Tag Archive for: Colorado River

Grand Junction Water Supply

If you are moving here from another state, you may be wondering about the Grand Junction Water Supply. Where does Grand Junction get its drinking water? Does it taste good? Does the city supply water for irrigation? Do homeowners have their own wells? We have learned a lot living here and I am happy to share our knowledge and experience with you. If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, call me before you come for a visit!

Where Does Grand Junction Get Its Drinking Water?

Let’s start with the most popular question I get. Where does our water come from? We are lucky. We are the first ones to use the fresh snowmelt from the Grand Mesa as our drinking water. It’s stored in over 19 reservoirs on top of the Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world just 45 minutes east of here. It comes into Orchard Mesa to be treated and disbursed into our homes. Grand Junction provides water that exceeds the minimum standards for municipal drinking water.

In 2023, Grand Junction entered a drinking water taste test in Toronto, Canada. A city in Canada won first place, but Grand Junction won second place! Essentially saying we provide the best drinking water in the United States! Please thank Randi Kim, the utilities director for the City of Grand Junction for this!

Here’s a link to the American Water Works Association’s Best of the Best Water Taste Test Competition article with details. Awarded Best in the United States.

Grand Junction Water Supply starts here. Carson Lake view from standing on the dam

Carson Lake view from standing on the dam – Grand Junction Water supply starts here.

We have been to Carson Lake on the Grand Mesa which is at the head of the Kannah Creek Basin in the Grand Mesa National Forest. There were signs in the parking lot warning not to use motorized boats on the lake as it’s used to provide drinking water for the surrounding area. It’s beautiful. You can walk across the dam, there are trails nearby and we saw several groups fishing from the shore.

Does Grand Junction’s Water Taste Good?

YES! Every time we go to a restaurant, we order water. We drink it and it’s delicious. I can’t say that for other places we’ve visited. Sometimes their local water is so bad we need to order a pop or lemonade instead. If you currently use a home water filtration system where you live now, you probably won’t need one if you move to the Grand Valley. Try it for yourself and you’ll understand what I mean. We are thankful for our Grand Junction water supply from the Grand Mesa!

Living in Minnesota most of our water came from underground. The city built wells to access it. We got our water from our local city, and we drank it and used it to water our yard. We even had to add our own water softener because the water was “hard” and unpleasant to drink. In addition to that, we also added a Culligan water filtration system. Not here!

Where Does Irrigation Water Come From?

Canal along Patterson Road near 12th Street

This system was new to me. Ag water or irrigation water is different from drinking water.

If you have visited, you may have seen canals running through town and in rural areas. They look like concrete ditches. Simply put, water gets diverted from the Colorado River near Palisade. It flows through an extensive canal system serving the whole Grand Valley. Water that isn’t used for irrigation is returned to the Colorado River to serve more communities downriver. Water conservation is always encouraged. We have been in a drought for several years.

There are six irrigation districts that serve the Grand Valley. Below is a map from the Mesa County Irrigation District’s website. The City of Grand Junction has a lot of information about water on their website including water supply, treatment, and distribution.

I had a client who lived on the Grand Mesa just outside the town of Mesa and they drove to Palisade to fill their water tank (strapped inside the bed of their pickup truck) to bring water back to their property. The city’s website includes information on filling stations for those in rural areas who do not have water brought to their property.

Property Water Rights

If you buy a property here, you may have water rights or water shares. You can buy a small amount of water or more, depending on your needs. Many homeowner associations manage the irrigation water access for their neighborhood.

The Grand Valley Irrigation Company explains it very well on their website for the landowners they serve.

“The Grand Valley Irrigation Company serves a variety of land-types, including farms, farmettes, subdivisions, residences, and municipal properties. There are 48,000 shares of capitol stock held by over 3,000 shareholders. Each share of water gives the owner the right to approximately 4.6 gallons per minute. This is not a storage right, meaning that the water right does not accumulate and store up when it is not being used. It is a direct flow right, meaning that 4.6 gallons per minute can be drawn at any particular time to be put to beneficial use.

