Introduction
251 miles W. of Denver, 169 miles N. of Durango
Grand Junction is an excellent jumping-off point for those who want to drive or hike through the awe-inspiring red-rock canyons and sandstone monoliths of Colorado National Monument, explore the canyons at Dinosaur National Monument (about 2 hr. north), or sip and savor in the wine country of Palisade, just a short drive east.
Grand Junction is also the eastern entrance to one of the West's most scenic and challenging mountain-biking treks, Kokopelli's Trail, which ends in Moab, Utah. For the less athletically inclined, Grand Junction has an active visual-arts community, good museums, and a fine botanical garden.
Located at the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado rivers at an elevation of 4,586 feet, the city was founded in 1882 where the spike was driven to connect Denver and Salt Lake City by rail. It quickly became the primary trade and distribution center between the two state capitals, and its mild climate, together...
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Art on the Corner
This outdoor sculpture exhibit, with more than 100 works, helps make Grand Junction's downtown area a feast for the eyes. About half of the sculptures...
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Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and Butterfly House
This botanical garden along the Colorado River offers a delightful escape into the natural world. Located on 15 acres, the facility includes a...
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- Picnics, Parks & Gardens
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Western Colorado Math & Science Center
This incredible hands-on facility is designed to "create enthusiasm and excitement for math and science" for kids of all ages -- right on up to...
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- Museums
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