Tag Archive for: Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction

Move to Colorado: No Need to Hunker Down

Move to Colorado: No Need to Hunker Down, Grand Junction’s Four Seasons Are Just Right

When people picture a move to Colorado, they often imagine Denver, Boulder, or Colorado Springs. These cities get plenty of attention, but they don’t necessarily represent the best of what Colorado living has to offer. If you’re considering a move to Colorado, you owe it to yourself to take a closer look at Grand Junction.

Grand Junction is a vibrant community on the Western Slope where life is comfortable year-round. Unlike the Front Range or other states, Grand Junction doesn’t force you to hunker down for months because of extreme weather. No long, frigid winters. No hot, sticky summers. No suffocating humidity. Just four balanced seasons and a lifestyle that makes you wonder why more people don’t start their Colorado relocation journey here.

Move to Colorado Without the Harsh Winters

Michelle all bundled up with a blanket and hat during a Minnesota winter

Michelle during a cold, long Minnesota winter

For many people, a move to Colorado is exciting because of the outdoors, but can also be concerning because of the weather. Along the Front Range, winters can drag on from late October through April, with heavy snow and icy conditions making daily life a chore.

Grand Junction is different. Yes, you’ll get a dusting of snow, but it melts quickly. The Grand Valley’s lower elevation (around 4,600 feet compared to Denver’s 5,280 feet) means temperatures are more moderate. That translates to shorter, milder winters, which are perfect for people who want the beauty of snow without the burden of months of shoveling and icy travel.

And if you crave deep powder… Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort is only 45 minutes away. More into snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or ice fishing for trout? Just head up to the Grand Mesa for a day or weekend of winter fun. When you move to Colorado, you can enjoy the winter lifestyle without living in sub-zero conditions for months on end.

Growing up in the Midwest, I know what it’s like to hunker down from November until May. Subzero temps, blistering wind chills, and endless snow plowing. You just want to curl up by the fire and dream of spring. We got tired of missing out on life because of the weather, and that was a major factor that influenced us to choose Grand Junction.

The cover image for this post, of me sitting on the dock during a snowstorm, was taken in May in Minnesota… during fishing opener weekend!

Enjoy Summers That Let You Stay Outside

Many people move to Colorado hoping to enjoy the sunshine. But summers on the Front Range, or in states like Texas, Florida, or even Arizona can mean days that are just too hot or humid to enjoy. In Grand Junction, summers are warm but comfortable. Average highs reach the upper 80s in July, but the dry air makes it far easier to enjoy than the muggy heat of the Midwest or the South. Even better, evenings cool off beautifully. You can sit on your patio with a glass of local wine while the sun sets over the Colorado National Monument and enjoy a bug-free evening without sweating through your shirt or escaping indoors to air conditioning.

Sure, Grand Junction does hit 100 degrees now and then, but unlike Arizona’s endless triple-digit stretches. Here the heat is brief thanks to wide temperature swings. Mornings and evenings are almost always pleasant. If you’re considering a move to Colorado but don’t want to suffer through extreme summer weather, Grand Junction offers the perfect balance.

While I haven’t lived in the Southeast, I know friends there struggle with oppressive humidity. From Texas or Florida? You know it all too well. Arizona? Triple-digit summers that keep people indoors for months. We wanted something different.

Read my related posts for more information. Grand Junction Weather, Summers Weather in Grand Junction, Winter Weather in Grand Junction.

Say Goodbye to Humidity

Ask anyone relocating from the South or Midwest: humidity can ruin even the nicest day. Sticky air, frizzy hair, and the constant feeling of walking into a sauna. Yuck! No need to suffer anymore. When you move to Grand Junction, you can kiss that goodbye. The dry climate here means crisp mornings, pleasant afternoons, and cool nights year-round. Open your windows at night, let the cool desert air roll in, and enjoy star-filled skies. This is one of the most underrated benefits of choosing Grand Junction when you move to Colorado. Throughout the year, you will find yourself constantly saying how nice it is outside!

Four Seasons Without the Extremes

Fall on the Grand Mesa

Fall on the Grand Mesa

One of the biggest draws for people looking to move to Colorado, and specifically to Grand Junction is the opportunity to still experience all four seasons. Grand Junction delivers exactly that, but without the harsh extremes you’ll find elsewhere.

  • Spring means blooming flowers and perfect hiking weather…in March.
  • Summer brings river floats, vineyard tours, and long warm evenings outside (hello, Palisade peaches!).
  • Fall is full of golden canyon colors and crisp air for biking, hiking, and harvest season.
  • Winter sprinkles just enough snow to remind you it’s winter and make things pretty, but not enough to keep you trapped indoors.

You get the beauty of four seasons without the hassles.

We gave our move to Colorado a lot of thought. We researched, rented an Airbnb for 3 weeks in Fruita, we took road trips to explore towns and communities across Colorado and Arizona. Ultimately, Grand Junction won out. Why? Because here we can go outside and enjoy nature 12 months a year. Events rarely get canceled due to weather, daily life doesn’t get interrupted, and we can live the lifestyle we always dreamed of. We literally gained months of our life back each year to enjoy the outdoors!

Outdoors at Your Doorstep

For many, the decision to move to Grand Junction is all about the outdoors. In Grand Junction, outdoor adventure starts right outside your door. Within minutes or a quick drive, you can:

  • Hike the red rock canyons of Colorado National Monument
  • Mountain bike world-famous singletrack at the Lunch Loops
  • Explore alpine lakes and forests on the Grand Mesa
  • Float or fish the Colorado River

When you move to Grand Junction, you get the Colorado lifestyle people dream of, without the hassle of overcrowding, traffic, or waiting months for good weather.

A Lifestyle Worth Moving For

Weather and outdoor access are big reasons people choose Grand Junction when they move to Colorado, but lifestyle is what makes them stay.

Our local economy is vibrant and diverse, supported by healthcare, education, Agri-tourism, energy, and outdoor recreation. Downtown Grand Junction is lively with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Colorado Mesa University (tips for parents of students) adds youthful energy, while the Grand Valley’s vineyards and orchards bring charm you won’t find elsewhere in the state.

It’s a growing community that still feels approachable, welcoming, and affordable compared to the Front Range. When you move to Grand Junction, you don’t just relocate to Colorado, you finally understand what it’s like to live your vacation.

Ready to Move to Colorado? Let Me Help You Call Grand Junction Home

I specialize in helping people relocate to Grand Junction and the Grand Valley. Whether you want a custom tour, neighborhood insights, or local connections, let me be your guide through every step of your move to Colorado. Read my Grand Junction Relocation Guide post or jump right to the Get Started page to learn more.

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveYourVacationinGrandJunction

Your Grand Junction Relocation Guide is Paul Aspelin. Here he is standing in front of his Toyota TacomaText/Call 612-306-9558 with your questions.

Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Learn more about Paul Aspelin
Serving Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and all of Mesa County Communities.
Licensed in Colorado.

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com.
Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

by

Your Grand Junction Relocation Guide

Rather than handing you a printed Grand Junction Relocation Guide to help decide if relocating to Grand Junction is right for you, I will personally provide you with an opportunity to ride along with me on a valley-wide tour.

I AM your Relocation Guide!

You will discover all the high points while getting ALL your questions answered. I arrange tours for clients any time of the year. Most visitors don’t even want to look at property, they want to understand what this valley has to offer. How can it get any better than having a new friend show you around for an afternoon?

