Coming in to our Grand Junction studio from out of town? Here is your guide to the Grand Valley. A list of where to stay, what to see, eat + drink, and of course get your outdoor fix.
The Grand Valley is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The Colorado River goes right through the valley and we are surrounded by incredibly scenic and diverse landscape; The Bookcliffs and Mt. Garfield, Grand Mesa, and Colorado National Monument, a perfect mix of both alpine and desert terrain. With over 400+ miles of single track, plenty of lakes and river routes for paddle boarding, an abundance of hiking trails, rock climbing, and Powderhorn ski resort is only 30 minutes away – It’s a great place for people who live an outdoor active lifestyle.
The Grand Valley is comprised of three cities: Palisade, Grand Junction, and Fruita.
From the left: Palisade Rim Trail, Margarita at Pêche, Colterris Vineyards
Palisade
A small laid back town that’s known for it’s wine and peaches. The Fruit and Wine Byway is a road that runs through Palisade’s East Orchard Mesa, you can rent a bike and take this road to wineries and fruit stands that run along it.
To stay: Spoke and Vine Motel – Newly renovated, cute + casual accommodations. Also check out Airbnb for available places to stay.
To eat: Pêche – Really the best restaurant in the valley. Amazing cocktails, delicious + innovative dishes with beautiful presentation, and superior hospitality. Reservations are recommended.
To drink: check out some of the many wineries: Colterris, Mesa Park Vineyards, Grande River Vineyards, Maison La Belle Vie to name a few… Stop by Pressed Coffee for a CBD latte, pastries from the gals at Sweet Kiwi, cocktails, and an aesthetically pleasing – moody interior.
Hit the “Palisade Trifecta”As the locals call it. The trifecta, refers to the three bars in Palisade that are all within walking distance from each other. Start at Palisade Brewery and grab yourself a dirty hippy (I’m talking about the beer – but I don’t judge) a cup of popcorn and a spot on their open patio to enjoy the live music and people watching. 😉 Then head right next door to Peach Street Distillery. They make their own Vodka, Gin, and Whiskey. The Bloody Mary is my go to but I’ve heard good things about the Gin Ricky too. And if your night goes this far The Livery is right up the street. Play some pool, sing some karaoke and enjoy Pali’s dive bar.
The Weedery, If you partake, this is the only place in the valley to get your drugs, man.
Biking/Hiking: Palisade Rim Trail – Hike or Bike. To bike it you need to be intermediate+ It’s a serious push up and requires some technical skill. Mt. Garfield (hike)
Mt. Garfield Hike in Palisade
Seasonal Attractions in Palisade:
Fruit tree’s blossoming: Mid-April
Lavender Fields in bloom: June
Peach season: July – September
Wine Fest: September
Mica Mines Hike in Grand Junction
Grand Junction
To stay: Springhill Suites by Marriott Downtown Grand Junction
Eat + Drink: Bin 707 and Taco Party, both located downtown, are my two favorite restaurants in Grand Junction. They have delicious food and cocktails. Dream Cafe is the spot for breakfast – or brunch. Right next door is Kiln coffee, If you’re like me and you prefer espresso to drip, stop here before and get yourself a fancier fix – they have oat milk! Handlebar Taphouse is the place to go for a burger and beer after biking/hiking the Lunch Loops/Tabaguache trails, they have one of the best selections of draft beers in the valley. Highlands Distillery is a cozy place for craft cocktails. Copeka is another coffee and cocktail haven with a fun retro vibe. Also if you have a sweet tooth hit up Sweet Kiwi Bakery – These ladies make the most delicious (and pretty) pastries and baked goods.
Biking: The Lunch Loops is a large trail network in Grand Junction, only a couple miles from downtown. Meant for biking but you can certainly hike and run these trails. There is a new paved bike path, currently in the works, that will ultimately connect it to the downtown area. For road/gravel: the Colorado Monument 30 mile scenic byway.
From the left: first two photos taken by Kimberly Crist Photography at the Colorado National Monument.
Hiking: Serpent’s Trail (great for trail running,) Lunch Loops, Mica Mines, Rough Canyon.
Sweat: Burn Fitness for barre and yoga classes, Yoga V for hot yoga – book your class on the mind body app, Mesa Fitness is the fully equipped gym in town for all your strength training needs – they also have a sauna (if that’s important to you.) It’s a $10 day pass fee that is good for 24 hours.
From the left: sunset from the Ribbon Trail, Aspen forest in Glade Park, Dominguez Canyon Waterfall, Blooming Trees in Rough Canyon, Flowering Cactus from the Monument Canyon Trail.
Fruita
To eat + drink: The Hot Tomato for your post ride/hike pizza and beer. It is hands down the best pizza in the valley. The Copper Cup for great local brews. BestSlope Coffee and Aspen Coffee Roasters are both stellar spots for your caffeine needs.
Biking: Kokopelli Loops or 18 Road Trails for really smooth, roller coaster-like trails.
Hiking: Monument Canyon Trail, Devil’s Canyon Loop
From the left: Pizza, Salad and Beers at the Hot Tomato Cafe in Fruita, Street in Downtown Fruita, Rustler’s Loop at the Kokopelli Trails in Loma.
That’s my list of recommendations! Hope you enjoy your time here in the Valley and if you have any questions or would like to add anything useful feel free to leave a comment below 🙂
