Why Grand Junction Is the Getaway You Never Knew You Needed

As mountain bikers and hikers wad to Moab for their outside jam before winter hits , Grand Junction , skirt by the Grand Mesa , Colorado National Monument , and the Book Cliffs , offer up its own surfeit of scenery accessed by pes and two steering wheel , not to mention a surprising compendium of breweries and piquant eats . Some of us are so dead place on gunning it across the border that we do n’t notice the stunning scene from pretty much anywhere you intercept in and around Grand Junction . That said , here ’s why you should view Grand Junction for your next trip-up .

There’s great hiking

At least an hr near than every green in Utah , Colorado National Monument offers more than 60 miles of hiking trails , each opening to either a scene of the integral Western Slope or a purview of spectacular stone formation . These include the Coke Ovens , Pipe Organ , Kissing Couple , a collection of natural archway , and what take care like a mint of massive phalluses but is formally nickname Devil ’s Kitchen . The few tree that lie down in the valley throughout the Monument are overabundant with color throughout the fall . Trails drift from hour - long out - and - backs to full - twenty-four hour period canon treks . Saddlehorn Campground is located at the top of the Fruita side of the park , and backpackers can pitch a collapsible shelter deeply in the removed corners of the canyon . On the other side of the valley , Mount Garfield is the most large crest you see ( on your right ) upon arrival into Grand Junction . There ’s a sparsely frequented trail on it that make for a arduous but exhilarating two - knot schlep over bastioned sandstone to the 2,000 foot summit .

… not to mention picturesque cycling

The two - way paved road that roll through Colorado National Monument is delightfully swooning on vehicular traffic this time of yr . Rim Rock Drive stretches for 23 miles through the flushed sandstone cliff paries between Grand Junction and Fruita with just over 2,000 ft of climb , mint of epinephrine - fuel hairpin turns , steady mounting , descents , and viewpoints of every rock candy shaping in the canyon . Another selection for roadies or effortless cruisers is the Colorado Riverfront Trail , a nearly continuous ( save for a fistful of brusque detours ) pave path paralleling the Colorado River that connects Palisade , Grand Junction , and Fruita , a straddle of 28 miles . It ’s almost entirely flat , taking you through wetlands , botanic garden , and within stumbling length ofEdgewater Brewery , a dandy place to grab a dry pint and take a breather .

And how about some mountain biking?

Most riders go to Fruita to get their Fat Tire location , but two miles from Grand Junction ’s Main St dwell some of the most proficient singletrack in the area – the Lunch Loop ( aka Tabeguache ) trail arrangement . These trail do n’t mess around . Although most are designed to razz in an hour and a half or less ( during a lunch break ) , they take you up and around ridge , sometimes within centimeters of 300 ft precipices along the aptly named Widowmaker Hill . There ’s also a motorcycle park where locals can be establish catching serious air , and a duad of newer trail that make you feel like less of a wimp bearing names like Kids Meal and Big Sister . Fruita pop the question classic desert riding that blows out anything you ’d happen in Moab , and is totally non - motorized … i.e. free of overzealous noobs in Jeeps . If youdowant to ride to Moab and get there entirely on dirt , the 142 - mile Kokopelli Trail begin at the Loma passing , which is also home to dozens of miles of rolling , rough track above the Colorado River , including the beginner - friendly Mary ’s Loop and the substantially more intriguing Troy Built . On the other side of Fruita , 18 Road offers an awesome BLM camping expanse and a serial publication of multi - tied trails consort through the sand at the base of the scenic Book Cliffs , as well as some more strenuous routes up and down the extortionate and sandy rampart .

You want great food? You got great food.

Some might think that Grand Junction is cooking up little more than steaks , but as the agricultural treasure of the area might indicate , there ’s a bountiful oblation of farm - to - board fare . AtBin 707 , chef Josh Niernberg is such an enthusiast about it that he maturate microgreens in his bureau and source as many ingredients topically as potential , include seasonal specialties like the beloved - glazed banana tree pepper , heirloom tomato salad , and larder plum cobbler . He ’s done so well for himself that he ’s open a greaser joint and a supper club in 2017 . If you wish your burgers still bleeding , head word to626 on Rood , where beef is sourced from Roan Creek Ranch down the road and all dishes come with an regalia of creative and opulent sauces . The best brunch maculation isDream Caféwith its pocket-size carte du jour of mimosa and Bloody Mary motley , gigantic Cinnamomum zeylanicum bun , and gut - bomb Benedicts . Café Solis a lunchtime standout with its monolithic paninis , fresh soups , and salads .

And beer. So much beer.

In a place that is world - renowned for its peaches , it ’s no curiosity that other fruits also flourish here . Grand Junction and Palisade are home to 23 wine maker and taste rooms ( barren tasting ! ) , and many of them are handily nestled together . The near elbow room to bring your means through the gauntlet is via police cruiser bike . Talon Wineryprides itself on its Western Slope - grown Graeco-Roman varietals , whileSt . Kathryn Cellarsnext door has figured out how to yield booze from not just the obvious local ingredients like cherries and dish but also from Sambucus nigra and lavender . For more apprehensive palates , Grande River , Plum Creek , andTwo Riverseach offer a agrestic - chic ambiance and an every bit pleasing ironical riesling . Though known more for its grapes , Grand Junction sees a gregarious role played by its grain . After churn up dirt in Fruita , Suds Brothers Breweryoffers a soothe pint of hefeweizen or opprobrious and tan along with tasty pub fare , include a can’t - young woman barbecue pork barrel sandwich and Pisces the Fishes greaser with a surprising but not untasty pico de gallo / wasabi sauce . Also in Fruita , Copper Clubis a bare - bones brewing joint where you could bring your own nutrient and sip stout while play darts . The Colorado Mesa University crowd plenty toKannah Creekin Junction for the 13 brews on tap , whileRockslideon Main St sway out a nice Oktoberfest along with a huge solid food carte du jour .

What more do you need?

compare to Moab , Downtown Junction is a mecca of culture , with play shops ( a bang-up vintage confect stock and also a shoe castle full of Euro brands ) , cautiously vet art ( bronze statue on every corner ) , and a option of saloon that includes a blues joint ( Ella ’s Blues Room ) , a eminent - end French spot with hot jazz music ( Le Rouge ) , and a tequila bar ( MX ) , all appealingly devoid of Mormon influence . All of that , plus everything else we ’ve dutifully repose out here , makes Grand Junction the ultimate pickup you never lie with you needed . See you on the trails !

Grand junction