I know that relocating isn’t just about moving boxes from one place to another. It’s about building a new life, in a new community, with confidence. If you’re considering a move to Western Colorado, allow me to be your Grand Junction Relocation Guide. I have real estate experience, along with corporate and personal relocation process experience! More importantly, when you choose me as your relocation partner, you’re not just getting a real estate agent, you’re getting the relocation expert for Grand Junction and the Grand Valley.

Partnering with a Grand Junction Relocation Guide starts with the biggest question: why move here in the first place?

Paul Aspelin in front of the Grand Valley in the Colorado National MonumentGrand Junction isn’t simply another stop on the map, it’s a destination. Nestled between the Colorado National Monument, the Book Cliffs, and the Grand Mesa, it’s a place where stunning landscapes, thriving communities, and opportunity come together. A place where many people who relocate here finally understand what it’s like to “live your vacation.”

Relocation requires more than just touring a list of homes for sale. It requires insight, connections, and someone who can show you exactly why you will love living here! Finding a home you’ll love is the easy part, deciding if this is the right place for you…. that takes insider knowledge and a personalized helping hand, which is where I come in.

With over 25 years in real estate and 18 years owning and running a boutique brokerage, I’ve guided countless families and professionals through successful relocations. You don’t have to worry if you’ve picked the right agent. Just book your travel plans and come for a visit!

I love to provide personalized Relocation Tours of the Grand Valley. I don’t just hand you a brochure. You hop in my vehicle, and I give you a guided tour of neighborhoods, schools, parks, local businesses, and hidden gems so you can truly understand what life here feels like. My role is bigger than helping you buy a house. I am here to help you discover if the Grand Junction lifestyle and community fits your goals and needs. Read my post called Why Move to Grand Junction to learn more about the area.

When you’re looking for the Grand Junction relocation guide who can make your move seamless, you’ll quickly see why people trust me.

What to Expect on a Relocation Tour

Paul Aspelin standing in front of the sign for the east entrance of the Colorado National MonumentI will pick you up at your hotel and coordinate certain stops to your interests. We will tour Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade showing all each city has to offer. From the storybook downtown of Grand Junction to Fruita’s outdoor biking-focused community to Palisade’s Fruit and Wine Byway, you’ll see the personality of each area.

Depending on your goals, we will highlight what you’re hoping to learn more about.

School Insights: I’ll drive you by schools of your choice and help coordinate meetings with administrators if needed.

Lifestyle Stops: Craft Breweries, Distilleries, Cideries, Wineries, hiking/biking trailheads, bike/raft rental shops, the CMU campus, CMU Outdoor Program, the shops, and restaurants along the downtown main streets of Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade, The Colorado National Monument, and the numerous farmers markets! Together, we’ll explore the places that define life here.

Housing Market Breakdown: You’ll get a clear picture of which areas will work in your budget while we discuss pricing, availability, and competitive trends so you can make informed decisions.

I love connecting newcomers with the resources and insider places that make them feel at home immediately. My clients often say working with me feels like they “skipped the learning curve” and plugged straight into the community and where to go and what to see first!

As a Grand Junction Relocation Guide who lives here, works here, and helps families like yours move to Grand Junction, I would love to offer you an afternoon of my time to show off this wonderful place I call home!

Relocating is one of the biggest moves you’ll ever make, and you deserve someone who is willing to give you the time to understand the community you will be living in. I’d love to be that guide for you. Whether you’re early in your search or ready to move now, I’ll show you everything the Grand Valley has to offer and help you find the right place to call home.

Ready to Explore?

Paul Aspelin is your Grand Junction Relocation Guide. Here he is standing in front of his Toyota Tacoma at the Colorado National Monument

Colorado National Monument Tour Stop

If you’re thinking about relocating, let’s schedule your Grand Junction Relocation Tour. Your move is more than a transaction to me. Let me be your guide.

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveYourVacationinGrandJunction

Text/Call 612-306-9558 with your questions.

Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Learn more about Paul Aspelin
Serving Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and all of Mesa County Communities.
Licensed in Colorado.

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com.
Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

by

Water Bottles 101

Water Bottle Collection

Which water bottles we chose, how we use them, and where to get yours. This isn’t an article about the best water bottles, you can decide which ones are best for you. I just wanted to share the different ones we use and why so you can make informed decisions when you want to add to your water bottle collection. I have included some links to bottles or backpacks so you can get details about them and see what I’m talking about. They are not links to encourage online shopping, just to be informative. See the section below regarding the value of shopping in-person at REI.

YETI® Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Our YETI Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottles are also dishwasher safe

We chose the YETI® brand primarily because they are dishwasher safe. Other similar brands are not, and I don’t like to hand wash anything, so this was very important to us. However, many people put stickers on their water bottles, therefore, they need to wash them by hand. That’s why we don’t have stickers on ours.

The other important factor for choosing a YETI® water bottle is because it is important to us to have COLD water. Having an insulated water bottle was a priority for us. It makes it heavier, but we were willing to live with that drawback…initially. Then we started hiking longer, going further, then the weight can be a bigger negative than having water that isn’t cold.

YETI® and similar insulated stainless steel water bottle brands are fantastic for keeping your liquids cold for long periods of time. We chose the 26-ounce size bottle with what’s called a chug cap. It’s like a regular plastic water bottle opening. The cap includes a handle for easy carrying. They have other options with straws and flip-top lids. I didn’t want to keep a straw clean, so we chose bottles without straws.

I bring this one on short walks and carry it in my hand. For longer hikes, it fits in my backpack or on the side pouch of my backpack for easy access. It’s big but not too big. It’s 100% leakproof.

The downside is that it’s heavy. Therefore, our next purchase.

Nalgene Hard Plastic Water Bottles

waist pack and 3 Nalgene hard plastic water bottlesWe originally bought a 32-ounce Nalgene bottle to carry extra water. Nalgene bottles are made of hard plastic, and they are not insulated. Michelle got a small waist pack to be able to carry this size bottle, and it fits in there perfectly. Her YETI® water bottle is too big. Sometimes you don’t want something in your hand when you are hiking so you can use your hands to stable yourself when you are climbing. Her pack is called the REI Trail 5 Waist Pack in case you want to see what it looks like.

We now have a couple of Nalgene bottles, and we use them to bring extra water. We keep them in our YETI® cooler. They come in a wide or small mouth. I recommend the wide mouth so you can easily put ice in it. If you don’t like drinking from the wide opening, like us, then you can get this stopper looking thing to make the opening smaller, so the ice doesn’t slam into your face when you are drinking. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about.

These are completely leakproof. They are dishwasher safe. Again, we don’t put stickers on these either but most everyone else does.

The downside is that they are not insulated so they don’t keep water cold. However, you can fill your Nalgene with ice, then add water, and you’ll get more water as it melts. So, this makes it good for shorter walks. Plus, it’s not too heavy.

Other Stainless Steel Water Bottles

We do have a couple of other stainless-steel water bottles we’ve collected over the years. They are smaller and fit in the cup holders in our vehicles. Some are the YETI® brand. Stainless steel is great for cold or hot beverages. I like the small size. I take these on short walks or offer them to our friends to use when they come to visit. Everyone needs a water bottle nearby in our warm climate. Read my post about Grand Junction weather and Summer Weather in Grand Junction.

Obviously, there are all sorts of water bottles out there. I’m just letting you know which ones we have and why. If you are ready to purchase some while you are here in Grand Junction, I highly recommend you shop at our local REI to choose the best water bottle that will work for you and your intended use.

Emma has a huge Hydro Flask water bottle and she got a special cup holder expander so she can keep her large bottle secured next to her while she’s driving.

