Grand Junction Attractions

Colorado Mountain Winefest
The Colorado Mountain Winefest is a three-day celebration starring some of the best wines in the state. Over 20 wineries present their finest selections, hoping to win Best of the Fest. Live jazz, fantastic food, cooking and ice-carving demonstrations, and a grape stomp accompany the wine tasting activities. At the Winemakers Dinner, patrons can mingle with vineyard owners and enjoy wines that are specifically chosen to complement each course. On the festival's 25-mile bike tour, 1,000 cyclists pass the lush acres of orchards and vineyards that make up Colorado's wine country. The Colorado Mountain Winefest starts Sept. 18, 2003. Call (800) 704-3667 to purchase tickets to its various events.

Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument is characterized by over 20,000 acres of towering red sandstone monoliths and deep canyons, and it is home to golden eagles, mule deer, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Campers, hikers, rock climbers, cross country skiers, cyclists, and horseback riders all frequent the area to view its beautiful scenery and wildlife. The area's shortest trail leads to an overlook of Monument and Wedding canyons, while one of the longest trails provides close views of Independence Monument and the Kissing Couple. Some people choose to experience the best of Colorado National Monument via automobile. Historic Rim Rock Drive, the only major paved road in Colorado National Monument, is breathtaking for all of its 23 miles; it provides a different view at every designated stop. To reach the Rim Rock Drive, travel west on Interstate 70 to the Fruita exit (Exit 19), and follow Highway 340 to the entrance (the visitor's center is on this road as well).

Cross Orchards Historic Farm
The Cross Orchards Historic Farm re-creates the Grand Valley pioneers days of the 1900s with costumed interpreters and historic sites. On an exploration of Cross Orchards, guests encounter a re-created train depot with rail cars, a 60-piece vintage road building equipment collection, and historic structures related to the farm's days as a working orchard. On the historic farm's Wild West Days, exciting reenactments of train robberies occur, old-time music is played, and Native American arts and authentic costumes are displayed. The 240-acre historic farm is located at 3073 F Road. Call the historic farm at (970) 434-9814 for information about its hours and admission fees.

Grand Mesa National Forest
Grand Mesa National Forest features 351,705 acres of aspen and coniferous forest land and the largest flattop mountain in the world. It houses approximately 300 lakes that are ideal venues for a day of fishing. Animals such as porcupines, mountain lions, coyotes, elk, and deer are found along its scenic hiking trails. The Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway, Highway 65, runs from verdant valleys up to the 11,000-foot subalpine summit of Grand Mesa – an expanse filled with forest broken by meadows, streams, and lakes. The road is well-maintained and accessible in all seasons.

History Museum/Sterling T. Smith Educational Tower
At the History Museum/Sterling T. Smith Educational Tower strives to remove the glass barriers between guests and exhibits, and it prides itself on such immersive displays. Highlights of the museum include an outstanding collection of Southwest pottery in an adobe villa, exhibits about Grand Junction's mining heritage in a full-size uranium mine, and an extensive firearms collection that belonged to lawman and outlaws. It also has an exhibit detailing the life and times of Alfred – also known as Alferd – Packer, the “Colorado Cannibal.” The Educational Tower provides a 360-degree view of Grand Junction and beyond, as well as a display of a working weather station. The museum is located at the corner of Fifth Street and Ute Avenue in downtown Grand Junction. Call the museum at (970) 242-0971 for information about its hours and admission fees.

Kokopelli Bike Trail
The Kokopelli Bike Trail is one of the premier slickrock biking destinations in Colorado. It extends 140 miles from just above Fruita, Colorado into Moab, Utah, with elevations that rise to 8,400 feet. Ambitious mountain bikers from all over attempt this arduous five- to seven-day trek, lured by the awe-inspiring canyon landscapes found all along the way. Primitive campsites are available at certain points on the route, allowing for a quick respite from the grueling excursion. Bikers hoping to reach the Kokopelli Trail from Grand Junction should travel west on Interstate 70 for approximately 15 miles. Take Exit 15 (Loma), then travel west on a frontage road of gravel south of the interstate – the trailhead is on the left.

Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse Area
The thrill of hiking and horseback riding in the extensive trails of the Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse Area is the opportunity to see bands of untamed steeds. The small bands are usually comprised of young stallions or a stud and his harem of mares. The animals prefer the high country in the spring, summer, and fall and travel to lower country in the winter. The Indian Park and North Soda areas (Debeque/Winter Park Road entrance) are the best bet for glimpses of the wild horses in the summer; Coal Canyon or Main Canyon areas (Coal Canyon entrance) offer the most sightings in the winter. The area, characterized by over 30,000 acres of rugged canyons and plateaus, is beautiful regardless of whether guests encounter the wild horses or not. Motorized travel, navigable via truck or four-wheel drive, is available seasonally in some sections of the wild horse area.

Museum of Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey
Dinosaur Journey is aptly named – it truly is an interactive excursion into the Jurassic Period. The museum’s robotic dinosaurs move, sound – and occasionally spit – as if alive, and its hands-on exhibits explore the ancient world that hosted such fearsome species. Real dinosaur bones and skeletons are on display, including the rare Mymoorapelta. A working paleontology lab shows guests how dinosaur bones are prepared for study. Dinosaur Journey is located at 550 Jurassic Court in Fruita. Call the museum at (888) 488-DINO (3466) for information about its hours and admission fees, and to preregister to work on an actual dinosaur dig in one of the museum’s quarry field sites.

Rabbit Valley’s Trail Through Time
Dinosaur remains found and excavated in Rabbit Valley include the Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, Brachiosaurus, Camarasaurus, Ceratosaurus, Cellosaurus, and Nodosaurus. The valley’s dinosaur quarry, theoretically a watering hole 140 million years ago, is active from May through August. The interpretive Trail Through Time, an easy 1.5-mile loop, showcases dinosaur and plant fossils in their natural state – hikers sometimes glimpse paleontologists at work in the quarry as well. Hikers are required to stay directly on the trail, and they are prohibited from removing any fossils encountered along the way. An interpretive kiosk expounds upon the various dinosaurs discovered in the valley. Rabbit Valley is located off of Interstate 70 (Exit 2), 30 miles west of Grand Junction.

Rimrock Adventures
Rimrock Adventures provide a number of ways to experience the rivers and canyons of western Colorado. Its multiple horseback riding excursions include one-, two-, and three-hour trips into the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area or the Little Bookcliff Wild Horse Area. Its rafting adventures, ranging from whitewater trips to scenic floats, are a great way to experience the unforgettable scenery in Colorado. Rimrock Adventures is located in Fruita, off of Highway 340 (Exit 19 off of Interstate 70). Call the adventure company at (888) 712-9555 for information about fees and to make reservations.