Grand Junction, Colorado offers seven road trips: the Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway, West Creek Falls, Grand Junction to Moab, Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction to Telluride. Each route showcases the region’s diverse terrain, from red rock canyons to alpine forests and mountain passes.
Colorado National Monument
The Colorado National Monument spans canyons and monoliths. Overlooks and hiking trails open onto red rock formations and expansive vistas.
Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway crosses a flat-topped mountain through forests, lakes, and panoramic views. This road trip offers fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The byway reveals autumn foliage and winter sports in the snowy months. The area holds alpine treasures in Colorado, with hidden lakes and high-elevation meadows off the main road.
Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway
The Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway crosses the Uncompahgre Plateau and Unaweep Canyon, passing towering cliffs and rugged canyons. The route follows the Dolores River through striking contrasts of rock walls and open sky.
West Creek Falls
The road to West Creek Falls leads to a waterfall inside the Grand Mesa National Forest. The drive ends at the cascades, a quiet pocket of the Colorado wilderness.
Grand Junction to Moab
The drive from Grand Junction to Moab, Utah, cuts through red rock country. The route passes natural arches, mesas, and canyons.
Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs
The road from Grand Junction to Glenwood Springs follows the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon. The route runs between cliffs and valleys, with overlooks and river access along the way.
Grand Junction to Telluride
The drive from Grand Junction to Telluride climbs into the San Juan Mountains. The route crosses mountain passes and alpine scenery, passing remnants of the region’s mining history. Telluride sits at the end of the road, ringed by peaks and trails for hiking and mountain biking. Along the way, mining relics in Colorado mark the silver boom era.
FAQs
Q: What are the best times of year to visit Grand Junction for a road trip?
A: The best times to visit Grand Junction for a road trip are spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are vibrant with blooming flowers or fall foliage.
Q: Are there family-friendly activities to enjoy during a road trip in Grand Junction?
A: Yes, Grand Junction offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including visiting the Dinosaur Journey Museum, exploring the Children’s Nature Center, and enjoying outdoor adventures at the numerous parks and trails in the area.
Q: What should I pack for a road trip in Grand Junction?
A: Pack layers for changing temperatures, plenty of water, sunscreen, a camera, and hiking boots. Many routes reach high elevations, so altitude awareness is important.
Q: Can I combine multiple road trips into one itinerary?
A: Yes, the Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa Scenic Byway are close to Grand Junction and can be done in a single day. The longer drives to Moab, Glenwood Springs, or Telluride each work well as separate multi-day trips.