Serious Hikers Use Water Bladders, also Called Water Reservoirs

Flash 22 REI backpack resting on rocks near Mica Mine

Michelle’s Flash 22 REI backpack resting on rocks near Mica Mine trail in Grand Junction

We learned the hard way one time when we ran out of water. It was my birthday (May) and we hiked the Palisade Rim Trail with our daughter Emma. Because she’s a fast hiker and we are not, she let Michelle or I lead the way, set the pace. Well, let’s just say we got off the trail, twice, and our 2-hour hike turned into more like a 3.5 hour hike. And this trail has a steep upgrade at the beginning. We ran out of water at the top and still needed to come down.

Michelle’s small REI backpack (called a Flash 22) has a spot for a water bladder (water reservoir), and we went to REI after this trip to buy one. We keep it in the freezer, so it doesn’t get bacteria growth, and it will be ready to go when we need it. It holds 3 liters of water. If we go on a longer hike, like 3-4 hours she uses it. It’s a better way to carry more water. Hydration packs are designed to make drinking convenient and efficient. You don’t have to stop, or even slow down, to take a sip of water; you simply grab the drink tube that’s connected to the water reservoir. You don’t need to stop and pull a water bottle from a backpack.

Emma uses her small hiking vest that holds a water bladder all the time, even for short walks around town or when we go to the Palisade Farmers Market. REI has a large selection of backpacks, hydration packs, hydration vests, hip packs, and water carrying backpacks you can consider.

Why Buy at REI?

You’ve got to go to REI and ask for Josh Kolb, our son-in-law. He’s a local expert and can explain, in detail, the pros and cons of all water bottle styles, sizes, brands and their reliability. You get to pick out the one you like the best, in your favorite color, and bring it home. It’s a much better experience than going online, reading the ratings and reviews, hoping you chose the right one, and then waiting for it to be shipped to you.

The best thing about shopping for your water bottles at REI is that you get valuable LOCAL advice. If Josh isn’t working when you stop in, that’s ok. Everyone there is very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly.

The reason we buy our water bottles and other outdoor gear there is because of their generous return policy. If you don’t like it, or it doesn’t work as expected, you can bring it back. No need to package it up and bring it to the post office or a shipping location. Just walk through the door and they’ll take care of you. Ask me about the time we had 45 minutes to buy Emma a mountain bike when we brought her to CMU for college. We went straight to REI because we knew she could easily return it if it wasn’t right.  I mention REI in our post about Parent Tips for CMU families.

I also highly recommend you become a REI Member to take advantage of special sale coupons and an annual rebate check based on how much you’ve purchased. And if you want to go one step further, Josh can explain the multiple benefits of having the REI Credit Card. It has a fantastic sign-up offer! Grand Junction REI is located at 925 Independent Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81505.

Types of Coolers

Picnic in campground under the shade of a tree

We ate a picnic lunch in a campground under the shade of a tree near Goblin Valley in Utah

On a related note, I wanted to share two things we learned about our YETI® Roadie Cooler since moving to Grand Junction. The Roadie Cooler is a great size for day trips when you want enough space for beverages, lunch, and snacks and you won’t break your back carrying it. It has a great shoulder strap!

In the beginning, ours wasn’t keeping our items as cold as we thought it would. That’s when Josh asked if we were “pre-cooling it”. What? We had no idea.

The night before, we now put an ice pack in the cooler to start cooling it down. Before we leave, we take that one out and put it back in the freezer. We put fresh frozen packs in the cooler, and we go. That helped but it still didn’t seem like it was keeping our drinks cold for a long period of time.

Then Josh said it’s better to have one large block of ice instead of several smaller ones. When Emma and Josh go on 5-day river trips, they need their food to be kept cold for the entire trip. They can’t afford it to spoil. They buy blocks of ice from the grocery store or a gas station so their large YETI® coolers stay cold!

I also decided that freezing individual plastic water bottles is way better than using our 20-year-old ice packs. LOL. We do this for two reasons. As the ice melts, we now have more clean water available to drink if we need it. And having the thicker frozen bottle is better than the thin ice packs we were using. Now we know!

If we are staying local or won’t be gone the entire day, we have 2 smaller collapsible bag coolers (similar to this one at REI) that do a great job too. Ironically, they were gifts from a lender and a title company, so we didn’t shop for them. But they do the trick to keep up to 6-8 cans or bottles of drinks cold or a couple of snacks, dip or salsa. Plus, they have pockets for napkins, silverware and a garbage bag. I use these bag style coolers to keep drinks cold when I take clients around the Grand Valley. Everyone needs to stay hydrated. You can read my related post about how to avoid altitude sickness and the importance of drinking enough water.

I hope you learned something new about water bottles, and I hope you shop at REI when you are in Grand Junction. If you are coming to the area, let me know if you’d like a tour. I’d be happy to show you around. And yes, we can stop at REI along the way if you want to pick up a new water bottle to use while you are here.

Paul Aspelin hiking to Crater Lake near Maroon Bells Aspen area with Yeti water bottle sticking out of backpack

Hiking to Crater Lake near Maroon Bells/Aspen area with my YETI water bottle in my backpack.

Check out REI when you come to Grand Junction!

Are you seriously thinking of moving to Grand Junction? Here’s my suggestion for Getting Started!

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LiveYourVacationinGrandJunction

Text/Call me at 612-306-9558

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley of Colorado.

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

by

Telluride: Last Dollar Road Day Trip

The Day of the Last Dollar and Telluride

What an amazing day trip to Telluride! What started out as just a Last Dollar Road day trip also included discovering where Last Dollar Ranch was, the house in the John Wayne movie True Grit, Ralph Lauren’s Double R Ranch, Last Dollar Pass, Tom Cruise’s old neighborhood, the Telluride one runway regional airport and drinks on the roof of the Last Dollar Saloon. Oh yes, and an indescribable experience of a Mushroom Parade down the main street in Telluride! So unexpected, it left us speechless.

Why do a Last Dollar Road Day Trip?

Last Dollar Road Day Trip map showing 4x4 roadsFirst, let’s start with why we planned a Last Dollar Road day trip to begin with. Michelle has this book called Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails and the first trail in the book is Last Dollar Road. It’s rated as an “easy” trail vs moderate or hard. We prefer to only do the easy trails in our Toyota Tacoma since we are new at this. The book describes the trail as…

“This scenic ranchland and forest backroad is a great alternative to the paved drive between Ridgway and Telluride. Enjoy abundant wildflowers through early summer, great fall color and stunning mountain views.”

It is a rutted dirt road suitable for high-clearance, 2-wheel-drive vehicles when dry. Slick clay makes it impassable when wet, even for 4-wheel-drive vehicles. We wanted to see the stunning views of this mining supply road built in the 1800’s so we added it to our list of places to see. Because the road is only open in the summer, we went in August.

Where is Last Dollar Road?

Double RL Ranch overlook with view of the San Juan Mountains

Overlook at Double RL Ranch near Ridgway, CO

From Grand Junction, drive South on Hwy 50/550 to Ridgway, CO and turned right, or west. About 9 miles outside of Ridgway there is a scenic overlook we have stopped at many times to take photos of Mount Snuffles and Mount Wilson. It’s on Google Maps as “San Juan Mountains Scenic View”. See our most recent photo in this post.

What we didn’t realize until our return trip, is that fence you see, it goes on for about 20 miles, is the fence line for the Double RL Ranch, a rustic haven owned by American fashion designer Ralph Lauren and his wife Ricky. They own 17,000 acres and there’s an article online where Oprah describes her visit to the Double RL Ranch that includes some photos of his Americana themed ranch. Oprah also visited Tom Cruise’s old house in Telluride, which I will tell you about later, when we talk about the Telluride Airport. Plus, she has a home in Mountain Village!

