Local or nearby attractions to Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita, Orchard Mesa, Clifton, Loma, Mack, Mesa and all of Mesa County. Discover what makes the Grand Valley a great place to call home.

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Grand Junction Train Station

Grand Junction Train Station

When someone says Grand Junction Train Station, they could be talking about the Amtrak Train Station where you can hop on the California Zephyr line. Or they could be thinking about the Grand Junction Union Depot. The Union Station Depot was built in 1906 by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, just one year after Grand Junction became a town. First, I’ll share with you about the functionality of riding the train, then what’s happening at the historical depot in town.

This post about the Grand Junction Train Station and the Grand Junction Union Depot was a suggestion from some wonderful relocation clients I met from St. George, Utah. If you have an idea for a post, please send a text to 612-306-9558 or send me an email.

The Revival of Rail Travel from Grand Junction

Grand Junction Train Station

Grand Junction Amtrak Train Station next to Pufferbelly Station Restaurant

In recent years, Grand Junction has seen a resurgence in train travel, thanks to the Amtrak California Zephyr line, which runs from Chicago to Emeryville (near San Francisco). The train stops at the Grand Junction Train Station, providing a reliable and scenic way to travel through our picturesque Rocky Mountains. The Grand Junction Amtrak Train Station is located right next to the scrumptious Pufferbelly Station Restaurant on 1st Street near Pitkin Ave in Grand Junction. Convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and somewhat close to the Museum of the West on Ute Ave., a popular place to visit to learn about the history of this area, including mining and train travel.

You can board the California Zephyr in Grand Junction and head west to Salt Lake City, Reno, and ultimately San Francisco. The westbound train leaves once a day in the late afternoon. Heading east, you can explore destinations like Glenwood Springs, Winter Park, Denver, Omaha, and Chicago. The eastbound train leaves mid-morning. The train ride offers comfort, stunning views, and a more leisurely pace of travel compared to flying, making it an attractive option for residents and visitors alike. We have friends who took the train to Denver from Grand Junction and thought it was spectacular! Bring snacks if you don’t get a ticket with dining access. Visit the Amtrak California Zephyr website for the route map, dining options and train schedule.

Fruita and Palisade

Grand Junction serves as the main train hub for the region. Fruita and Palisade do not have their own active train depots. Historically, both towns were served by rail lines, but these depots are no longer in use for commercial passenger travel today. If you are in Palisade, you can see the train whizzing by at a rather fast clip. When we stayed in Fruita for a month, it was the train whistles that we heard frequently and remember fondly.

Fruita and Palisade are a short drive from Grand Junction, making the Grand Junction Train Station easily accessible for those looking to travel by rail. Both towns are known for their local charm, including Fruita’s outdoor recreation opportunities and Palisade’s renowned wineries and orchards. Visitors and residents in the Grand Valley can enjoy the convenience of the Grand Junction Train Station while also benefiting from the quiet, scenic beauty of smaller towns.

You can learn more about living in Fruita and Palisade on this website.

Tips for Traveling from Grand Junction by Train

Grand Junction Train Station lobby for Amtrak

Amtrak Train Station Lobby

  1. Booking Tickets: Amtrak offers easy online booking for the California Zephyr. You should book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
  2. Onboard Dining: There are several options for food like traditional dining and café options. Check the Amtrak website for details.
  3. Planning Your Journey: If you’re traveling to nearby cities like Denver or Salt Lake City, check the Amtrak schedule for stops and timings. It takes longer to travel by train than by car, so plan accordingly.
  4. Enjoy the Scenery: The train ride from Grand Junction is famous for its incredible views, including the Rocky Mountains, lush valleys, and expansive deserts. You’ll want to capture the breathtaking landscapes as you travel leisurely to your final destination.
  5. Local Transportation: The Grand Junction Train Station is centrally located near downtown, making it easy to access a Grand Valley Transit bus or rideshare services to get to and from the depot.
Grand Junction Union Depot

Grand Junction Union Depot and the building next to it that was used for offices now houses local businesses and a nonprofit.

Grand Junction Union Depot: A Historical Hub of the Western Slope under Renovation

GJ Union Depot window artwork

GJ Union Depot window artwork during renovations

The Grand Junction Union Depot stands as a historic gem on the Western Slope. The station served as a key transportation hub for over a century, bringing the town much needed supplies in the early days. Not only is it an architectural landmark, but it has also played a pivotal role in connecting the region to the rest of the country through rail travel. Let’s not forget that some mining towns in Colorado were first served by rail before roads were built.

The Grand Junction Union Depot is a large, impressive brick structure with elegant arches and intricate detailing. I can only image what it will look like when it’s fully renovated. Even though it’s no longer a major rail terminal, the GJ Union Depot is important to our community because it reflects our rich history and Western heritage. When you drive by, you can see the numerous murals by local artists that are on the plywood covering the window openings.

To see some amazing photos of the interior and exterior of the building, and read about the full history, visit the GJ Union Depot website or their Facebook page. According to the website,

“After 85 years of continuous service as a passenger and freight depot, the Grand Junction Union Depot had fallen into disrepair. In 1991, Amtrak vacated the grand depot and moved next door. GJ Union Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 and was recognized as one of Colorado’s Most Endangered Places in 2010 by Colorado Preservation, Inc. In 2016, the station was purchased by real estate developer and Grand Junction native, Veronica Sanchez and her husband Dustin Anzures. An adaptive re-use project is currently in design and seeking tenants.”

Another source of information is the Friends of GJ Union Depot whose mission is to support the preservation and rehabilitation of the historic GJ Union Depot. AmeriCorps NCCC has sent 9 young adult volunteers to work on the renovation for a full year!

