From Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-topped mountain, to the red rock canyons of Colorado National Monument, the Grand Junction area landscape is dramatically different from other Colorado regions.
Duration: 3 Days
Available: Year-round
This Itinerary is Ideal For: Adults over 21
Day 1
Your first stop is Colorado’s Wine Country, with 23 wineries, and begin your visit with a tour of award-winning Grande River Vineyards followed by one of the area’s most popular attractions, Suncrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiberworks. Enjoy a spectacular view of the valley and award-winning wine at Colterris at the Overlook Tasting Room. The next stop will be one of the area’s beautiful lavender farms, Sprigs and Sprouts, where you will learn about lavender and the many beneficial products that can be made from the plant.
Check in to one of Grand Junction’s group-friendly hotels before departing for the evening to savor a “Taste of Grand Junction” at a Winemakers Dinner at Varaison Vineyards and Winery or The Chateau at Two Rivers Winery.
Day 2
Get ready for a fun-filled day to include Colorado National Monument, Downtown Grand Junction and a float trip. The red-rock canyons, buttes, spires and sandstone formations of Colorado National Monument, ranked fourth on National Geographic’s list of the Top Underappreciated Parks, can be easily seen from Rim Rock Drive, a 23-mile national historic drive, located just a few minutes from I-70. Enjoy “Breakfast on the Monument” with a stunning view of the majestic canyons that are often referred to as a mini Grand Canyon.
The next stop will be historic Downtown Grand Junction, a tree-lined walking zone with its many shops, galleries and restaurants. Discover Art on the Corner, a collection of over 100 art sculptures that line beautiful Main Street. Enjoy lunch at one of the many privately owned restaurants featuring locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats and beverages. End your day with a relaxing float trip on the Colorado River through Rim Rock Adventures. You will see majestic views of Colorado National Monument, the Grand Mesa and the Bookcliff Mountains. The river corridor is a paradise for birds, such as bald eagles, hawks, canyon wren and blue heron.
Savor a tasty buffalo brisket dinner by the river before calling it a day and heading back to the hotel.
Day 3
Begin your morning with a drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock and craggiest spires in North America. With two million years to work, the Gunnison River, along with the forces of weathering, has sculpted this vertical wilderness of rock, water and sky.
Your next stop is Pioneer Town, where you will literally step into the past to see an outstanding museum of 24 historic buildings with displays, most of which contain actual artifacts from the late 1800s through the early and mid-1900s. After a breathtaking drive up to Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world and a nationally designated scenic byway, enjoy lunch at Mesa Lakes Lodge. With over 300 stream-fed lakes, Grand Mesa offers a stunning alpine environment with views of some of Colorado’s and Utah’s most majestic mountain ranges.
End your Grand Junction adventure with dinner on the rooftop terrace of the historic Avalon Theater in downtown Grand Junction. Originally constructed in 1923, this performing arts center includes a new addition crowned with a beautiful rooftop terrace affording tremendous valley views.
Day 4
Breakfast at your hotel before departing Grand Junction having experienced a truly memorable adventure.
Extend Your Tour
Take an extra day of touring to visit Glenwood Springs and Glenwood Springs Hot Springs and Resort.