The Amazing Drive Itself

House and Ranch in the John Wayne Movie True Grit near Ridgway, shows mountains and historic wood homeAfter the scenic overlook near Ridgway, we took a left onto CR-58P. There’s a sign for Last Dollar Road. The road is closed from January to May due to snow. This is where our Last Dollar Road day trip officially begins. The unpaved county road was wide and well maintained. Our first photo op was at Mattie Ross’ Ranch from the True Grit movie with John Wayne. True Grit was filmed in 1969 and begins and ends at the family ranch of young Mattie Ross (Kim Darby), which was filmed at a historic home on Last Dollar Road above Ridgway. In the final scene, John Wayne jumps his horse over a fence and rides off into the distance. The ranch house has been restored and remains private property. The scenery around it hasn’t changed much and is as gorgeous as it was then.

Last Dollar Road Caution SignWe left the county road and that’s where it got narrower, steeper, and rockier. We chuckled when we saw this warning sign. Luckily, we chose to drive the Last Dollar Road during dry conditions in August. It was amazing. We went through aspen groves, spruce-fir forests and open meadows with sweeping views. The road is very rutted due to snowmelt run-off down the mountain side. We drove about 5-10 miles per hour, sometimes using 4-wheel-drive Low to climb some steep slopes. We waited for cows to move off the road once. Didn’t pass any cars on the way up, up, up to Last Dollar Pass. Each bend in the road delivers jaw-dropping scenery.

At the top of the pass, we stopped at the popular overlook. I’m not sure what the spot is officially called but it was stunning. The views are unreal. There is a ramp where the road literally goes off a cliff. I saw a video of this and so we parked the Taco there too and took some photos! This is where we finally crossed paths with a Jeep and a couple of motorized dirt bikes.

Last Dollar Pass

Last Dollar Road shelf, narrow spot with drop-off on one sideAfter this we started our decent into Telluride. We hit a narrow stretch, wide enough for just one vehicle on this two-way shelf road. A few minutes later we passed a Jeep, and they rolled down their window to ask, “What road is this?” I answered the Last Dollar Road. The 75-year-old driver smirked and said, “I’m glad to hear you say that. We weren’t sure we were on the right road!” He drove off with his lovely wife. We smiled. They were more clueless that we were, but they were “doing it” at their age. That is why we take these trips while we can. While we are healthy and able to appreciate this beautiful state.

Telluride Airport

Parked near the Telluride airport with Mountain Village in the backgroundWe continued our decent and popped out right at the Telluride Regional Airport (TEX). It’s a one-runway regional airport and the end of the runway drops off into a deep canyon. We have seen the airport from the free Telluride Gondola that takes you from downtown Telluride up and over to Mountain Village. We joked at how short the runway is. Now, seeing it up close, it looks even shorter. It does curve upward at the end of the runway to give pilots a “lift” for takeoff. You can see Mountain Village behind the Taco in the photo we took at the airport entrance.

The Telluride Regional Airport is open year-round to commercial flights from Denver and Phoenix via United and American Airlines. However, I bet most of the traffic is from private jets and charter services. There was construction going on when we were there. They might be adding another taxiway and more hangars for all those private jets. Their website has a page about Do’s and Don’ts for high altitude mountain flying and warnings about weather, wind events, and the potential to be rerouted to other airports, like the Montrose/Telluride Regional Airport located an hour and a half north of Telluride.

Telluride Regional Airport

A Few Famous People

Near Telluride Airport is the residential community called Aldasoro Ranch. In 1913, the Aldasoro family moved to this area from Northern Spain to raise sheep and provide lamb and wool to the nearby mining camps. Eventually they subdivided their land into individual home sites. The family still lives here and now runs Telluride Sleights and Wagons, which offers sleigh rides and an event space with spectacular views.

I have joked with my friends about Tom Cruise living in Telluride. Here’s a link to Tom Cruise’s old 298-acre mountain retreat. I say old because he sold it in 2021. Here’s a unique tidbit we also discovered while on our Last Dollar road day trip. When Tom Cruise was dating Penelope Cruz back in the early 2000’s, she would take a short trail called the Breckenridge Trail near his estate. It’s a 2-mile route above the Telluride Airport near the Aldasoro community. However, locals call the trail Penelope’s or Penelope’s Cruise. I assume she was spotted using the trail when she visited.

I mentioned Oprah Winfrey earlier when I was talking about the Double RL Ranch. You may or may not know that Oprah has a house here too. Oprah Winfrey’s Telluride House.

Downtown Telluride

Last Dollar Saloon view of Telluride box canyon mountainside

View from the roof of the Telluride box canyon

As you approach downtown, you drive in on Colorado Ave, the main street. Telluride is in a box canyon with steep slopes and rugged mountains surrounding the laid-back and unforgettable town. We drove to the end of the street before we found the last on-street parking spot. We paid for 2 hours of parking ($5) and started exploring the downtown area. As expected, there are many unique shops and boutiques, restaurants and breweries, adventure guide outfitters, museums and galleries. We spotted the historic Last Dollar Saloon and decided to go in, given the theme of the day! We had drinks on the roof with great views of the Gondola, downtown, and the picturesque mountainside. Their website touts that they were named “#1 Best Skier Dive Bar in the World”, it seems fitting.

Michelle noticed people gathering below on the street. We did notice a banner for the Mushroom Festival when we came into town and folks gathered at Telluride Town Park. That’s why we got the last parking spot.

Mush Fest, formally known as the Mushroom Festival

Last Dollar Saloon roof looking down to Colorado AvenueThe Mushroom Festival was unexpected and eye-opening. People were dressed up as mushrooms, wearing mushroom hats and other unique costumes. It’s a weekend festival described on their website as “A weekend of mushroom love, community connection and fungi everything. You can expect expert hosted forays to ID mushrooms in the great San Juan Wilderness, talks from world renown mycologists, a foundation of the fest rooted off psychedelics and its current resurgence, large community gatherings, culinary delights, dozens of mushroom vendors and of course the world renown Telluride Mushroom Festival parade. Every year the festival attracts 1000’s of fungi fans from across the world.”

They sell tickets for their main event in the park. We just happened to witness the parade of mushroom lovers down Colorado Ave. Some looked, well, high on shrooms, and others just strolled down the street in their fancy costumes. The town of Telluride quite literally shuts down to 1000’s of mushroom people marching down Main Street to music, dancers, drummers and some pushed a mushroom vehicle known as Amanita-mobile down the street.

After the Mushroom Parade “experience” we got dinner at Steamies Burger Bar. While we didn’t have their specialty steamed burgers, we definitely enjoyed our food. Michelle had a cup of the Truffle Herb Mac-n-Cheese and I had a great chicken wrap sandwich. The Visit Telluride website has a list of events by season and a lot more.

Wrapping It Up

Last Dollar Road sign on the Telluride sideWe sure loved our Last Dollar Road day trip. I think we will be talking about everything we experienced for years to come. We loved the gorgeous aspen forest with unobstructed views of Sneffels Mountain Range and Wilson Peak. The range of colors from brown, green, and red against the bright blue sky was so beautiful. I forgot to mention that we noticed some forest service road camp sites on the Telluride side of the pass. There were no bathrooms, water or other services along the trail. It’s as rustic as it gets. We loved seeing the large ranches on the Ridgway side and the views from the Last Dollar Pass at an elevation of 10,663 feet. If we had family or friends in town, we might drive to Telluride on the highway and just go up to the Last Dollar Pass from Telluride and back down again. That would take less time and still offer spectacular views. Until next time!