Why Choose Grand Junction for Your Next Home?

If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, it’s an ideal choice due to the rich history, outdoor lifestyle, and the added convenience of train travel. Whether you’re commuting for work, traveling for leisure, or just wanting to explore the beauty of the Western United States, the Grand Junction Train Station is a gateway to adventure and exploration. By car we are just 4 hours from Salt Lake City or Denver. The Grand Valley offers an affordable cost of living, access to healthcare, and proximity to incredible nature and outdoor recreation. To learn more, read my posts about Things to Do in Grand Junction and reasons to Live in Grand Junction.

By choosing Grand Junction, you’re not just investing in a home – you’re gaining access to a unique and historic way to travel and explore the region. And you can become a part of the volunteer network that’s restoring the Grand Junction Union Depot!

Paul Aspelin on the Riverfront TrailConnect with me on LinkedIn

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Serving Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita and all of Mesa County
Text/Call 612-306-9558

© 2024 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

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Parent Tips for Colorado Mesa University Families

Parent Tips for Colorado Mesa University Families

Hello! We’ve got Parent Tips for Colorado Mesa University Families and students. Our daughter graduated from CMU in 2022. We are sharing things we learned from discovering the university, doing our research, two campus tours, early orientation, communication with CMU, and tips for lodging and more around Grand Junction.

If you have questions about Grand Junction and the surrounding community, please reach out to Paul Aspelin. We’d be happy to share more parent tips with you or meet up to answer your questions.

Get notifications about new Move to Grand Junction posts and watch Paul’s short videos on our Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

Discovering Colorado Mesa University

Parent Tips for Colorado Mesa University Families - CMU Outdoor Program trip to Zion National Park

CMU OP trip to Zion National Park for Canyoneering

Colorado Mesa University sent representatives to our daughter’s Minnesota high school to participate in a College Fair. She wanted to go to college near the mountains. After visiting with several school representatives from other states, we had a better idea of what questions to ask.

We stopped by the CMU booth on the way out and couldn’t believe what we were hearing. They talked about the University, of course, its size, the majors offered, dorm options, etc. but when they mentioned “Outdoor Program” (OP) our eyes got big. What was that? The rest of the time we spent learning about Grand Junction and what the students can do within a few hours or a day’s drive from campus.

Organized, supervised trips every weekend and the OP has gear and ridiculously low fees that students can rent. Camping, hiking, biking, canyoneering, canoeing and more. That was it, she was hooked. Oh, and you can rent a bike from the OP for the school year for very little.

Tip: Remember that your child won’t just be a student at Colorado Mesa University. They’ll also be part of the Grand Junction community, where there’s plenty to see and do off campus.

Researching and Comparing CMU to other schools

Excited to learn more, we went home and spent hours on the internet researching CMU and comparing it to other schools. I wish we had one document or guide with parent tips for Colorado Mesa University families at that time. We used the niche.com website to compare the school to other similar schools. That site was very useful. It gives the school “grades” on things like academics, diversity, value, dorms, student life, etc. It gives you a good idea and makes it easy when you can compare all schools with the same metrics.

Tip: You can’t always trust everything you read. You won’t really know until you experience it for yourself.

We did other research and considered those sources as well. Grand Junction is a small community with urban and rural features. We thought crime was high compared to other areas so during one of our campus tours I asked about it. They said the most common crime is bikes getting stolen. And we later found out that crime within the surrounding community was overreported. For example, if there was an incident and 5 people called it in to the police department, it got counted 5 times vs only as one incident.

Colorado Mesa University is one of the least expensive universities in Colorado and if our daughter wanted a chance to go to school near the mountains, this was it. So, we decided to take a family vacation and tour CMU and the University of Wyoming at Laramie. We flew into Denver and drove to Grand Junction. Did the tour and left after that for Wyoming.

Tip: When you come to visit the school, give yourself 2-3 days to tour around the area as well as the campus. See Paul’s post that includes a two-day itinerary of what to see and do in Grand Junction. We exited I-70 at the Clifton exit so we didn’t even know there was an airport or a super cute downtown area.

Two Campus Tours

We did the standard 2-Hour campus tour the summer before our daughter’s Junior year of college. She started looking early. It was the first college campus we visited. We asked a lot of questions, seeking parent tips for Colorado Mesa Universities families ourselves!

After looking at 3-4 more she chose CMU. We flew to Colorado from Minnesota in March to do the extended tour called The Mesa Experience. It’s a full day event where you tour the building that would have most of your classes for a particular major. And there was an informal reception the night before. THAT was a fantastic experience and a great way to really get to know the school.

That confirmed her choice. She applied and got a merit scholarship to help cover the costs of the out-of-state tuition. Because of her scholarship, the cost was about the same as if she attended a MN state school.

Tip: If your student is considering CMU from outside of Colorado, be sure to apply early and consider a merit scholarship to reduce the cost of tuition. It can save you up to $7500 annually for each year of attendance.

Tip: If you live in Colorado, look up The CMU Promise. “CMU promises an opportunity for a better life through education. If your family earns $70,000 or less the cost of your classes is covered and we will teach you how to think, not what to believe.”

Early Start Option called FYI

Freshman Year Dorm

This was so worth it! Because we lived out of state, our daughter didn’t attend the standard Orientation the summer before she started at CMU. Therefore, we brought her a week early to participate in FYI (Freshman Year Initiative). That was one of the best decisions as she got to move in early when it wasn’t so crowded, and learn more about the campus before all of the students arrived.

She went to class and earned 2 elective credit hours that week and met most of her roommates as they came early too. She became friends with others in her class that have become life-long friends, and even met her future husband during that time!

