From the red-rock vistas and prehistoric history to the farm-to-table dining and endless outdoor pursuits, there’s so much to do in the Grand Junction, Colorado, metro area. The city earns its name from its location in the Grand Valley at the junction of the Gunnison and Colorado rivers — and those natural features make the area rife for adventure.
Come see why Grand Junction, the largest city on Colorado’s Western Slope, and its more pastoral neighbors Palisade and Fruita make the perfect trio for an active, fun-filled, three-day weekend.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Get Around Town
Though the metro area is sprawling, it makes sense to start your holiday in Grand Junction proper and do a deep dive into what makes this beautiful mountain city tick. Start downtown on Main Street to get a better idea of the local flavor. You’ll find few (if any) name-brand stores in this pedestrian-friendly shopping district, where the vast majority of the shops are independent and locally owned.
First, get your bearings at Dream Café. Order a coffee and a hearty breakfast — the popular spot serves up half a dozen different types of eggs Benedict — and relax on the outdoor patio as you watch the crowd trickle by.
Next, spend some time tootling around the galleries, book and record stores, candy shops, clothing boutiques and unique emporiums. On your stroll, keep an eye out for Art on the Corner, a collection of more than 100 works of public art spread across downtown — including a buffalo made from car bumpers that’s cheekily titled “Chrome on the Range.” See how many you can find.
If you’re a golfer, you’re in luck. Ranked as one of the premier public courses in the country, Grand Junction’s Redlands Mesa Golf Course sits in the shadow of the glorious Colorado National Monument and has been likened to “playing golf along the bottom of the Grand Canyon” by “Golf Digest.”
Alternatively, see if the Grand Junction Rockies, the local Minor League Baseball team, has a home game. And just because you’re in wine country doesn’t mean you can’t go out for a beer. Colorado is home to some incredible craft breweries, and Grand Junction is no exception.
Spend part of the evening doing a self-guided tour of some of the local breweries, including favorites like Edgewater Brewery, Kannah Creek Brewing Company, Monumental Beer Works and Rockslide Brew Co.
For seasonal Colorado cuisine, snag a table on the patio at Bin 707 Foodbar, where the sustainable, locavore menu features items like blue-corn grits paired with cheesy, creamed bok choy and the pan-seared gnocchi comes with a confit of mushroom and fennel.
Pair your meal with a bottle-fermented Colorado riesling or a sour IPA from the robust wine and beer list and save room for a slice of something delicious off the dedicated pie menu.
Another must-try is downtown’s Winery Restaurant, which is housed in an old carriage house: Savory treats like blue-cheese-crusted filet mignon and Colorado lamb chops are the stars of the show.
Saturday: Look for Rocks and Fossils
There are a lot of adventures ahead of you today in Fruita, so tuck into a fortifying breakfast in downtown Grand Junction before you hit the road. Grab a table outside at Spoons Bistro & Bakery, a popular local spot for breakfast burritos (the tortillas are locally made), huevos rancheros and biscuits with sausage gravy.
Start out by following the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive through the Colorado National Monument, known as the Little Grand Canyon, thanks to its fiery-hued sandstone towers. This off-the-beaten-path park (read: minimal crowds) offers stunning views of 2-million-year-old layered rock, juniper forests and bighorn sheep.
It’s also a popular path to bike, but given the elevation and length, we’d recommend it only for experienced bikers used to hoofing it at high altitude.
If you’re looking for a less strenuous way to stretch your legs, some popular hiking trails include the half-mile, out-and-back Window Rock Trail, the 1.5-mile Devils Kitchen Trail and Serpents Trail, a moderate, 3.5-mile round-tripper that offers grand vistas as well as the chance to see colorful Colorado wildflowers, depending on the season.
Stop at Saddlehorn Visitor Center to learn more about the area’s geological history, fuel up on snacks and use the restroom.
Outside the Monument, another popular option for hiking is the Dinosaur Hill Trailhead. The mile-long loop passes dinosaur bones and excavation sites, including the spot where the most complete brontosaurus in the world was discovered in 1901.
Keep the dino theme going at the Dinosaur Journey Museum, where visitors can observe real dinosaur fossils, dig for fossil treasures in hands-on exhibits and see a working paleontology lab.
Considering Fruita is known for its single-track mountain biking, you’d be remiss to not give it a shot this afternoon. Fuel up with lunch at Camilla’s Kaffe, an unassuming spot that’s a favorite in the mountain-biking community for its green-chile-smothered cheeseburgers and enchilada platters.
While downtown, pick up the necessary gear at a local rental spot. If you’re a beginner, it might be worthwhile to schedule a private excursion with a company like Hermosa Tours, which can help make sure your first mountain-bike adventure is an enjoyable one.
Back in Grand Junction, dine at 626 on Rood, an elegant, innovative restaurant known for its seasonal menu and wine flights. For something more laid-back, you can’t go wrong with Pablo’s Pizza. Here you can choose from the 30 or so pies on the menu or craft your own cheesy masterpiece, which seems appropriate given the joint was named for Pablo Picasso.
Afterward grab a drink at Handlebar Tap House. With 24 rotating taps, you can sample as many eclectic ales as your heart desires. The full bar also serves craft cocktails with libations from Peach Street Distillers in nearby Palisade.
Sunday: Sample Wine Pairings Around Palisade
There are more than 20 wineries and tasting rooms in Palisade, and today you’re going to have to make the difficult decision of determining which is your favorite. Before a day spent sipping, a solid breakfast is a must. Slice O Life Bakery offers fresh-out-the-oven sweet (berry cups, peach poppy seed cake) and savory options (spinach quiche, ham rolls).
Then it’s time to hit the vines. Many of the wineries can be found on the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway. Consider renting a mountain bike at Rapid Creek Cycles and heading out on one of the three designated routes, which range from 5 to 25 miles long.
If you’re not a biker (or haven’t recovered from yesterday’s hike), other ways to cover a lot of ground without getting behind the wheel include hiring a shuttle, a pedicab, an open-air safari vehicle or a horse and buggy.
Bordeaux-style wines do well in this region, but each winery really does its own thing. Generally speaking, you can sample a handful of wines at each tasting room for about $10.
A couple of must-visit spots include: Grande River Vineyards & Winery (classic, estate-grown varietals), Hermosa Vineyards (voted the number-one vineyard outside of California by “Travel + Leisure”), Maison La Belle Vie Winery (whose winemaker hails from the Loire Valley) and Mesa Park Vineyards (breathtaking views and a sweet red barn).
When you’re in need of a pause, swing by local favorite Diorio’s to pick up classic subs served on homemade focaccia and enjoy at the serene Riverbend Park.
While wine is hands down the biggest draw, don’t miss the many orchards, farm stands and flower farms along the way, if only to give your liver a bit of a break.
One local favorite is the Suncrest Orchard Alpacas & Fiber Works. The company offers trekking tours, wherein each hiker is paired with their very own alpaca for a 30- to 45-minute walk around the orchard. Yes, it is as adorable and hilarious as it sounds.
When it’s time for dinner, Palisade Brewing Company does great pub fare. Snag a seat on the patio to enjoy house-smoked meats, American-style beer and live music most nights — a lively little send-off for your weekend in western Colorado.
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