Fall in Grand Junction, Colorado, 5 Ways to Enjoy Colors Without the Crowds
Fall in Colorado is one of the busiest times for many towns in the colorful state. While most people will go to the big-name mountain towns like Vail, Telluride, or Aspen to try and get their share of the fall colors, Grand Junction and the Western Slope offer equally stellar views without the crowds.
Fall in Grand Junction is, without a doubt, one of the best times to visit the Western Slope of Colorado. Temperatures still cater to getting outside and camping under the stars while not getting too hot during the day so you can do all the wonderful activities the Western Slope has to offer.
Check out this list of 5 ways to enjoy the fall colors in Grand Junction and the surrounding Western Slope area.
1) Take a guided ATV/UTV tour of the Grand Mesa.
The Grand Mesa in Colorado is the largest flattop mountain in the world, encompassing more than 500 square miles and standing over 10,000 feet above sea level. The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway winds 63 miles through the national forest, providing beautiful views of the National Forest’s lakes, wildlife, and geological features. Get your leaf peeping in and enjoy the fresh mountain air while enjoying Western Colorado’s beautiful colors with an all-inclusive guided tour of the Grand Mesa with us here.
2) Enjoy a wine tasting at some of Colorado’s best Vineyards.
Sitting in the valley between the Colorado River and the book cliffs and mesas surrounding Grand Junction and Palisade, the Grand Valley is home to 27 wineries and vineyards that produce some of Colorado’s best wines. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy a wine tasting, winery tour, or the annual Colorado Mountain Winefest, which happens every September. Interested in taking your wine tasting experience to the next level? Adrenaline Driven Adventures offers a wine tour like no other which you can learn about here.
3) Visit the Colorado National Monument
“Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West. But this treasure is much more than a monument. Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau and canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.” Located just minutes from downtown Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument is one place not to miss regardless of the season.
4) Camp at Highline State Park
Tucked into the high desert just 25 miles west of Grand Junction, Colorado, Highline State Park feels like an oasis hidden away from reality. The park is home to two lakes, Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake, and provides excellent options for waterskiing, fishing, swimming, and camping. Camping is offered year-round, with partially shaded sites for both tents and RVs. Taking in the fall from the comfort of the outdoors is one of the best ways to spend some time on the Western Slope.
5) Take a bike ride along the Audubon trail on the Colorado River
This is just one more perfect way to take in the views of the changing colors of the beautiful Colorado landscape. The 1.4 mile Audubon Section of the 30 mile Riverfront Trail takes you alongside the Colorado River, beneath a canopy of trees offering spectacular access. It is also a tranquil setting for bird watching and spotting many of the other species of wildlife that live near the Colorado River.
These are just a few of the fantastic things to do in Grand Junction and the Western Slope of Colorado. If you are interested in any of the activities listed above, contact us here or give us a call (970) 623-3UTV.