GVIC levies an assessment, or bill, annually on all shareholders. The first share owned by every account is designated as an A share. Each account has only a single A share. Any additional shares owned by a shareholder are categorized as B shares. There is no difference between an A or B share with regard to the water right that is granted. Both types of shares entitle the shareholder to 4.6 gallons per minute. Rather, an A share is assessed, or billed, annually at a higher rate than a B share.

For the 2025 irrigation season, an A share is assessed at $342.64 and a B share is assessed at $16.39.

As an example, if a shareholder owned 5 shares the annual assessment would be calculated as follows: $342.64 + ($16.39 x 4) = $408.20. The annual water assessment is sent out in early January and payment is due in full by April 1.”

Grand Junction Water Conservation

Standing on the Grand Mesa looking down into the Kannah Creek watershed, you can see Land’s End curvy gravel road that’s closed in winter!

If I kept going, I could write another 1,000 words about water conservation in the Grand Valley and Colorado in general. The city and county have conservation initiatives. There are many local, regional, and state nonprofit organizations, districts and institutions who help preserve this precious natural resource.

As a Colorado resident, we try to conserve water. We know that the water from the Colorado River flows southwest to serve Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California residents with water too.

We are thankful our Grand Junction water supply for drinking water comes from Kannah Creek and the Grand Mesa. When you are here, consider a visit to Carson Lake. It’s sort of near the Land’s End Observatory, an outstanding overlook of the entire Grand Valley, best experienced at sunset! I mention it in my post called What It’s Link to Live on the Grand Mesa.

Move to Grand Junction, we’re waiting for you!

Text/Call me at 612-306-9558

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PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Licensed in Colorado & Minnesota

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by Paul Aspelin, REALTOR

Local or Nearby Attractions

Things to Do in Grand Junction CO: Easy Hikes

Guest post written by Michelle Aspelin

We could come up with a list of a hundred things to do in Grand Junction CO. Would a long list of ideas convince you to move to Grand Junction? Possibly. But we like to write about our own personal experiences while living in Grand Junction to provide you with a deeper perspective.

When the weekend comes, what do you want to do? I’ll share some of our favorite places. Of course, there are more things to do in Grand Junction CO, so read Paul’s posts for ideas. I put some links at the bottom of this post.

You can go on a scenic drive any day of the week for as long or short as you want. You can be warm in the valley yet ski up on the Grand Mesa. When exploring a new area, we love going for a short drive after dinner to see what we can discover.

I like to get books from the Mesa County Libraries or buy them from the Friends of the Mesa County Libraries book sales. A lot of what we do in Grand Junction is because I read about it in a book and wanted to see it in person. I also follow a lot of local businesses tourism pages on Facebook and I see what events they are promoting.

Walk Around Town

Because of a Facebook post, one weekend we went to The Milky Way in Palisade. They had a birthday promotion of 50% off and we had never been. Great food and drink, cute place with small indoor seating and more outdoor seating in the backyard. We ran into a friend while there! After that, we walked around town and went into local shops, art galleries, and the Palisade Library. We cruised through books for purchase (building in the back of the library) and ended up checking out a few books from the library.

See my post about our Divide Road and Unaweep Canyon Experience. A special overlook I learned about by reading a book from the library!

During the summer we go to Palisade every Sunday for the fabulous farmer’s market. (Fruita and Grand Junction have farmers markets too.) Since it’s winter now, we’ve been missing it! When we go to Palisade, we always take the Scenic Fruit & Wine Byway as we make our way home. Sometimes stopping at a winery, distillery, or the pie shop for a slice of pie or ice cream.

The same goes for walking around downtown Fruita or Grand Junction. Always a fun activity with things to see, places to shop, and great food and beverages. We bought a sign about adventures to hang on our wall from a local shop in downtown GJ while we were waiting to be seated at a local restaurant next door.

Hiking for Beginners

Before we moved here, friends of ours in Minnesota gave us a book called Best Easy Day Hikes in Grand Junction and Fruita by Bill Haggerty, a Falcon Guide®. It has been very useful. If you are new to hiking, I highly recommend it. These easy/short hikes can be done in a morning or afternoon, or pack a picnic lunch and make it an all-day activity.

We are working our way through the list of short hikes in the book. Here are the ones we’ve done so far. We have enjoyed all of them for different reasons. I recommend you get the book for full details. We’ve done other great hikes too, like the Palisade Rim Trail and Miracle Rock in Glade Park to name a few.