CMU describes FYI as a chance for students to ease into the transition from high school to college. We knew our daughter was prepared academically, this helped her in other ways, and she loved it.

Tip: It was a wonderful experience for us parents too. Getting to know the other parents on move-in day and discovering more about the campus in a less crowded environment.

Tip: Read Paul’s post about which water bottles we have, why we chose them, and where to get them locally. Make sure your new student has several water bottles.

CMU Communication

Our daughter started fall of 2019. She completed one “regular” semester, then covid hit in March 2020. Students were forced to move out and finish their semesters at home. The current CMU President, John Marshall, was the Vice President at that time and he lead a wonderful team with a health major professor to keep us parents informed during covid. CMU leaders did group phone calls were we could ask questions. They held Facebook Live chats where they kept us informed and we could ask questions. CUM officials communicated frequently via email.

The following fall they were able to accommodate all students coming back to campus and having a mix of in-person and online classes when most larger universities only offered online classes. They are so committed to serving their students. I remember raving to my friends what a great job they did communicating and my friends with kids at other colleges were jealous.

Their website is a great resource, lots of information and easy to search.  They have a Resource section for Parents and Families. You can follow them on social media, there is a Facebook group for parents. And once your student is accepted, they send frequent emails explaining the process and the opportunities. As a parent of an alumni, I still get some emails from John Marshall when he has news to share and I love it.

Lodging for CMU College Visit

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express near the Mesa Mall on our first visit. When we came for The Mesa Experience, we stayed downtown at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. For visits over her attendance at CMU we stayed at the La Quinta near the airport. All were great. I recommend staying downtown on at least one visit to immerse yourself in the downtown area. It’s a real gem. Shops, dining, entertainment, artwork, and now there’s a CMU store on Main Street!

Hotel Maverick opened after she graduated. We have dined there but have not stayed. I think that would be a great immersive experience as well. Their food is fantastic as well as the roof-top views.

It’s very easy to get around Grand Junction. If you fly here, check out Paul’s post called The Grand Junction Airport Experience. Our 6-gate airport with rental cars on site is very impressive!

Get an REI Membership

One more tip. If you don’t have one already, walk into the local REI store, ask for Josh Kolb (our son-in-law) and get signed up for REI Membership, and maybe the REI credit card.

When we dropped our daughter off, we went to REI and bought her a mountain bike and a heavy-duty lock. She had a sleeping bag and water bottle and that was about it. She made many trips to REI while she was in school and took advantage of their sales and their generous return policy. They take back used items if they don’t work out for you and resell them in the “garage sale” section of the store.

The store is a great asset to the community because there are so many opportunities for outdoor adventures around here.

Overall CMU Experience

We hope you have enjoyed the parent tips for Colorado Mesa University families. Overall, it was a wonderful experience as a parent to have our child attend CMU. She absolutely loved it, especially weekend trips with her friends to so many great places. Lots of laughs and life-long friendships.

Why we moved to Grand Junction

Parent Tips for CMU Families trip to Arches National Park

Parents Weekend trip to Arches National Park

I’ll never forget Parents Weekend the first year. We came in October for a short visit. On the day we left, we met our daughter at the library on campus and got bagels and coffee.

We watched her walk off to class and we sat outside to eat our breakfast. The sun was warm on our faces, it was in the 70’s and we were captivated with the area and the warmth. We said to each other that we could see ourselves retiring here someday. That was 2019.

We kept that thought in the back of our minds until after our second daughter went to Arizona for her college experience. They both said they weren’t coming back to Minnesota. So, we put our plan in motion and moved to Grand Junction in 2023. No regrets whatsoever.

We created this website a few months later and have been so thankful to be here and discover everything around here. It’s been one of the best decisions we have ever made. You can read Paul’s post about what we learned in the first 3 months of living here and other posts about our transition and the move across-country.

Property Search

And if you want to look at any houses while you are here on a visit, connect with Paul. He’d be happy to show you properties currently on the market or about to be listed. Read more about his real estate experience on the About Paul Aspelin page.

P.S. One more tip, read our post about Retiring in Grand Junction because CMU also offers classes for those 60+ at a discounted rate using their CMU Golden Scholars Program!

Guest post written by Michelle Aspelin

© 2024 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com and Michelle Aspelin Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

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Mesa County Libraries

A world of adventure at the Grand Junction Library and 7 more locations in Mesa County

Guest Post by Ami Schiffbauer, Mesa County Libraries Development Director

Mesa County Libraries logo

Welcome to Grand Junction Colorado!

Anyone who’s moved to Grand Junction, Colorado from another part of the country knows that each place is unique. Public libraries across the country can vary significantly from one area to another. All libraries have books, of course, and many also offer audiobooks, DVDs, and video games to check out, too. Mesa County Libraries have all of these, but that’s only a small fraction of what’s available for free to Mesa County residents with their library card.

Library Card Holder Benefits

970West Studio Logo Mesa County Libraries

The 970West Studio, located at 5th and Ouray in Grand Junction, is a public multimedia production studio and Artist in Residence space.

In addition to the items mentioned above, library card holders can also check out board games, passes to local museums and parks (including the Colorado National Monument), and digital camera kits. The camera kits are offered through the library’s 970West Studio, a multimedia production studio where people can learn how to use digital recording equipment to create videos, edit digital photographs, and record podcasts. Right next to the studio, the library’s Discovery Garden offers an oasis of nature in downtown Grand Junction, a place where anyone can come to learn about different gardening techniques or just relax and enjoy the beauty of the garden, along with fresh produce in the summer and early fall.

