Discover Grand Junction: Art, River Landscapes, and Canyon Views

Grand Junction combines impressive landscapes with art, history, and activities along the Colorado River. Those planning a trip can choose between viewpoints in Colorado National Monument, walking paths along the river, and cultural discoveries. When looking for a suitable vacation rental, the desired daily itinerary is therefore especially important: Should the trip focus on nature experiences, art and history, or a mixture of both?

Canyon Landscapes and Trails for Varied Days

In the immediate vicinity, Rim Rock Drive runs as a 23-mile-long, paved, two-lane road through Colorado National Monument. Pullouts and viewpoints along Rim Rock Drive offer views of the monument’s geological formations and natural landscapes. The route is therefore suitable as an excursion in its own right, allowing the landscape to be viewed from different perspectives again and again. Take the 23-mile length into account when planning your day.

There are also various ways to spend time outdoors along the Colorado River. The 130-acre Las Colonias Park is located directly next to downtown Grand Junction on the riverbank. It is connected to the existing and expanding Riverfront Trail system. Watson Island is located directly on the Colorado River near Las Colonias and offers disc golf. This makes it possible to include quiet moments by the river and an active outing in your travel plans without every day having to focus on the same theme.

Those who want to combine a hike with a special viewpoint will find Otto's Trail nearby. The trail leads to a peninsula in the canyons; from there, a panorama of Wedding Canyon and Monument Canyon opens up on three sides. The Old Spanish Trail North Branch also runs nearby, heading west over Cochetopa Pass to Grand Junction in Colorado. These historical and landscape connections give the region additional depth.

Art and History in Grand Junction

Grand Junction can also be explored through its cultural sites. Art on the Corner began on August 5, 1984, with an exhibition of 24 sculptures on Main Street in Grand Junction. Today, Art on the Corner displays more than 115 sculptures throughout Downtown Grand Junction. Art on the Corner includes community conversations and tours about the exhibition’s history.

The Museum of the West and the Sterling T. Smith Observation Tower add further highlights. The tower rises nearly 75 feet above the Museum of the West and offers a 360-degree view of Grand Junction, the Colorado River, and the surrounding canyonland. Cross Orchards Historic Site is a living history museum that conveys Grand Junction’s agricultural roots. The Art Center of Western Colorado offers rotating exhibitions, workshops, and classes in various artistic media.

The EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum offers science-related activities and interactive exhibits.

Which Location Best Suits Your Trip?

The choice of a vacation rental in Grand Junction can be guided by personal priorities. For a trip with a strong focus on landscapes, Rim Rock Drive, the viewpoints of Colorado National Monument, and Otto's Trail are the main attractions. Those who prefer culture and local history can include Art on the Corner, the Museum of the West, Cross Orchards Historic Site, and the Art Center of Western Colorado in their plans. For days by the water, Las Colonias Park, the Riverfront Trail system, and Watson Island provide specific options.

Nearby, Fruit Basket Orchards is a 7.5-acre pick-your-own farm. The range of experiences therefore extends from canyon views and historical topics to river landscapes, art, and regional agriculture.

More Places for Your Travel Plans

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Grand Junction, you can also include Fruita, Redlands, Palisade, and De Beque in your further research.

For the higher-level travel overview: Mesa.