Mica Mine (BLM Bangs Canyon) – The trail is at the bottom of the canyon, so it’s cooler here in the summer. You cross the riverbed sometimes, so be aware it may have water in it. It was very low when we were there. Mica is a shiny, flaky mineral.
Dominguez Canyon hike Gunnison River

Dominguez Canyon (BLM Dominguez Canyon Wilderness) – This is south of Grand Junction near Whitewater off Hwy 50. A great drive and hike. We saw some old cow cabins and dipped our toes in the Gunnison River.
Devils Kitchen (Colorado National Monument) – This hike prompted me to get the All Trails app on my phone because it wasn’t very well marked towards the end. Everyone says, “Stay on the trail.” but how do you do that when it’s not marked? The hike was great, steep at the end but we went inside the “devil’s kitchen” area. Not sure if that was ok, but others were there too. We saw a big horn sheep on that hike.
Monument Canyon (Colorado National Monument) – We’ve done the first part of this one a couple of times. It’s a 5-mile loop. You are likely to see big horn sheep here, especially nearing dusk. It’s a steep trail but there are steps. Amazing views of the canyon and Independence Monument.
Dinosaur Bones near Fruita

Dinosaur Hill (near CNM entrance in Fruita) – It’s good to learn about the history of the area, dinosaurs include. This was good, no bones to see, just informative signs.
Fruita Paleontological Area (McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area)– We saw dinosaur bones here, a great hike with many more trails in this area, like to an old cabin. Seeing the cabin is still on our list. There are lots of bones to see in nature in Moab too.
Trail Through Time (BLM Rabbit Valley) – It was very windy the day we went but still great to see actual dinosaur bones “in the wild” still stuck in the rock. There’s a cool campground up high that overlooks Rabbit Valley, and you can see all the way to the La Sal Mountains in Utah. This trail is near the Utah border.
Coal Canyon Trail (BLM Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range) – We drove this one during the time of year when driving is allowed. We didn’t get out and hike. This is where you can see wild horses. It was cool to see ribbons of coal in the rock as we drove by. The wall with coal is so close you can touch it as you slowly drive by. The gates into Coal Canyon Road are closed to vehicles from December 1 through May 31 during the foaling season and for wildlife protection.
Mesa Lakes Lodge Lake Loop

Mesa Lakes Area Trails (Grand Mesa National Forest) – We have done this a few times with friends and visitors. Trails go through the woods and around small lakes. Mesa Lakes Lodge is there, that’s where we park and get some appetizers inside when we are done. We went snowshoeing here in the winter. You can ice fish too. Bring bug spray in the summer months.
Colorado Riverfront Trail (Colorado River) – This is one of our favorite walks. We usually park in Las Colonias near the bridge and Camp Eddy campground. We had family stay at Camp Eddy for a month, two thumbs up! We cross the Colorado River or just walk down the trail towards the boat launch, beach, and lazy river. The zipline is here too that goes over the river. This trail can take you all the way to Palisade or Fruita too! Good for walking or biking.

To wrap it up, there are a lot of great things to do in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and the surrounding communities. These are just a few. You can read a post about each city to learn more. If you are considering a trip to the Grand Valley and maybe moving here, Paul would like to show you around the area and maybe schedule a few properties to show you in person while you are here. Connect with Paul.

Other posts you might enjoy as you find things to do in the Grand Valley.

Two-Day Itinerary in Grand Junction, Why Move to Grand Junction

Golf Courses in Grand Junction

Why Move to Fruita

Why Move to Palisade

Guest post written by Michelle Aspelin

by Michelle Aspelin

Fruita, Grand Junction, Local or Nearby Attractions, More to Know, Palisade

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!

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

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Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

by Paul Aspelin, REALTOR

More to Know

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

A Breath of Fresh Air: Navigating Altitude on Your First Visit to the Grand Valley including Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade, Colorado

Driving through the tunnel

Before you travel to Colorado, know how to avoid altitude sickness. Embarking on your maiden voyage to the breathtaking landscapes of Grand Junction, Colorado, promises a feast for the eyes and a retreat for the soul. However, the higher altitude of this enchanting destination comes with its own set of challenges. Particularly the risk of altitude sickness for those arriving from lower elevations. This information will be useful to know before you head out on any side trips. Read my post about the Top Day Trips from Grand Junction for some fun places to go. I add tips based on my experience.