Mesa County Libraries Programs and Online Resources

With eight branches around the county, Mesa County Libraries offer numerous programs each month for people of all ages to connect with one another, like storytime, Teen Time, local history talks, and book clubs. Programs are available whether you’re in Grand Junction or in a nearby town. You can also access an abundance of online materials from anywhere with an internet connection. That includes downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks, free streaming movies and TV on Kanopy and Hoopla, and national newspapers like the New York Times and Washington Post, among many other eResources. And if a patron wants an item that’s not in the Mesa County Libraries’ collection, it can usually be found through Marmot or Prospector, the regional and state-wide organizations that make it easy to get materials from other libraries delivered to your home library location.

Volunteer Opportunities

For new Mesa County residents who want to connect with their community, the library also offers several opportunities for volunteers throughout the year. This includes planting, weeding, and harvesting in the Discovery Garden, working with English learners and students preparing to take the GED through the Adult Learning Center, and helping in various capacities with our two large annual events, Comic Con and Culture Fest.

Friends of the Mesa County Libraries

Mesa County Libraries and Grand Junction Library

You get to choose the design of your Mesa County Library Card!

Volunteers are also welcome to join the Friends of MCL in their ongoing work of sorting and selling donated books to help support library programs throughout the year. The Friends are part of the Mesa County Libraries Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization created in 1994 to help support and expand library programs with donations, grants, and bequests.

Call Paul Aspelin at 612-306-9558 if you have books to donate to the Friends of Mesa County Libraries. He can pick up your donations.

Get Your Library Card

All you need to sign up for a Mesa County Library card is a photo ID and proof of a Mesa County address. Visitors to Mesa County are also welcome to stop by and use one of our many public computers or free Wi-Fi, attend library programs, check out local art created by community members and our current Artist in Residence, or just enjoy a comfortable space to read and relax. The library’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to help with any questions you may have.

We hope to see you soon!

Mesa County Library Locations – (Library Hours)

Grand Junction Library (Central Library)
443 N. 6th St. Grand Junction, CO 81501  970-243-4442

Clifton Branch
3270 D 1/2 Road Clifton, CO 81520  970-434-6936

Collbran Branch
111 Main St. Collbran, CO 81624  970-487-3545

De Beque Branch
730 Minter Ave. De Beque, CO 81630  970-283-8625

Fruita Branch
324 N. Coulson St. Fruita, CO 81521  970-858-7703

Gateway Branch
42700 Highway 141 Gateway, CO 81522  970-931-2428

Orchard Mesa Branch
230 E Lynwood St. Grand Junction, CO 81503  970-243-0181

Palisade Branch
119 W. 3rd St. Palisade, CO 81526  970-464-7557

© 2024 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® and Ami Schiffbauer, Mesa County Libraries Development Director. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

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Top Day Trips from Grand Junction, Colorado

Top Day Trips from Grand Junction, Colorado

Use this area as a base camp to experience the top day trips from Grand Junction Colorado. When you visit Grand Junction, you’ll find so many wonderful things to do and see in the Grand Valley. It would be a challenge to list them all from here. Instead, I’d like to share some of the top day trips from Grand Junction, Colorado that I have done with family and friends and would go again in a heartbeat. I’ll include some tips and insights for each location. As a reminder, I post short videos and announce new website posts on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

I will warn you, cell service is spotty in this region, so be sure to download Google maps, bring a paper map, or know where you are going. And always pack snacks and plenty of water to drink. Read my post about avoiding altitude sickness if this is your first time at elevations of 5,000-10,000 feet. We took some of these top day trips from Grand Junction Colorado before we moved to the area and wouldn’t hesitate to go back with friends and family that visit.

Top Day Trips from Grand Junction, Colorado

ATVing can get messy on Moab, UT, especially when you ride the day after it snows!

Moab, Utah

Great for mountain biking, ATVing, “jeeping”, yes, that’s a thing in Moab. Exceptional trails for all sorts of outdoor activities. Plus, access to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. We’ve stayed in Moab twice now for Thanksgiving to use the ATV trails. Once we rode on a friend’s ATV and the second time, we did a full day rental with a trailer. It was expensive, but worth it, we had so much fun on the trails. One of our favorite restaurants there is Pasta Jay’s, exceptional Italian food! Check out the Corona Arch hike, the petroglyphs along “wall street” as the local climbers refer to it, and the many dinosaur track locations. The town has great shopping and a very laid-back vibe with an array of off-road vehicles lining the streets. There is always something to do and see in Moab! We really enjoyed seeing real dinosaur tracks just west of Moab.

Read our post called the Many Adventures Near Moab for more ideas.

Dinosaur National Monument

Top Day Trips from Grand Junction, Colorado

Dinosaur bones at Dinosaur National Park

Drive 2 hours north to see a pile of actual dinosaur bones still intact from inside the museum that was built around it. It’s pretty cool. The bones traveled down a river, and many came to a final resting place together. I have been to the museum and am planning to go back to hike the trails and see more fossils in the area. We stopped here on a drive back to Minnesota and it didn’t disappoint. On that trip we also hit nearby Flaming Gorge on our drive north, a beautiful area too! This route helped us avoid the I-70 closure due to a forest fire in Glenwood Canyon.

Telluride

2.5 hours south, Telluride is known for its winter skiing and snowboarding, but it’s an exceptional day trip for summer activities like hiking, biking, shopping, concerts and more. Standing on the street and looking at the town feels majestic with the towering mountains surrounding you.

Top Day Trips from Grand Junction, Colorado

View of Telluride from the Gondola

In Telluride, you can ride the gondola in town to the top of the mountain, for free, and onward to Mountain Village. Our first time there was in November and my wife said, “If there was such a thing as the North Pole, its Mountain Village”.

