Ten Things to Do in Grand Junction

Some destinations are better in the off-season. This is true of Grand Junction, where snow forms a striking contrast against red sandstone canyons and evergreen glades. Trails are quiet and serene, while the ski areas have an authentic, homegrown charm. Downtown is quiet, but restaurants’ locally-inspired dishes are vibrant — and there’s plenty of wine to go around.

Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Maverick is a convenient place to stay. This boutique retreat features chic, yet comfortable rooms and fantastic amenities, including access to the Colorado Mesa University fitness center and an outdoor hot tub. The views are especially impressive from its rooftop restaurant and bar, where you can dine in a warm, private gondola.

Traveling with a large group? Visit Fruita vacation rentals offer all the comforts of home, with equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, fenced-in yards and more. This property management company is entirely staffed by locals so should any issues arise, support is just minutes away.

Book your getaway and start planning. Here are ten fun things to do in Grand Junction this winter.

Colorado National Monument
1750 Rimrock Drive, Fruita
Though many scenic roadways are closed for the season, Rim Rock Drive provides striking views year-round. Admire the snow-dusted canyons and red rock spires as you wind up switchbacks and pause at overlooks. Short hiking trails offer a different perspective of the landscape dotted with sagebrush and pinyon pine. Watch for bighorn sheep scaling the cliffs and other desert wildlife while exploring one of the state’s best national monuments.

McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
Fruita
Rugged and remote, McInnis Canyons NCA is nearly six times the size of Colorado National Monument. Much of its sandstone wilderness is tricky to access, but those who venture up steep trails and down bumpy dirt roads will discover the continent’s second-largest collection of natural arches. Hike to those within Rattlesnake Canyon, mountain bike the famous Kokopelli Loops and see ancient archeological sites at the McDonald Creek Cultural Area.

Bin 707 Foodbar
400 Main Street, Grand Junction
Famous far beyond the Western Slope, Bin 707 Foodbar is a dining destination. Recent praise comes from the New York Times and the latest HOSPY Awards. Owner and chef Josh Niernberg is also a four-time James Beard semifinalist. Served in a slick diner-like setting, his seasonal Colorado cuisine is visually stunning and unexpected. Beet “tartare” with sage-honey yogurt, sope featuring nixtamalized local corn and roasted maitake, lamb tenderloin and a selection of pies are on the current menu, as are several Grand Valley wines.

Fruit & Wine Byway
Palisade
While the vines are dormant this time of year, many of the tasting rooms in Palisade continue to pour generously. This neighboring town is home to more than thirty wineries, which visitors can experience on the Fruit & Wine Byway. Bike or drive along three established routes, stopping to sip natural wine at Sauvage Spectrum, order the tasting menu at Restoration Vineyards and marvel at the Book Cliffs from Carboy Winery.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort
48338 Powderhorn Road, Mesa
Independent ski areas are in the spotlight this season, with several having debuted new lifts and terrain. Powderhorn has a different reason to boast: There’s actually powder on its slopes. Stashes remain days after a storm, especially within the west end’s glades. It also helps that this laid-back locals’ mountain sees far fewer crowds than the state’s mega-resorts. Three lifts service the varied, albeit limited runs. But even on the weekends, adult lift tickets cost less than a hundred bucks.

Grand Mesa Nordic
Forest Road 118, Cedaredge
Generous members of the community groom three free-to-access Nordic areas atop Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world. Take in panoramic views from overlooks and glide past several frozen lakes — Grand Mesa is home to more than three hundred. The area’s classic and skate skiing trails cater to all abilities, with the easiest routes on the County Line side. This includes the Dog Loop, a great place to try skijoring with your four-legged friend.

Devil’s Kitchen
840 Kennedy Avenue, Grand Junction
Sip a cocktail and watch the sunset from Hotel Maverick’s rooftop bar and restaurant. Windows wrap around the stylish main dining room, which offers a lively atmosphere. For a more intimate evening, reserve one of the cozy private gondolas stationed on its scenic deck. On the menu, several dishes lean into regional flavors. Savor hatch green chile dip, beef short ribs with local red wine demi-glace and a decadent slice of chocolate cake with apricot-honey ganache.

Enstrom Candies Factory Store
701 Colorado Avenue, Grand Junction
Since 1960, four generations of the Enstrom family have crafted almond toffee and other confections in downtown Grand Junction. Visit its factory store for a look behind the scenes, where large copper kettles bubble with molten sugar. Boxes of brittle toffee are ready for purchase in the shop, which also features large cases of individual truffles and cream caramels. Its ice cream counter is equally tempting, even in the wintertime.

Mica Mine Trail
Grand Junction
While many visit Bangs Canyon for off-roading adventures, its namesake trailhead is quiet this time of year. Park in the spacious lot and follow the moderate, three-mile route to the former Mica Mine. This hike is especially picturesque in the winter, with walls of red sandstone peeking through the snow. Next to what was once the mine entrance is an alcove of quartz and shimmering layers of densely-packed mica. Don’t pocket a piece, but do take plenty of photos.

Dinosaur Journey Museum
550 Jurassic Court, Fruita
In the neighboring town of Fruita, paleontologists first discovered one of the world’s smallest dinosaurs: the Fruitadens. Learn about this finding, view ancient fossils and have some prehistoric fun at the Dinosaur Journey Museum. Several nearby hikes give greater insight into the region’s scientific significance. See a long-necked diplodocus spine on the Trail Through Time and a cast of the first identified brachiosaurus fossil on Riggs Hill in Grand Junction.