I mention Telluride and Mountain Village in my post called Top Day Trips from Grand Junction with additional photos. This was the first time we visited Telluride without taking the Gondola up to Mountain Village.

Move to Grand Junction and Do Day Trips Like This One!

Paul Aspelin standing at the Double RL Ranch fence overlooking the San Juan Mountains

Double RL Ranch fence overlooking the San Juan Mountains

Text/Call 612-306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients 

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

by

Day Trip to Ouray CO

A Beautiful Mountain Town

There are so many good things to say about a day trip to Ouray CO I don’t even know where to begin. We have gone there numerous times over the past couple of years and we are always discovering something new. What’s not to like about a mountain town nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”? It lives up to the hype!Ouray Perimeter Trail Map

Hiking in Ouray

“Ouray’s Perimeter Trail is a unique 5.6-mile hiking experience that features remarkably varied terrain, unmatched scenery, four waterfalls, six bridges, up-close geology, a hidden troll, and a rocktopus. Hiking it involves approximately 1,800 feet of elevation gain and loss and will typically take 4-5 hours to complete. Good footwear and trekking poles are highly recommended.”

We started at the beautiful Cascade Falls. The trailhead is just .3 miles from town, accessed via 8th Avenue. We went up, up, up to the falls and then up, up, up again along the Perimeter Trail clockwise. Amazing views of the town below the whole time. The trail was in good shape, but lots of loose rocks and gravel made it sometimes feel a bit slippery. We bought our new trekking poles, and we were glad to have them because they helped us keep our balance and gave us a boost when going uphill.

Ouray Perimeter Trail

Ouray Perimeter Trail just after Cascade Falls going clockwise

We only went about 3 miles and came back to town using the 5th Avenue connecting trail. We walked through town, got some lunch, and walked back to the car parked at Cascade Falls. That’s the nice thing about the Perimeter Trail, there are several connecting trails from town so you can hop on or off to make the hike as long or as short as you want. We really enjoyed it and plan to do a different segment next time we are in town or driving through.

Another great hike is Box Canyon Falls. We did that one when we had family visiting from Minnesota. Very impressive! The water goes so fast, and it’s loud. Everyone should experience this short hike. Bring water and go slow as there are a lot of steps to climb. You might experience a little spray too so be prepared. There is a small fee for parking and access because it’s on private property.

Dining and Shopping in Ouray

Goldbelt Bar and Grill in Ouray featuring outdoor patio dining

Goldbelt Bar & Grill outdoor patio dining

We ate on the outdoor patio at Goldbelt Bar & Grill. Excellent service. Good food. Great views, of course. It’s a family-friendly place with burgers, pizza, sandwiches, salads and locally brewed beer.

We enjoyed the Ouray Brewery with its fantastic, covered roof-top deck for outdoor dining. They serve typical pub-style American cuisine. I’m sure other places are great two, but those are the two we have been to. We also had excellent food at Mi Mexico, a family restaurant a couple blocks off Main Street. Large portions!

It’s fun to walk along Main Street and go into the many boutiques, shops, and galleries. We have bought a few things along the way for ourselves or as gifts for others. You can mosey along at a slow pace and just soak in all the beauty that surrounds you.

There are other in-town experiences like entertainment venues including the historic Wright Opera House, museums and art and culture.

Ouray Hot Springs

A day trip to Ouray CO should really include a soak in the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. There are sections with a water slide and obstacle course that attracts the kids. Adults 18+ have their own Overlook Pool to relax in a more peaceful setting too. The natural minerals in the sulfur-free water are beneficial for your body and your soul. We were there in summer and winter, during the day and after dark. Each experience is different and treasured. The Overlook Pool is about 102° – 106°. There are lockers in the changing rooms, but we just brought a bag for our stuff and set it next to the pool. Be sure to bring water shoes and a towel. Check out their website for rates and more information. Ouray Hot Spring Pool.

Adventure Trips

If you are looking for something a little more adventuresome here are several options:

  • Ouray Via Ferrata (climbing experience). There are more than 1500 Via Ferrata routes in the world, but currently less than 10 in North America!
  • Ouray Ice Park (winter ice climbing)
  • World renowned jeep/OHV trails allow you to experience the 4×4 only trails/roads through the scenic San Juan Mountains
  • Horseback riding
  • Backpacking
  • Camping
  • Mine Tours

Day trip to Ouray CO view from Perimeter Trail

Million Dollar Highway

Map of Ouray, Silverton, Telluride area and Million Dollar HighwayYou can’t talk about a day trip to Ouray CO without mentioning the Million Dollar Highway. It’s part of the San Juan Skyway Colorado Scenic Byway. The Million Dollar Highway is the stretch of Hwy 550 that runs south out of Ouray, over Red Mountain Pass (elevation 11,018), and into Silverton. It is one of the most spectacular, scenic, and treacherous, drives in the US. Much of the time the speed limit is 15 or 20 miles per hour because of the sharp curves and drop-offs to the gorges below. The shoulder is pretty much non-existent, and you won’t find standard guard rails either. Because of the steep slopes, this section gets a lot of avalanches that destroy the guard rails. They just stopped repairing them and removed them. It makes plowing easier because they can push the snow over the edge vs needing to blow it over a guard rail. I would never drive it in the height of winter.

Our first time driving the Million Dollar Highway we went south from Grand Junction to Durango. We had no prior knowledge of what to expect. We thought it was called that because of the “million dollar views”. We knew it would be scenic, but we didn’t realize it was a white-knuckle kind of drive. Michelle could hardly look over the side as the passenger. As the driver I had to be laser focused on the road and could only glance over for a second. And when there wasn’t oncoming traffic, I drove right down the middle of the two-lane road!

The worst was when we were approaching a sharp curve. We were in the “outside” lane with a steep 1000’ drop just about 10 inches from the white line. As we approached the curve, a section of the asphalt was sunk in, like it might give way, a semi-truck carrying logs comes around the corner barreling towards us. I pretty much came to a stop and held my breath! After he passed, we continued, thanking our lucky stars. As a first timer, it was incredible. We have been on the road two other times and had a calmer experience. We just wanted to get over the pass and to Durango. I guess there are pullouts along the road but obviously I didn’t see any because my eyes were glued to the road.

A bit of History

Michelle has read many books about the history of western Colorado. The most recent one was called “The Road that Silver Built: The Million Dollar Highway” by P. David Smith. Let me know if you want to borrow it. When Ouray was first becoming a mining town, you got there from a wagon road from Lake City. There was no north/south road from Ouray to Silverton. Roads came from the east. The book explains how each segment was built and describes the numerous 4×4 only roads that were the first roads to access Ouray and Silverton. The great Otto Mears built many of the first roads in the 1880s for wagons and carriages that eventually became roads for automobiles. Some were so steep, 14 percent grade, that they still remain as trails but never became part of Hwy 550. Mears also made the trails in the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction.

Of course, it was silver and gold that brought the prospectors to Ouray in the 1870’s. Some of the most profitable mines are in Ouray. Camp Bird Mine was the second largest gold producer in Colorado. It’s located in the Imogene basin on the way to Telluride. There are dozens of mines in Ouray County and lots of back country roads to get to them and the ghost towns that remain.

The town of Ouray was founded in 1875 along the Uncompahgre River where it runs north out of the stunning San Juan Mountains. Ouray County, CO, is known for several 14ers, including Mount Sneffels, Wilson Peak, Mount Wilson, and El Diente Peak. Plus, numerous more in the “Ouray, Lake City, Silverton triangle” which refers to the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, a 65-mile system of unpaved roads connecting the three mountain towns. It’s a popular area for off-road and backcountry recreation, offering stunning scenery and access to historic mining areas.