You’ll find plenty of shopping and dining at the foot of the ski mountain and in the downtown area of Telluride. While enjoying the scenery from the gondola, look for the tiny runway at the Telluride airport. Don’t know how those planes can take off and get high enough before they run out of runway at the end of the cliff! There isn’t any specific parking for the gondola, but you can hunt for a spot on the street or parking ramp and walk to the entrance. There is just something magical about a visit to Telluride any time of year.

Ouray

Ouray is pronounced (yur-ay). These are beautiful mountain towns in the San Juan Mountains with so much history and allure. It takes 2 hours to get to Ouray and then you can take the famous “million dollar highway” to Silverton. A scary, but beautiful road. I don’t recommend driving it in the winter with its many 15 mph hairpin curves and lack of guardrails. Avalanches kept knocking down the guardrails and they got tired of replacing them, so they just don’t have any. And the shoulder is about 10 inches until the 1000-foot drop off, no kidding! It’s an adventure just to drive that stretch of highway.

Top Day Trips from Grand Junction, Colorado

Ouray at the “Switzerland of America” sign

Ouray, also referred to as the “Switzerland of America” offers an incredible quaint, historic mountain town experience with views you won’t soon forget. While in town, enjoy a soak at one of the local hot springs, or take a short hike to see the Box Canyon Waterfall, or just enjoy watching the ice climbers in the winter. Be prepared to be amazed.

Silverton

Continue your scenic journey South, 24 miles to Silverton, which offers great shopping, dining, breweries, and lots of trails. Be warned, there is a tourist sightseeing train that travels between Durango and Silverton which can make for extended wait times at some restaurants depending on the timing of its arrival. We ate at the Lacey Rose Saloon located in the Grand Imperial Hotel in Silverton. The atmosphere was 100% Old West! Exactly what we came to experience. We enjoyed a great lunch listening to a live ragtime piano player and found out there was still a bullet in the woodwork behind the bar from a prior “shootout”. You can literally feel the Old West and mining history as you stroll the main street.

Read my post called Day Trip to Ouray for more about Ouray, CO.

Top Day Trips from Grand Junction, Colorado

Snowshoeing on the Mesa

Grand Mesa

The world’s largest flat-top mountain is just 45 minutes from Grand Junction. There are 300+ lakes with miles and miles of hiking, ATV, snowmobiling, and cross-country ski trails. You can ski at Powderhorn Mountain Resort with much shorter wait times for the chair lifts. We attended their Octoberfest celebration with German food and beer while we were driving through looking at the stunning fall leaves.

On the Grand Mesa, there are rental cabins, lodges, and campgrounds available for overnight stays. We drove up there once in June when it was 99 degrees in Grand Junction. Up near Mesa, CO it was only 89 degrees and at the top it was 69 degrees, a thirty degree difference in temperature. Grand Junction is at about 4,483′ elevation and we went to up near 10,300′ to Island Lake.

Be warned, the visitor center on the main road across “the Mesa” isn’t always open. Oh, and using the bathroom spurred my post about what I learned in the first 3 months of living in Grand Junction, always have toilet paper in your car as rest stops, pit toilets and visitor centers are often out of toilet paper!

Read my post about what its like to live on the Grand Mesa.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

North Rim Exclamation Point view to Gunnison River

Very picturesque just 1.5 hours SE of Grand Junction. You drive through Delta and Montrose, cute small towns to get to the Gunnison River gorge and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Here’s how the National Park Service describes it… “Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 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.” We were impressed. We stopped here on our way back from a trip to Ouray.

Read my post about our visit and an awesome hike in the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Glenwood Springs Hot Springs

Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs in December with a little snow on the mountains

Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs in December with a little snow on the mountains

If you drive East on I-70 right to Iron Mountain Hot Springs from Grand Junction, it’s about an hour and 20 minutes. However, our first time there we went onto the Mesa first to do some snowshoeing near Mesa Lakes Lodge and then drove to Glenwood Springs specifically to soak in the hot springs.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a 3-hour soaking “appointment” and that was just the right amount of time. They have a changing room with showers and lockers. We spent time in pretty much every pool they offered with a range of temperatures from 96-108 degrees. It was our first hot spring experience. It’s right next to I-70 so there was a little road noise. But you also viewed the Colorado River, so that was nice. We watched the sun set over the mountain.

There’s another hot spring there too, Glenwood Hot Springs, also along the river and the interstate. We will be checking out other hot springs in Colorado, but this is definitely a great option for a day trip from Grand Junction.

If you’d like to live near places like this in western Colorado, Get Started!

Maroon Bells Aspen/Snowmass Area

Maroon Bells Aspelin Snowmass shows trail, lake and maroon capped mountains in the distance

Maroon Bells Aspen Snowmass area

You can drive to the Maroon Bells Visitor Center just outside of Aspen, CO. There is a parking ramp (not cheap!) and you can take the Maroon Bells Shuttle to Maroon Lake. I recommend you make a reservation and pay ahead of time or it might be full.

Supposedly this is one of the most photographed places in Colorado. We paid for the shuttle and once at Maroon Lake took the Crater Lake Trail. That trail is moderate with lots of rocks to avoid while walking on the trail, but it was stunning. A great experience.

We did this hike with our daughter. She’s done it before and wrote more details about the experience on her blog Emma Gets Outside, Maroon Bells Crater Lake Trail. If you go to downtown Aspen, we recommend John Denver Sanctuary. A nice stroll through nature accessed right from downtown. It was crowded but peaceful too.

For more Day Trip ideas, use the search box on the right to search for “day trips from Grand Junction”. I have made many more posts since this one of various places to go and sites to see!

Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles

https://www.colorado.com/articles/leave-no-trace-care-colorado The Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles were created in partnership between the Colorado Tourism Office and the Leave No Trace organization to address recreation-related impacts in Colorado. Read their tips of what to know before you go, sticking to the trails, and other topics like trash, fire and wildlife.

Living in Grand Junction

If you fly into the Grand Junction airport to visit Mesa County, let me know. I’d love to share what it’s like to move to Grand Junction AND living in Grand Junction now as a full-time resident. We relocated to the area in 2023. As a licensed REALTOR® I can show you some properties while you are here too! Read my posts about moving to Grand Junction, Fruita, or Palisade. Ask me about any town in Mesa County!

Read the Two Day Itinerary for Grand Junction Visit post for more ideas or Things to Do in Grand Junction: Easy Hikes.

Happy travels! Live your vacation in Grand Junction!

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Call/text me with your questions! 612-306-9558

Paul Aspelin, Realtor®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Serving Mesa County, licensed in Colorado.

© 2024 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Living In Grand Junction – What I learned in the first 3 months

What Living in Grand Junction Taught Me in My First Few Months

Living in Grand Junction has been an even better experience than my wife and I expected. From outdoor adventures to local events, there’s so much to see and do in Grand Junction and the surrounding communities. I want to share some of what we’ve learned about life here, including insights for living in Palisade, Fruita, and other areas in Mesa County. Whether you’re considering moving to Grand Junction, relocating from out of state, or just exploring the area, I hope you find this guide helpful.

If you want the full picture of why people are moving to Grand Junction — from lifestyle and cost of living to community — check out our helpful guides. Let me know what you think! Reach out to me anytime with your questions or share your story with me.

Get Upside Gas AppShort Commutes and Easy Access to Everything in Grand Junction

We moved from a suburban area with a population of 100,000+. It was a 20-minute drive to the mall with major department stores, or 10-15 minutes to closer cities that served most of our needs. However, living in Grand Junction is saving us money on gas. Where we are located, going to Target, the grocery store or the mall is under a 2-mile drive. Getting to Main Street downtown takes 10 minutes. Because everything is so close, we are spending way less on gas for everyday services. That was a surprise.

Save on Gas and Groceries in Grand Junction

Gas prices seem average overall. City Market offers discounts on gas and groceries when you shop there, and they run promotions on their website—like 4x rewards toward gas if you shop on Fridays. Be sure to download the City Market mobile app. And even better, save on gas throughout the Grand Valley when you use the Upside App. Use my code to get you an extra $.15/gallon cash back the first time you fill up. Use code: UK3UT.

Elevation vs. Population

In Minnesota, as you approached a new city along the Interstate, the sign included the population. In Colorado, elevation takes center stage over population on road signs. At first, I thought that was amusing, but now I find it quite helpful. Grand Junction’s elevation is officially 4,646 ft above sea level. We are surrounded by the Book Cliff Mountains, the Colorado National Monument, and the Grand Mesa. All mountains that increase the elevation another 1,000 to 6,000+ feet higher. As you drive into the mountains its fun to realize your elevation, especially as you drive over the scenic mountain passes.

You might also like these posts: What is the Grand Valley and How to Avoid Altitude Sickness.

Living in Grand Junction map

Grand Junction Bike and Trail Map (click to enlarge)

Grand Junction is Bike Friendly

Because of the warmer weather, people ride bikes year-round here. That means you’ll likely see bikers on your regular car outings so keep your eyes open. Stay vigilant. When you approach a stoplight and you want to turn right, stay back until you know the crosswalk is clear of bikers and pedestrians. And watch over your shoulder as bicyclists can come up behind you quickly. And never pull up too far at any stoplight, stay out of the crosswalk because there are people everywhere, especially downtown. The city has done a good job adding specific bike lanes alongside traffic to keep riders safe. Here’s a great map from Mesa County so you can see which major streets have bike lanes. The map also includes trails like the Colorado Riverfront Trail. Grand Junction Bike and Pedestrian Route Map

Community Focused

I am amazed at the number of events and activities going on in Fruita, Grand Junction, Palisade, and all over Mesa County. Everyone is very friendly here and always willing to share what they are up to. There are so many websites, Facebook pages and other social media accounts you can follow to find out what to do in the Grand Valley. Dining, outdoor adventures, wine tours, hiking, biking and so much more. I subscribe to many of the sites and pages and appreciate the advanced notice for upcoming events.

The Business Times and The Daily Sentinel are local newspapers that help keep me informed about business and community related news. I also follow the Grand Junction Economic Partnership on LinkedIn and I subscribe to their newsletter. There are a lot of smaller to mid-size businesses in the area and many remote work-from home professionals. You’ll find book clubs, professional organizations and so many recreational outings and clubs. There is no shortage of community involvement. And I didn’t even touch on the many wonderful nonprofit organizations!

Tourism Supports the Grand Valley Community

Tourism is important to the Grand Valley. About 30% of Grand Junction’s sales tax revenue comes from tourism. There are 6300 employed in the tourism industry in Mesa County. At a recent Western Colorado Economic Summit, I heard from city and tourism leaders from Fruita, Palisade and Grand Junction. They all commented that they keep a balance between tourism and community and that community (residents and businesses) always come first, tourism second. I like that philosophy! And the representative from Visit Grand Junction said the most common comment they hear from visitors is that the people of the Grand Valley are so friendly, that’s awesome!

Blaine's Farm Store

Blaine’s Farm Store near Palisade has fantastic produce and gifts

The Best Produce at Incredible Prices

There is so much local produce available for people living in Grand Junction. Of course, the Palisade peaches top the list, but the freshness and variety of plums, apples, pears and locally grown vegetables are all exceptional. When our daughter started at CMU, she said, “I don’t think I ever realized what a tree ripened pear tasted like until I started living in Grand Junction.” Amazing! I’ve also found that the prices on other produce not grown locally can be half the price I was paying in the Midwest and much fresher. Must be the proximity to California. Either way, be prepared to eat fresher, better, and less expensive produce when living in Grand Junction.

