Grand Junction Off The Beaten Path

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There are a lot of roads that branch off of the main road in town. They all led to the out country and it is rugged, rough, and bumpy in many areas. It is really called a desert in this part of Utah, and is dry to prove it, except for along the Green River running through town and beyond. Fossil Point is about 13 miles south of town, and located in a barren hot, dry plateau with some gray hills peaking up. The road is not too bad to travel until the last couple of miles. I went past the designated area for a bit, and it does get worse form there. Four wheel drive is helpful.
I walked for around 2 hours looking for fossils on the hillsides, broken rock and in creek bed. Nothing special was found, but they must be here hidden well. The venture and exploring is the real treat.

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This is the last of an untapped area of the US. It still has many ares that have not been thoroughly explored. Around it, are some designated places to see. It is called Castle Country and has high peaks that get snow in winter, and desert badlands that really are bad to travel in some places. The "swell" coinnotation comes form when the earth pressured upward the ground to create these buttes and mountain ranges. It is a part of the connected Colorado Plateau, and larger upheaval formation adjacent.
It would be about 90 miles from Grand Junction, and about 45 miles from Arches and Canyonlands turn off road. so more than likely the travel may be better for an overnite stay. There are only two roads without use of 4 wheel drive, and each travel along the fringe of the more rugged areas.

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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.

This is maybe a fine town to visit out to the east of Grand Junction about 80 miles when tourists are there. I came through here to take a look around and could not even get to the first main intersection (Labor DAy) without 30 minute delay. It was a madhouse and risky driving with vehicles going in every direction and not being friendly to the other tourists. I can only imagine the springs are nice, but could not even get close to find out. Taking pictures was too dangerous due to the traffic and congestion.

The best BBQ in western Colorado is at Rib City! Two locations. 2930 North Avenue in Grand Junction, and 15 miles to the west, 455 Kokopelli Blvd, in Fruita. I recommend the "tips" which are sweet and tender, best for the seniors in your group.

The Colorado National Monument lies just outside of Grand Junction. It is a relatively isolated and fantastically scenic location and worth a drive around the rim or a hike along one of its trails. See my Colorado National Monument page for more information.

If you visit Grand Junction. YOu must take an all day trip on top of the Grand Mesa. The Grand Mesa is the Flatest Mountain in the World. The best time to go is during the fall when all the Aspens are changing. Also they have a ski area up the Powderhorn. I like this ski resort becuase it is small and cheap, and when it gets good snow it is as good as any place in Colorado, and Utah.

Located about 30 minutes from Grand Junction on the other side of Colorado National Monument (CNM), the Glade Park Store is an old country store in the middle of nowhere. Well, actually, it is the cultural center (and post office) of the tiny 'town' of Glade Park, Colorado. Be sure to drop in for a sandwich and a cold soda after a hot morning of driving through the desert scenery at CNM.