Discover the best trails, rivers, climbing spots and patios in this year-round playground

By Kristen Richard

Colorado’s westernmost towns and experiences are decidedly more relaxed than the Front Range, or especially the Denver metropolitan area.

Visit Grand Junction reports the town is surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres of public land that is perfect most of the year for hiking, fishing, climbing, camping, and beyond. The Western Slope’s largest city is about 4,500 feet in elevation, so mild winters with less than 20 inches of snow are common.

“If you spend a day on the trails, you’re likely to make a friend that you could have for the rest of your life,” says river rat and outdoorsman Ethan Ball of Grand Junction.

And if your idea of enjoying the great outdoors includes finishing up on a patio with an ice-cold beverage, there’s plenty of that too.

Here are some ideas to help get you started in a geographical area that is recreation friendly year round.

Hiking and Fishing

“We have so many mountain ranges that surround us,” says Rebecca McKenna of Colorado West Slope Fly Fishing, which she co-owns with her husband, Jake. “You can start in the high desert, and then drive 45 minutes and you’re in pine trees surrounded by bodies of water with moose, bear and elk. Grand Junction is a great location for exploring all different types of terrain and climate.”

Perhaps the most famous nearby example, and located about 30 minutes from downtown, is the Colorado National Monument.

“It’s like the red rocks of Moab,” says McKenna, a Grand Junction native.

Indeed, the Colorado National Monument is home to trails ranging from a quarter of a mile to 14 miles. Or take the 23-mile drive throughout the park, where, along with its striking red rocks, one might spot bighorn sheep and plenty of other high-desert critters. If you want to stay in the park and enjoy the stargazing, check out the Saddlehorn Campground.

In town, people can take advantage of the 28-mile paved Grand Junction Riverfront trail, perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. There’s also Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world and home to miles of trails as well as skiing in the wintertime.

Or, check out over 50 species of protected animals and plant life at Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) area is home to 210,172 acres and, of course, miles of hiking trails.

For those who want to take a load off and try their luck fishing, a rafting adventure might be in order.

“We offer float trips on the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers as well as trips on various lakes and reservoirs, including in the Grand Mesa,” says McKenna. They have been guiding all over the Western Slope since 2022. “We also have permits to state parks like Harvey Gap and Rifle Gap, as well as access to a private ranch that has good lakes and fishing.”

As for what you could expect to catch? McKenna notes there are rainbow trout, brown trout, cutbows (a mix between a rainbow and cutthroat trout), blue head suckers, carp, and other fish in the many bodies of water that are available.

Additionally, the Gunnison River is “home to some gold medal fishing waters,” according to Ball, who serves as director of communications for The Gear Junction in Grand Junction.

Along with guided trips from West Slope Fly Fishing, you can also look for options from companies like Western Anglers, which offer everything from fly fishing casting classes to full-day float trips.

Or, purchase a fishing license through Colorado Parks and Wildlife and explore the nearby rivers and reservoirs on your own.

Rafting and floating

Depending on the time of year, it gets hot in Grand Junction. And so finding a way to cool off is an absolute must.

Thankfully, “the Colorado River runs right through the heart of Grand Junction,” says Ball. “It’s a lovely, easy little day float. You can do anything from one hour to eight.”

There’s also Ruby Horsethief Canyon, which Ball notes is a well-known stretch of river located about 40 minutes from downtown and has calm Class 1 and 2 rapids.

“It’s one of the biggest draws to our area as far as rafting is concerned,” Ball says. “ It’s very mellow water, very family friendly.”

Always check river conditions before heading out.

Climbing

“We’ve got some incredible rock climbing right around here,” Ball says. “If you drive an hour up to Rifle, you have got some world-class stuff. I know Alex Honnold (rock climber in the film “Free Solo”) has been seen climbing in Rifle Mountain Park.”

Mike Schneiter, founder of Glenwood Climbing Guides, and outdoor education adjunct faculty at Colorado Mountain College, echoes this sentiment.

“Grand Junction is such a great area for rock climbing because you can climb all year,” Schneiter says. “In the summer, you can find cooler spots at a higher altitude. And in the winter, you can climb in the desert. There are just so many places to go.”

He is currently working on a climbing guide for the area. And one of his biggest challenges is narrowing down the sheer amount of options people have for climbing on the Western Slope.

As far as getting to know the climbing scene, Schneiter recommends Unaweep Canyon.

“It has a wide variety of climbing for everyone from beginners and novices to experienced climbers,” he says. “It’s also the only canyon in the world where water flows in two different directions. There’s a creek that comes in at the top, and then it splits and goes two different directions. It’s pretty unique.”

Where to stay and hang in town

Hotel Maverick, which is located at Colorado Mesa University, has welcomed guests since 2020. Naturally, after a long day, you’ll want to relax with a glass of something. Which is where Maverick’s Devil’s Kitchen comes in handy, with options from local wineries such as Peachfork Orchard & Vineyards, Plum Creek Cellars and Colterris Winery. Additionally, you’ll find some non-alcoholic options like Mesa Lavender Refresher and San Juan Sunset. Options from nearby Snow Capped Cider also are available.

Hotel Maverick also partners with JR's Carriages to offer a Wine & Wildlife tour, which is a guided horseback ride through Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Reserve, giving guests a chance to see wild horses. It also comes with a picnic lunch and a bottle of Devil’s Kitchen wine made in collaboration with Sauvage Spectrum winery and vineyard in Palisade.

Another stop to consider? Mafia Princess. The little winery on the edge of town is as welcoming as the sun in January.

As far as cold beers and comfortable patios, there are plenty of options too. Check out Trail Life Brewing, which opened its doors in 2022; Base Camp Beer Works, which offers a refreshing ale, dubbed watermelon sugar, hi; and of course, Kannah Creek Brewing Company that offers the Broken Oar IPA, among its award-winning beers.

This story is from our winter 2025-2026 issue. Read the entire issue online here, and find our full magazine archive here.