If you’d like to take a day trip to Ouray CO, book it today! It is a unique mountain town with so much to offer. It’s about 90 miles south of Grand Junction, an hour and 45-minute drive. Read my post about Ridgway State Park because you might want to stop there along the way too!  And maybe take Owl Creek Pass on the way back.

If you are looking for a mild climate with all four seasons, consider moving to Grand Junction, CO. We are in the high desert (low humidity) with quick access to the Rocky Mountains. When it’s 95 degrees in GJ in August, we can go to Ouray and it’s in the low 80’s. Perfect for outdoor activities! Read my post about Grand Junction weather to learn more.

Watch my short videos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveYourVacationinGrandJunction

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

Ouray Cascade Falls Michelle and Paul Aspelin

Michelle and Paul Aspelin at Cascade Falls in Ouray, CO.

Text/Call 612-306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients 

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

by

Ridgway State Park: Day Trip from Grand Junction

Day Trips from Grand Junction: Ridgway State Park, Ridgway Reservoir, and a surprise drive over Owl Creek Pass

We have driven from Grand Junction to Ridgway multiple times and have always admired Ridgway State Park and the Ridgway Reservoir from the road. We decided to make a point to go to the park for the day, visit the town of Ridgway, then drive back. Ridgway State Park is about 1.5 hours south of Grand Junction, 86 miles. It’s at the base of the San Juan Mountains.

Our day didn’t exactly go as planned but our surprise drive over Owl Creek Pass made the day trip even more memorable! I will explain the mistake we made in changing our plans, so keep reading!

Get notifications about new posts and watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

Ridgway Reservoir

The 1,000-acre reservoir is so beautiful, a real haven for recreational activities year-round. Cars can drive right down the beach to the water’s edge and park for the day. There is a quite bay area for swimming, and, of course, a dam that makes it all possible. All kinds of boats on the water, including sailboats and paddle boards. There are over 15 miles of hiking trails and three campground areas. We mainly visited the Dutch Charlie section with the Marina, Elk Ridge Campground and Dakota Terraces Campground. Then the Dallas Creek section.

Michelle scoped out a few hiking options for us before we left. Our first stop is always at the Visitor Center to pick up a paper map. Yes, maps on phones are nice but there’s still something special about looking at a map to determine your plans. Our plan was to hike the Forest Discovery Nature Trail, a short .6 mile loop, and the .1 mile Scenic Overlook Trail, then drive down to the beach and water itself.

Ridgway State Park Map

Ridgway State Park Map, click to enlarge

Hiking to the Scenic Overlook

We chose to start with the Scenic Overlook Trail. We were very excited to see the view from the top.  A fairly short trail led us right there, photos below. It was beautiful. The pinyon/juniper forest smelled so good! Hiking in the mountains is different than hiking in the desert.

Instead of going back to the Visitor Center and doing the Forest Discovery Trail, I saw a sign for another route called the Wapiti Trail that led to the Skyline Loop, which sounded fun. Michelle admitted she didn’t have the Wapiti Trail “saved” in her All Trails app as a route for us to take but we did it anyway. The first “change of plans” for the day turned out to be a strenuous one! The Wapiti Trail is only .6 miles but has an elevation change of 150 feet. That’s like climbing 15 flights of stairs, at 7,000’ elevation! We took it slow, rested and cursed a few times until we reached the top. We quickly understood why Michelle hadn’t bookmarked that one, so steep! Luckily, we had plenty of water and some electrolyte chews to keep us going.

We eventually did part of the Skyline Loop and headed back to the truck. We took much more time hiking than we planned, and we really wanted to get into the water. But first, we had to check out the Marina before we went to the Dallas Creek section with the big beach for cars.

Ridgway State Park View from the Overlook with the San Juan Mountains

Ridgway State Park View from the Overlook including the San Juan Mountains

Ridgway State Park Marina

There is a very large swimming beach and picnic area next to the Marina. We were there on a Saturday in early June and it wasn’t very busy at all. I bet it’s more popular during the height of summer. There are bathroom facilities. We stopped at the Marina to get information about boat rentals. There are pontoons available for half or full day rentals and the price seemed reasonable. Afterall, it’s much easier to rent a boat for a day than to own one! You can also rent stand-up paddle boards as well.

Ridgway State Park Swimming Beach near Marina

Ridgway State Park Swimming Beach near Marina

Ridgway Marina Ridgway State Park showing boats for rent at the end of the dock

Ridgway Marina Ridgway State Park

 

Dallas Creek

The Dallas Creek entrance to Ridgway State Park provides the ability to drive onto the beach and park right next to the water. You can see the cars on the beach from the road. We found a spot and parked. We got in the water up to our ankles. It was somewhat chilly but not as bad as we expected for a body of water at 7,000’ elevation made from snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. Others were gleefully swimming and lots of people on SUPs (stand up paddle boards).

Ridgway Reservoir cars on the beach

Ridgway Reservoir cars on the beach

We got a good feel for Ridgway State Park and now it was time to go into the town of Ridgway. As we approached the main stop light where you turn right to go into Ridgway, I said, “How can we be this close and not go to Ouray?” Ridgway was the focus of the day, but we “changed plans” and headed to Ouray. We always love driving through Ouray and taking a portion of the Million Dollar Highway to reach the Bear Creek Waterfall Overlook.

Taking the Scenic Route

Ouray was great, as expected. The waterfall was really flowing, and Michelle was able to capture a rainbow that appeared in the mist for a brief moment.

On Hwy. 550, just after the state park, and before the turn to the town of Ridgway, we saw a brown sign for Owl Creek Pass. Most of the reports Michelle read online from the area said that many of the upper mountain passes have been cleared of snow. She verified and this one was open. She did some quick investigation and learned cars can handle the road, you don’t need to have a high clearance 4×4. We were in our Toyota Tacoma, so we decided to make another “change of plans” and take the scenic road home. We make a lot of spontaneous decisions. And this is one we will remember for a long time.

View of Ouray, CO

Bear Creek Waterfall Overlook in Ouray

Owl Creek Pass

After Ouray, we took Owl Creek Pass east from Ridgway as a scenic way to get back to Grand Junction. THAT was amazing! It was an incredible drive. Just to give you an idea of driving a mountain pass vs the main roads, it only added 39 miles to our trip but took us an extra 2 hours because you drive so slow on high mountain pass roads.

The road was in pretty good condition, it was wide, no sharp drop-offs. Just a few piles of snow we had to drive through, but otherwise the road was mainly dry. We could see this one high mountain peak from the start, and it was cool because we kept getting closer and closer to it as we climbed higher and higher. Looking at maps afterwards we think it was Chimney Rock in the Courthouse Mountains. There is a scene in the 1969 movie True Grit with John Wayne that shows this view too. See my post about our day trip on Last Dollar Road to Telluride. It shows the house and ranch featured at the beginning and end of the True Grit movie.

Spot featured in movie True Grit

 

 

Why you should plan ahead

On this trip we learned we really should plan ahead. When we were near the top without cell service or a downloaded map we hesitated. There was a fork in the Forest Service Road and we had to guess which way to go. The road was not marked at all. Not good in the middle of the backcountry. Oops! We had maybe 3 cars pass us in the upper section of this road. We thought about turning around after about an hour into the drive because we were afraid we might get lost or be heading in the completely wrong direction.

