Things to Do in Grand Junction: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Grand Junction is the largest city on Colorado's Western Slope, where the Colorado and Gunnison rivers meet beneath red sandstone canyons. Colorado National Monument with its dramatic Rim Rock Drive, the vineyards and peach orchards of Palisade, Grand Mesa, one of the largest flat-topped mountains in the world, and endless trails for hiking and mountain biking make it a superb outdoor base.
This guide covers the best things to do in Grand Junction, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Grand Junction
Colorado National Monument
Red rock canyons, monoliths and the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive.
Palisade wine country
Wineries, peach orchards and a riverside bike path.
Grand Mesa
Huge flat-topped mountain with over 300 lakes.
Lunch Loops
Famous mountain biking and hiking trail system.
Downtown Grand Junction
Main Street with sculptures, shops and restaurants.
Dinosaur Journey Museum
Fossils and animatronic dinosaurs in Fruita.
Riverfront Trail
Paved path along the Colorado River.
Book Cliffs and wild horses
Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range.
Grand Junction in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Colorado National Monument
Drive the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive through Colorado National Monument, stopping at Independence Monument, Grand View and Cold Shivers Point. Hike the short Window Rock and Canyon Rim trails near the visitor center. Picnic lunch in the park. In the afternoon, explore downtown Grand Junction's Main Street with its outdoor sculptures. Dinner downtown.
2Day 2 · Palisade wine and fruit
Bike or drive the Fruit and Wine Byway in Palisade, tasting at wineries and stopping at farm stands for peaches in summer. Lunch at a winery. In the afternoon, visit a lavender farm or a distillery and walk the Riverbend Park. Sunset dinner back in Grand Junction.
3Day 3 · Grand Mesa
Drive the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway to the top of Grand Mesa at about 10,000 feet, with alpine lakes, fishing and short hikes like the Crag Crest Trail. Lunch at a mountain lodge. Return in the evening for a relaxed dinner.
Grand Junction in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Fruita and dinosaurs
Morning at the Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita, then hike the Dinosaur Hill trail. Lunch in Fruita. Afternoon mountain biking at the Kokopelli Trails or the 18 Road trails. Dinner at a Fruita brewery.
5Day 5 · River day
Spend the morning rafting or paddleboarding on a calm stretch of the Colorado River, or cycle the paved Riverfront Trail past wetlands and cottonwoods. Lunch by the river. In the afternoon visit the Museum of the West downtown for regional history and dinosaur exhibits. Evening on Main Street with a local brewery stop.
Grand Junction in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, about 90 minutes away, where sheer dark cliffs drop over 2,000 feet to the river. Drive the South Rim Road and stop at Painted Wall and Chasm View. Picnic at the rim. Return to Grand Junction for dinner.
7Day 7 · Last day
Easy morning hike at the Lunch Loops trail system for one more view of the Grand Valley, then shopping for Palisade peach jam, local wine and lavender products. Farewell dinner downtown with Colorado lamb and a glass of Grand Valley wine.
What to do in Grand Junction on a weekend
What to do in Grand Junction on a weekend? Saturday: Colorado National Monument and downtown. Sunday: Palisade wineries and the Riverfront Trail.
The Palisade Peach Festival in August and the Colorado Mountain Winefest in September are highlights.
What to do in Grand Junction in the evening
Evenings revolve around Main Street restaurants, breweries and wine bars.
Stargazing on Grand Mesa and sunsets over the monument are unforgettable.
Grand Junction for couples
For couples, a wine tasting tour in Palisade, sunset on Rim Rock Drive and dinner downtown are perfect.
Grand Junction with kids
With kids, the Dinosaur Journey Museum, easy monument hikes, Grand Mesa lakes and the Riverfront Trail are ideal.
What to eat in Grand Junction
Palisade peaches
Sweet summer peaches.
Colorado lamb
Local and tender.
Local wine
From Grand Valley wineries.
Craft beer
From Fruita and Grand Junction breweries.
Mexican food
Popular in the Western Slope.
Where to stay in Grand Junction: best areas
Downtown
Walkable to restaurants.
Palisade
Among vineyards.
Fruita
Close to biking trails.
Grand Mesa
Cabins and lodges.
What to do in Grand Junction when it rains
What to do in Grand Junction when it rains? The Museum of the West, the Dinosaur Journey Museum, wine tastings and downtown galleries.
How much does a trip to Grand Junction cost?
Expect 120 to 220 dollars per night, 12 to 20 dollars for lunch and a 25-dollar vehicle pass for the monument.
Practical tips for Grand Junction
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October. Summer is hot, but Grand Mesa stays cool.
Getting around
A car is essential. Grand Junction Regional Airport is 10 minutes from downtown, and Amtrak's California Zephyr stops here.
Our practical tips
- Start Rim Rock Drive early.
- Carry plenty of water.
- Visit Palisade in peach season.
- Bring layers for Grand Mesa.
- Rent a mountain bike.
- Check trail conditions.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hiking midday in summer.
- Driving the monument at night.
- Skipping Grand Mesa.
- Underestimating altitude.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Grand Junction with kids?
Dinosaur museum, easy hikes and lakes.
How long is Rim Rock Drive?
23 miles.
What to do in Grand Junction on a weekend?
The monument, downtown and Palisade.
When is peach season?
July to September.