Everyone Has a Story Living in Grand Junction

No matter who you talk to, everyone has a story about how they ended up living in Grand Junction. Some people attended Colorado Mesa University and never left. Others met their current partners elsewhere and came back home to live in Grand Junction. Some relocated for work or family, and many just fell in love with living the lifestyle the Grand Valley offers.

Every time I meet someone new, they ask what brought me to the Grand Valley. I always answer with “A desire to be closer to our children. And weather, and scenery, and quality of life, and location and the sense of community and the Palisade peaches and…” the list goes on and on! I’ve learned that almost everyone decided on living in Grand Junction for the quality of life, and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors year-round and experience all four seasons.

Thinking about living in Colorado? Explore homes for sale in Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade.

Diverse Housing and New Construction

Living in Grand Junction, or anywhere in Mesa County, you have many choices for housing. In fact, we are finding it hard to choose exactly where we want to live in Grand Junction. Or maybe we end up in Fruita or Palisade. Modern, traditional, and historic homes coexist. Homes were first built in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. We have an abundance of homes currently under construction today. Numerous neighborhoods and varying price ranges cater to different preferences. You can choose an urban lot, a little larger suburban lot, or there are lots of stunning acreage lots for sale in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Loma, Mack, Orchard Mesa, East Orchard Mesa and beyond.

What we have found helpful is to ask people where exactly they live in Mesa County and why. We want to know what they like and don’t like about where they live now. Ask me about homesteading in Whitewater along Kannah Creek! It’s really helping us to narrow down our geographic choices. When you look at sites like Realtor.com, just remember that not all properties are listed on the MLS or advertised on the Internet. I collaborate with local agents. I know when there are properties coming on the market well before the public knows. So, if you have certain criteria and you just aren’t finding it online, text or call me.

House Hacking is Alive and Well in Mesa County

If you are looking for ways to lower your monthly out of pocket expense for housing, then consider some of these house hacks. Many cities in Mesa County allow ADUs, an Accessory Dwelling Unit. That means you can legally have a second residence on your property. ADUs are allowed on single-family properties that are greater than 6,500 square feet in size. The size of the ADU is limited depending on the primary structure size. Call the Planning Department at 970-244-1636 with the address to discuss the limitations and process. The second unit could be a tiny house, a converted garage or other small structure. It’s a way to earn rental income to offset your housing costs. Read my post about ADUs in Grand Junction.

Another hack is roommates. Consider a property with a mother-in-law suite within the primary residence where your renter has their own private entrance. Or rent your spare bedrooms. You can even rent garage space or allow someone to store an RV on your property for a fee. All of it can create rental income to offset your cost of living. Many homes by Colorado Mesa University have been remodeled to maximize bedrooms and rental opportunities for landlords.

As I tour more properties in the Grand Valley, I see so much potential. Living in Grand Junction can be as diverse as you’d like it to be when it comes to housing.

Find out what many relocating buyers find shocking about buying a home in Grand Junction

The Temperature isn’t the Temperature

Adjusting to the Colorado desert climate involves understanding temperature nuances. Coming from the Midwest, we had to deal with humidity in the summer. Not as much as the southeast, but it made a difference. Ninety degrees and high humidity is not like ninety degrees with low humidity. The high desert allows me to enjoy those 90-degree days outdoors instead of wanting to stay inside with air conditioning. So far, the fall has been fabulous. December in the Grand Valley is like October in Minnesota. Every time we walk out the door, we are thankful to be here to enjoy the mild temps. Depending on where you are moving from, living in Grand Junction or Mesa County could be a big change for you too. I share the average monthly temperatures in my post called Grand Junction weather.

When it’s 40 degrees outside, I reach for my hat and gloves before I walk out the door, like I used to do. But so often, I don’t need them because 40 degrees feels warmer here than in the Midwest. The proximity to the sun at higher elevations intensifies its effects, makes it feel warmer than what we think it should feel like. When you step into the shade, you can really feel a drop in the temperature. We are still adjusting to it. Always dress in layers. And the locals have taught us, if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes and it will change. And it does!

Always be prepared!

Keep Toilet Paper in Your Car

Yeah, this is a strange one. If you go exploring, you can’t count on a vault toilet or outhouse to have toilet paper for you or your passengers. And sometimes you are just lucky to have a facility at all. Road trip essentials. Keep toilet paper in your car, hand sanitizer or wipes, and other necessities that public restrooms might not supply. Oh, and if you haven’t been advised yet, bring lots of water!

And remember, when you hike, pack it in and pack it out. Do not leave toilet paper in nature. Bring a bag for all of your trash.

With the dryer weather, I also recommend some hand lotion. And it’s important to use sunscreen during the winter because the glare off the snow can cause sunburn. We keep extra sunglasses in our glove box for our “adventure trips” in case our passengers don’t have any.

Be sure to read my Top Day Trips from Grand Junction post where I share our personal experiences and tips for you. And the Grand Junction airport experience!

And, of course, Grand Junction isn’t perfect. You can read my post about some of the Cons of Living in Grand Junction.

Your Story

Discover your story in Grand Junction. Reach out to me at (612) 306-9558 for more insights and guidance on making Grand Junction your home. Ask me about the time the sheep got out in Fruita and blocked traffic on I-70! I have plenty of stories to share. I’d love to show you around the Grand Valley and help you discover the perfect place to call home.

Connect on Social Media

I also post short videos and announce new MoveToGrandJunction.com website posts on our Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction and I am also on Instagram under @liveyourvacationingj.

Schedule your free consultation today!

Live your vacation in Grand Junction!

MOVE2GJ with Paul Aspelin

Check out my custom license plate!

Text or Call (612) 306-9558 (locally based in Grand Junction, CO) with your questions.

Paul Aspelin, Grand Junction Relocation & Listing Expert
Realtor®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Serving Grand Junction and Mesa County

© 2023 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved. Licensed in Colorado.

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What is the Grand Valley?

Embracing the term “Grand Valley” as you consider a move to Grand Junction, Fruita, or Palisade

As you embark on the adventure of moving to Grand Junction, Colorado like I did, you’ll quickly become familiar with the locals’ affectionate term for the area – the Grand Valley. Comprising the charming cities of Grand Junction, Palisade, and Fruita, the Grand Valley is a region unlike any other. It’s defined by its unique geographical features, rich agricultural heritage, and a vibrant community spirit.

Geographical Marvels

The Grand Valley owes its title to its strategic geographical location. Bounded by the Grand Mesa (elevation: 11,332′), the Colorado National Monument (4,000-7,000’ elevation), and the Book Cliff Mountains (starting at 5,500’ elevation). This three-sided valley is a natural wonder. The Book Cliffs continue into Utah and rise to over 8,500’.

The Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, stretches over 500 square miles and has over 300 lakes and a variety of lodges and cabins. Conversely, the Colorado National Monument showcases stunning red rock monoliths and breathtaking canyon views. A great place to go for a drive or take advantage of the many hiking trials. The Book Cliff Mountains complete the panorama, extending over 250 miles into Utah. I am constantly in awe at the diversity of eco systems and opportunities to enjoy so much in the Grand Valley.

You can learn more about the geology and paleontology of the area by visiting the Museums of Western Colorado.

Colorado River Connection

The lifeblood of the valley, the Colorado River, weaves through this picturesque landscape, contributing to its geographical and recreational significance. The term “Grand” in Grand Valley and Grand Junction itself stems from the Colorado River, formerly known as the Grand River, and the confluence with the Gunnison River at the heart of the valley.

Agricultural Abundance

Fertile soil is the heartbeat of the Grand Valley, making it an agricultural haven. Orchards, vineyards, and vegetable farms thrive here, producing some of the finest fruits and vegetables. Literally some of the best fruit and produce you have ever tasted comes out of the Grand Valley. The farm-to-table dining scene, especially the renowned Palisade peaches, adds a delightful flavor to the culinary experience. Don’t get me started on the Palisade peaches, oh my! Learn more by reading our Palisade post.

Scenic Diversity

The valley is a visual feast, offering a diverse landscape within a short drive. From the high desert red rock monolith formations to the alpine feel of the Grand Mesa and the classic Colorado mountains. The region captivates with its varied beauty, all within a 45-minute radius. You can literally ski at Powderhorn Mountain Resort in the morning and drive back down into the Grand Valley for a game of afternoon golf. How cool is that! The change in elevation makes a big difference. Check out my post on how to avoid altitude sickness.

Taken from the airplane as we left GJT airport

Grand Junction’s Central Role

Grand Junction, the largest urban center in the Grand Valley, serves as a hub and reference point for the entire region. Described as the “biggest small town.” Grand Junction seamlessly blends big city amenities with small-town charm, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Many of the Mesa County service offices are in Grand Junction, Colorado.

The Happy Valley

I met a gentleman at the downtown Grand Junction Farmers Market and told him my relocation story from Minnesota. He said, “Welcome to the Happy Valley”. I said, “isn’t it welcome to the Grand Valley?” He responded with “only until you truly understand how special this place is”.

Historical Roots

The term “Grand Valley” has deep historical roots, dating back to the late 19th century when the area witnessed significant settlement and development. Shaping its identity and character. According to Wikipedia, “George Addison Crawford (1827–91) purchased a plot of land. On July 22, 1882, he incorporated the town of Grand Junction. He planted Colorado’s first vineyard near Palisade, Colorado, causing the area to become known as the Colorado Wine Country.” The name “Grand Valley” has been associated with the area since the mid-nineteenth century.

Cultural Emblem

Over time, “Grand Valley” has evolved into more than just a geographical term; it embodies the cultural identity of the region. The name reflects the unique combination of geography, history, and community that defines this hidden gem in Colorado.

As you immerse yourself in the Grand Valley’s wonders, from its geographical marvels to its agricultural bounty and vibrant community, you’ll come to understand why locals cherish it and proudly call it home.

Welcome to the Grand Valley, where every corner tells a story, and every day is an opportunity to embrace the grandeur that surrounds you. If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Valley to consider a possible relocation, I’d love to help you make the most of your time while you’re in town. Call me for a tour!

Grand Valley Overlooks

Photo taken from a McInnis Canyons trail overlooking Fruita

The first place that comes to mind to see much of the Grand Valley is to drive Rim Rock Drive in the Colorado National Monument. You can stop along the way at the pullouts and get spectacular views of the canyons and the whole valley as you look East towards the Book Cliff Mountains. The Palisade Rim Trail provides a wonderful elevated view of Palisade. Or if you are brave, climb Mount Garfield!

You can start at the trailhead for Dinosaur Hill in Fruita. There’s a picnic spot at the top with panoramic views of the Grand Valley and interpretive signs along the way about the dinosaurs found on that site along the Colorado River.

Learn more about the area by visiting our posts about Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Plus monthly average temps in our weather post!

I post short videos and announce new website posts on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

Call or text me with your questions! 612-306-9558

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

© 2023 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

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11 Reasons to Move to Fruita Colorado

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