.

"Downtown Art in Grand Junction"

Downtown Grand Junction is gifted by some venerable old brick buildings similar to that of any self-respecting town in the west, but in recent years the town has boasted having the largest collection of street art. My tips include images of many of these.