Grand Junction is a small desert town in western Colorado. It’s a great place to visit as it is close to the Colorado National Monument, which has some incredible hikes and has a quaint downtown with a western vibe. Grand Junction is a must-see destination if you are planning a road trip throughout western Colorado or want to get away from the city for a weekend.

Grand Junction’s location:

Grand Junction is a 4-hour drive from Denver and a 5-hour drive from Colorado Springs (Googlemaps, 2022). Avon is (approximately) the halfway point (about 2 hours) from Denver to Grand Junction, making it a great place to stop, rest, and eat before continuing your journey. Grand Junction can get very hot so if you plan on hiking, it’s best to do it in the morning to avoid scorching hot temperatures and a painful sunburn. So grab your hat, apply some sunscreen, pack a water bottle and let’s explore Grand Junction!

The Top Things To Do In Grand Junction, C.O.

1. Hike the Monument Canyon Loop Trail at Colorado National Monument 

Trail distance: 4.5 miles
Driving distance from downtown Grand Junction: about 10 miles

Wanting to see Big Horn sheep, colorful lizards, and stunning rock formations? Then this hike is for you! This hike is a relatively easy loop and has impressive views of the C.O. National Monument. However, this hike can get hot in the spring/summer, so I would recommend hitting the trail early, as this will also increase your chances of spotting wildlife. Hiking this trail clockwise will also provide some shade, as you will be in the mountain’s shadow for about 2 miles of the hike. Pack your camera and get ready for a hike to remember! 

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2. The Canyon Rim Trail to Window Rock at Colorado National Monument

This trail is great if you are looking for an easy, short hike with phenomenal rock views and impressive drop-offs. I hiked this trail in June and saw several lizards and chipmunks on the trail. The enormous red rocks, blooming cacti, and green scrubs also made a stunning backdrop for photos. However, this hike is difficult to follow as the trail isn’t well marked. However, don’t let this discourage you, just be sure to download the trail map before attempting to hike this beautiful trail.

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3. Drive the 22-mile Rim Rock Drive and explore the Colorado National Monument

This 22-mile drive is a great way to explore the Colorado National Monument! This drive takes approximately 45–50 minutes to complete and has many beautiful outlooks along the way. The western entrance is in Fruita, with the road ending in Grand Junction. However, it costs to enter the national park. There are day or yearly passes for sale, so if you plan to hike multiple days, you will probably want to go with the annual pass. Another nice thing about the C.O. National Monument is it has a lot less traffic than the Rocky Mountain National Park, which makes for a very peaceful drive.

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4. Explore Downtown Grand Junction

Strolling through the quaint downtown is a great way to discover the town and have some great food. Grand Junction isn’t overly touristy, so it’s easy to get a table for dinner and doesn’t feel overcrowded. However, if you are visiting Grand Junction for the weekend, be sure to check the hours of restaurants and shops, as many businesses are closed on Sundays.

(Please always check trail-specific information and use your best judgment regarding all trail warnings, closures, weather, and road closures/conditions before heading out for a hike.)

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Best Places To Eat And Drink In Grand Junction

1. Guru’s Kitchen

Guru has an extensive menu comprising Indian and Himalayan food with indoor and outdoor seating. A must-try is the garlic Naan and Samosas as a starter!

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2. Sol Cafe

This restaurant is great for grabbing a sandwich for lunch after a morning hike but can be pretty busy at lunchtime. There is a walk-up counter for ordering, then the food is delivered to your table. This place is ideal if you are looking for a quick but delicious lunch. The iced coffee and turkey sandwich makes for the perfect lunch on a hot, summer day!

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3. The Goat and Clover Tavern

This tavern offers a variety of comfort food and has an extensive drink selection. It also has indoor and outdoor seating with an old pub feel. One of the best dishes is the chicken pot pie, as it’s hot, bubbly, and a delicious classic dish. Yum!

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4. Ramblebine Brewery

Ramlebine is a brewery downtown that usually has a food truck on-site. This brewery has a unique selection of beers, indoor and outdoor seating, and a modern feel. This is a great, sunny place to grab a drink outside before dinner!  

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A 2-Day Sample Travel Itinerary For Grand Junction, C.O.

Day 1
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM	Hike the Canyon Rim Trail to Window Rock at Colorado National Monument
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM	Drive the 22-mile Rim Rock Drive at Colorado National Monument
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM	Have lunch at Sol Café
6:00 PM	Enjoy dinner at Guru’s Kitchen

Day 2
7:30 AM- 11:00 AM	Hike the Monument Canyon Loop Trail at the Colorado National Monument
12:00 PM- 3:00 PM	Have Lunch and Explore the Shops in Downtown Grand Junction
5:00 PM – 6:15 PM	Try a unique drink at Ramblebine Brewery
6:30 PM	Have dinner at The Goat and Clover Tavern

Please be sure to check other sources for restaurants’ hours, availability, closures, and contact information before making plans and always drink responsibly.

None of my recommendations of the best things to do in Grand Junction CO were sponsored or discounted and, as always, reflect my honest opinion.