We were supposed to go east, then north to hook up with Hwy 50. When we were heading south and southeast for a while, we doubted we were on the right Forest Road. After discussing it, we continued a bit further because we know that no mountain pass is a direct route. After about 10-20 more minutes we reached the summit of the pass. We laughed and exclaimed “We made it! We did it!”

We immediately hopped out of the car to take a picture of the pass sign and the beautiful scenery. There was a one-lane bridge over Owl Creek. We went in June just after the snow had melted, well mostly melted! I stepped in a snowbank along the creek. The water was rushing fast and the sound of the water in the otherwise quiet forest was so peaceful!

We soaked it all in. The air smells so fresh in the mountains, everyone should experience it at some time in their lives. Our mistake was not planning our route in more detail before we left. Next time, we will research a scenic way home ahead of time, should we decide to take it!

Wildlife near Owl Creek Pass

Elk on Owl Creek Pass

While on the pass we saw about 6-8 mule deer. After the creek, on the east side, we saw a sign saying we would be driving through private land for the next 7 miles. It was spectacular. Lots of cattle and lush green grass. We saw a couple dozen elk grazing in pastures and were able to stop and take pictures. There are always birds singing in the mountains too. We like to roll our windows down on drives like this to take in the sounds and the smells. Seeing the elk was like icing on the cake for this trip.

We loved Ridgway State Park and we will go back and rent a pontoon for an afternoon with family and friends. We will probably never go over Owl Creek Pass again given it’s not really “on the way” to other spots we want to see on our adventures but it sure was a memorable scenic way home! Even though we got home several hours after we expected to. It was a great day trip from Grand Junction.

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction Every Day When You Move to Grand Junction!

Ridgway Reservoir at Ridgway State Park

If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, please give me a call. I’d love to show you round Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade and talk mountain passes with you!

Follow me on Facebook Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction! 

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Text/Call (612) 306-9558

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley of Colorado.

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

by

North Rim Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Day Trips from Grand Junction: North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

I’ve read a few places that claim the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is the least visited National Park. It’s not because it lacks facilities and features like camping and hiking and an astounding 2000’ deep canyon. I think it’s because it’s located a little off the beaten path. Not along a major Interstate highway. To go to the main South Rim Visitor Center, you enter from Montrose and get access to the west side of the river.

Get notifications about new posts and watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

Drive to the North Rim Ranger Station

West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway Map

click to enlarge

To access the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, like we did for this post, you take a different route to reach the north and east side of the canyon. From Grand Junction, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the North Rim. From town, go south on CR-50 to Delta, east on 92 to Hotchkiss. Continue on CR-92 south to Crawford. This is part of the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway.

Use your mapping software to get you to the North Rim Ranger Station. The paved road turns into gravel for the last 6 miles or so, but it’s very manageable in any vehicle. Download any hiking trail maps because you most likely will not have cell service in this area.

Exclamation Point Hike

We parked at the Ranger Station and took the Vista Trail to Exclamation Point and back. The hike took us through an open meadow with so many flowers, then patches of trees that offered us some shade. We continue to the end, a cliffside overlook that looks down on the Gunnison River 2700’ feet below us. It was absolutely amazing. One of my top 5 best hikes so far.

We went in mid-May so the wildflowers were in bloom. The temperature was comfortable in the 70’s. The trail is listed as easy but there are a couple challenges where you need to pay close attention to your footing. Mostly sandy or gravel trails, sometimes rocky, but not much. Wear hiking boots/shoes if you have them. Hiking poles may come in handy, but we don’t have any and did just fine.

We hike at a leisurely pace and stop frequently to just look around and soak it all in. We typically stop at the end for a snack before heading back. This trail is 2.9 miles out and back with a 344 ft elevation gain and it took us about an hour and 45 minutes to complete it. The All Trails apps says average time is one hour 10 minutes.

Vista Trail flowers and meadow in the North Rim Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Vista Trail flowers and meadow

North Rim Exclamation Point view to Gunnison River

Vista Trail to Exclamation Point

Vista Trail to Exclamation Point

Me at the Overlook before we reached Exclamation Point

More to see

From the North Rim Ranger Station you can drive south along the canyon rim for more overlooks and hiking trails. There is a campground on the North Rim.

You need a permit to hike down to the river’s edge and some extreme skills to handle the elevation change and steep slopes.

You can read more about the main Visitor Center and the South Rim Black Canyon of the Gunnison on my Top Day Trips from Grand Junction post.

Amazing Views on CR-92 South of Crawford, CO

Because we first stopped at the Crawford State Park Visitor Center, we got some excellent advice from the volunteers working that day. They recommended, instead of driving back to GJ the way we came, to continue south on CR-92 following the Gunnison River canyon and take Hwy 50 west into Montrose and back to Grand Junction. Because we have a decorative sign in our home that says, “always take the scenic route”, we did just that! Boy was that stunning! So many overlooks along the road, even some rumble strips to remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road. You can read my post about the Crawford State Park.

There were so many aspen trees. We plan to go back in the fall because we anticipate this to be a great place to see the fall colors. At their suggestion, we also stopped at Hermits Rest Vista. So thankful we did. More amazing views of the nearby mountains and the Gunnison River far below. We will bring friends to this spot when they come for a visit!

Gunnison River from Hwy 92 near Hermits Rest

Gunnison River from Hwy 92 near Hermits Rest Vista

Live Your Vacation Every Day… Move to Grand Junction!

If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, please give me a call. I’d love to explain your housing options and show you round Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade.

Watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Text/Call (612) 306-9558

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley of Colorado.

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

 

by

Crawford State Park: Day Trip from Grand Junction

Day Trips from Grand Junction: Crawford State Park

I highly recommend you take a day trip to explore Crawford State Park. It’s about 75 miles SE of Grand Junction. Crawford is on the West Elk Loop, a Scenic and Historic Byway. (See map at the end of this post.) It takes about 1.5 hours to get there via Delta and Hotchkiss. It sits at 6600’ elevation so it’s a great place to escape to when Grand Junction summers get hot. We will definitely go back and do some fishing. Maybe rent a boat or jet ski too!

Toyota Tacoma showing the red sleeve holding our vehicle registration card with our Colorado State Park pass inside itWe have a Colorado State Park Pass. We got our pass when we renewed our license tabs for our Toyota Tacoma. It’s less expensive to get your state park pass with your car tabs.

We learned something new that day too. When we entered, the Visitor Center Park Ranger gave us a red sleeve to put our Vehicle Registration Card into and we were told to place it on the dashboard, Registration side face down to protect our privacy. This lets the Rangers know we have paid for a pass. They can also look up our license plate number. There is not a “park pass” to display in your car window or sticker for your vehicle.

Crawford Reservoir Boat Ramp near Visitor Center shows rocky shoreline and floating dock

Visitor Center

There are three campgrounds in Crawford State Park along the north and east sides of Crawford Reservoir and three boat launches. We toured the North Shore Day Use section and then went to the Visitor Center. We sat in the picnic area to watch the people boating and fishing. Tubers were being towed behind ski boats, we saw some wake borders and others using stand up paddle boards (SUPs). We went in May just to see what the park has to offer. I am sure this is a very popular spot as the weather warms up. An excellent recreational and boating area for the locals in the area and everyone with a Colorado State Park Pass! Crawford Reservoir is the main attraction of the Crawford State Park. Scuba divers are welcome here too!