The Grand Valley sits at 4,646’ above sea level at the valley floor and it just goes up from there. This region has the lowest elevation in Colorado because of the Colorado River.

For instance, the first time I flew into Denver and rented a car to drive I-70 to Grand Junction I felt sick. I started to feel queasy after I crossed over the Continental Divide through the Eisenhower Tunnel.

My wife and I pulled into a gas station in Silverthorne looking for some altitude sickness relief. We found a two-pack of pills for $5.99. After taking them, I looked on the back of the package. Oddly, I was amazed to find out it was nothing but a vitamin C supplement. Regardless, a half hour later we both started feeling better. We quickly learned a key tip on how to avoid altitude sickness!

Consider taking Vitamin C before you travel. Check with your doctor.

In our numerous trips visiting Grand Junction before moving here, we started amping up the vitamin C and water intake a few days prior and haven’t really had any further issues. Oh, and always carry snacks, like a bag of mixed nuts. Eat those if you start to feel sick, even if you aren’t hungry.

If you haven’t driven here before, you will love the signs as you enter a new city. In Minnesota the signs included the size of the population, but not here in the rocky mountains, the city signs include the altitude and when you hit the peak, or a “pass” the elevation of the pass has a special sign so you can tell your friends back home how high up you were.

If you have concerns, fear not! Here’s a guide to avoiding and managing altitude sickness, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience in and around Grand Junction.

Acclimatize Gradually

Ease into your Grand Junction adventure by arriving a day or two before diving into strenuous activities. Give your body the time it needs to acclimatize to the higher altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Stay Hydrated

Our YETI Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottles are also dishwasher safe

Grand Junction’s elevated atmosphere can be deceptively dry. Stay ahead of dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Minimize alcohol and caffeine intake, as they contribute to dehydration.

Avoid Overexertion

Resist the urge to conquer the heights immediately. Take it slow during your first day or two, especially if you’re not accustomed to the altitude. Keep in mind, strenuous activities can wait until your body is acclimated.

Eat Lightly

High-altitude can affect digestion. Opt for light, easily digestible meals, and steer clear of heavy, greasy, or spicy foods that might exacerbate altitude sickness symptoms.

Medications

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can alleviate altitude sickness symptoms. If necessary, consult a healthcare provider before your journey for guidance on prescription medications.

Altitude Sickness Medications

Consider medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox) under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This medication can aid in preventing and treating altitude sickness, offering an extra layer of precaution.

Stay Warm

Layer up to combat temperature fluctuations common at higher elevations. Shield yourself from wind and cold to minimize stress on your body, enhancing your overall comfort. If you go up to the Grand Mesa, that’s over 10,000’ in elevation.

Descend if Symptoms Worsen

Should symptoms of altitude sickness intensify, descend to a lower elevation immediately. If problems persist, seek medical attention promptly.

Oxygen

Some accommodations and clinics in high-altitude areas provide supplemental oxygen. Avail yourself of this option if altitude sickness becomes challenging to manage. Occasionally, we saw oxygen available for purchase when we visited Telluride in the San Juan mountains.

Consult a Healthcare Professional

If pre-existing medical conditions raise concerns about your ability to handle high altitudes, consult a healthcare provider before your trip. Their personalized advice ensures a safer journey.

Know the Symptoms

Familiarize yourself with the signs of altitude sickness—headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Early recognition empowers you to take corrective action before symptoms escalate.

Watch for AMS

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a common form of altitude sickness that can manifest at elevations as low as 8,000 feet. Take AMS symptoms seriously and respond promptly to ensure your well-being.

Remember, altitude sickness doesn’t discriminate based on age or fitness level. I’ve seen very young fit people ignore these recommendations and experience flu like symptoms after thinking it would never affect them.

With these proactive measures, you can confidently navigate the higher elevation of living in Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade ensuring your visit is not only safe but also a truly memorable experience.