Amtrak Train Station - Move to Grand Junction CO

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 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 1^st 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

Booking Tickets: Amtrak offers easy online booking for the California Zephyr. You should book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Onboard Dining: There are several options for food like traditional dining and café options. Check the Amtrak website for details.
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.
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.
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 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 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!

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