Fishing Crawford Reservoir

Crawford State Park shoreline of Crawford Reservoir

Crawford State Park shoreline of Crawford Reservoir near the Visitor Center

There were lots of people fishing from shore or fishing from kayaks and boats. While at the picnic area an older couple came down to fish from the shore near us. We asked what he was fishing for, and he said he catches some very large perch from the lake. Best he’s ever had. He doesn’t like fishing for trout here because they are farm raised (stocked) vs wild trout. The meat is white and not as good as wild trout’s red meat. Good to know! I haven’t gotten my Colorado Fishing License yet.

A winter visit to the park would provide opportunities for ice fishing and Nordic (cross-country) skiing. This would be a great spot for waterfowl hunting as well.

Trails at Crawford State Park

There are a limited number of trails along the 400-acre reservoir. We drove to Iron Creek Campground and had a picnic lunch near the boat launch. From here you can take a trail to the west side of the lake that leads to another overlook and day use area. You can take Black Canyon Road to the west side. This is the road we took to get to the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Lodging

If you want more than a day trip, there are several unique lodges, a hotel and an inn in the town of Crawford in addition to the three campgrounds in Crawford State Park. The Last Frontier Lodge sites up high on the north side of the lake and I imagine would have some spectacular views of the Elk Mountains to the east.

It’s a small state park, 337 acres, but offers some excellent options and, of course, exceptional views. I bet it’s a popular place come elk hunting season too.

An Amazing Stretch of Road South of Crawford, CO

Gunnison River view from CR-92 south of Crawford State Park

Gunnison River view from CR-92 south of Crawford State Park

We got some excellent advice from the volunteers working that day at the Visitor Center. Instead of driving back to GJ the way we came, we drove south on CR-92 following the Gunnison River canyon. It was stunning! You can read more about this section of our trip on my post about the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Taking this route, you drive along the top of the Blue Mesa Dam to cross the Gunnison River. This is in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. It also gives access to the very popular Blue Mesa Reservoir. Once over the river, you take CR-50 West through Cimarron and over the Cerro Summit at 8042’ and on to Montrose, then Grand Junction. Very pretty scenery, but then again, all of Colorado is scenic!

I have several other posts about day trips from Grand Junction, check them out! Grand Junction makes an exceptional base camp for you to experience this amazing region of the country. We love living in Grand Junction!

Take the Scenic Route and to Move to Grand Junction!

Paul Aspelin sitting on a bench in Crawford State Park in front of the Crawford Reservoir

Paul Aspelin in Crawford State Park in front of the Crawford Reservoir.

If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, please give me a call. I’d love show you round Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade.

Get notifications about new posts and watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Text/Call (612) 306-9558

Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley of Colorado.

 

West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway Map

West Elk Loop Brochure Cover

We have referenced this map for several trips. We have been to Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Aspen, Redstone, Marble, over the stunning McClure Pass (ask to see one of my favorite pictures from the pass), Paonia, Hotchkiss, Crawford, and Gunnison. We took Kebler Pass in August (gravel road not open in winter) to Crested Butte and stayed in Mount Crested Butte. We have also been to the North and South rims of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

The Fruita Visitor Center has the best selection of brochures and information for things to do in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Mesa County and the entire state of Colorado and eastern Utah. We picked this one up there and have had it in the car with us on several trips. See cover on the right.

 

West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway Map

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

by

Don’t wait! Semi-Retire in Grand Junction

Don’t wait! Semi-Retire in Grand Junction

Work/Life Balance in Grand Junction

If you are looking for a simpler, more satisfying, work/life balance, I recommend you consider semi-retirement in Grand Junction. To me semi-retirement means working full or part-time and having a flexible lifestyle that allows you more freedom. Full retirement in Grand Junction is fabulous, but why wait until you fully “retire” to move to Grand Junction or any of our beautiful communities here in Mesa County?

Paul Aspelin and Michelle Aspelin semi-retire in grand junction co

Moving to Colorado!

If you are at a point in your life that would allow you the opportunity to move, take it! If you had children, maybe they are now in college or have graduated from college and are out of the house. We’ve gone through those emotions of becoming empty nesters. Our dog died right after our youngest graduated from high school and went off to college in Arizona. We became complete empty-nesters in 2021. However, we were not ready to retire yet, being in our early 50’s at that time.

We reflected on our years together, the places we’ve been, the experiences we’ve had. We decided to make a lifestyle change. We saw and did as much as we wanted to in Minnesota and Wisconsin and made dozens of road trips to Michigan to see family too. We were ready to experience a different part of our amazing country. You can read more about our story on my About Paul page.

Get notifications about new posts and watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

The point is, I know what it’s like to pivot. I understand what it means to research new communities and consider moving across the country. When we moved, Michelle could continue her same business offering website services since she is free to “work from anywhere”. I, however, had to establish myself again in a brand-new community. Thankfully, I had 20+ years of experience so getting acclimated wasn’t too difficult.

Working in Grand Junction

If you own a business or can work from home, consider checking out GJEP, the Grand Junction Economic Development nonprofit that serves our business community. There are incentives to bring your business here, especially if you offer higher than average wages.

If you are ready for a career change, maybe a pivot to something less stressful in a different industry. There are lots of options in the Grand Valley. We are not a resort town, but we have lots of retail and hospitality opportunities. Colorado Mesa University has opportunities for instructors as well as administrative and community focused staff.

With three hospitals and related clinics in the Grand Valley, jobs in healthcare are plentiful. I get a lot of calls from people who were recruited by St. Mary’s hospital and are now moving here, looking for a place to live. Mostly nurses, but some doctors too.

Each community has an active Chamber of Commerce. Everyone is very friendly and will welcome you with open arms. Bring your business or start a new one after you get here. There is a high entrepreneurial spirit here, a “can-do” attitude, at least that is what we have experienced.

The Western Slope vs the Front Range

If you are moving to Colorado from a higher cost of living area, then your higher work from home wages will go far in our lower cost of living community. Mesa County is less expensive than living on the “front range” cities like Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs. When you read or hear statistics about Colorado, be sure to consider the point of reference. The western slope tends to be more rural and therefore more conservative, just like other states.

The west slope moves at a slower pace. There is less congestion with fewer people. We don’t experience “traffic” here. So, if you have been commuting to a job and want to reclaim hours of your day and week, it’s time to semi-retire in Grand Junction.

Experience More in Grand Junction

Mesa Lakes Lodge Lake Loop

Mesa Lakes Lodge Lake Loop on the Grand Mesa

I could write more here about all the things to do, places to eat, and outdoor activities, but that’s basically what this whole blog is about. I’ve said this a thousand times; Grand Junction makes a great base camp to access so much more within a 2-3 hour drive. It’s a truly diverse area when you think you can live in the desert yet be in the Rocky Mountains within 2 hours. Every drive we take is amazing. We say “Wow! Look at that!” a whole lot more than we used to, that’s for sure. Read about the day trips from Grand Junction that I’ve posted. I am continually adding more as we explore this diverse region of the country.

The key takeaway is life is precious. LIVE your best life every day. Don’t get stagnant and think you are stuck. You are not. Don’t wait to move to Colorado until you retire, semi-retire in Grand Junction now. We are waiting for you with open arms.

Call/text me at 612-306-9558 if you are coming into town and want to connect. I’d be happy to show you around Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade. I can help you with buying a house in Grand Junction, anywhere in Mesa County, or buying a house in Colorado communities near Grand Junction that you may be considering. I’m up for a road trip, how about you?

Check out the post I wrote about living in a place that your kids and grandkids will want to come for a visit. We have so much to offer people of all ages.

Learn more on my Get Started page!

Don’t wait! Experience the Grand Junction Lifestyle in your semi-retirement years!

Paul Aspelin working on his laptop at the kitchen tableFollow me on Facebook: Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley in