Grand Junction Things to Do

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The large collection of street art found in Grand Junction arrived there in a variety of ways, but in everyway was approved by a committee of citizens. Some work was purchased by commission or grant. Some work was donated by an art competition, and some work remains on display as available to be purchased from the artist. Other works were commissioned by the business where the art work is on display. The western end of Main Street in Grand Junction has a number of important pieces. The selection of art ranges widely in terms of size, materials used, and in style of artistry, so check out all the images.

Downtown, Main Street, Grand Junction. Fruits and vegetables. Arts and Crafts. Entertainment. Thursday evenings in the summer. Stores are open. The locals will be walking their dogs. Get the best burritos in town. A french restaurant makes crepes outdoors. Musicians on every corner. Lots of sculptures and street art. Belly dancers. Barbershop quartets.

Westwater! 35 miles west on the Utah border - some of the best whitewater in the country. You will need a permit. Go with a local company instead. Adventurebound the premiere whitewater company runs 1 and 2 day trips through the canyon.
Colo Nat'l Monument - so much to see and the views are awesome! Bring your camera plenty of water and hiking boots. There are many trails. Leave fido at home this place does not allow dogs - bummer.
Tabauache trail - located at the base of the Colo Nt'l Mon - trails everywhere - hiking biking some 4-wheel drive - great local hang out and Dog Friendly!! Probably my second home.
Powderhorn ski resort - so much snow and no lift lines - very family friendly, cheap.. 45 min from GJ on the Grand Mesa another must see place.
Palisade - wineries and a Dog Friendly frisbee golf couse along the Colo River - too much fun.
Downtown GJ - take a stroll- great retaurants, theatres, local art everywhere.

In an effective effort to revitalize Grand Junctions downtown area the city closed off some lanes on Main St to make space for walking traffic. It's a real pleasure to walk down the mall and admire the numerous sculptures lining the 7 block one way walk. I walked it at night in December and the journey was very relaxing with Christmas lights strung in the trees. Keep your eye out for the pieces of art, the city claims that over a 100 are on the strip. I didn't find nearly that many but I'm sure some were small and hidden.

Biking along the Kokopelli trail
Stereotyped (and others will argue as 'over-hyped') the Kokopelli trail is one of the more scenic bike rides in Colorado. It is a long 2-5 day bike ride from Fruita Colorado - all the way to Moab, Utah. The desert-like scenery can be awe-inspiring. Be forewarned that conditions can change radically and it is best to be prepared for *any* changes in temperature, precipitation, and conditions..

The Colorado River runs through Grand Junction and just outside of town, has carved the mesa country into a scenic area of canyons, etc. Follow the road through the monument and stop at various points along the way.

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The Black Canyon is a deep, narrow canyon in western Colorado. The canyon walls are so steep you won't find access to the river below unless you drive toward Curecanti reservoir to the south.

Colorado's Wine Country. Grand Junction suberb if you want to call it that is Palisade. They have about 10 wineries. Palisade is also know for having the best PEACHES in the world.
Alot of the wineries have won prestiges award for varies wines. My favorite is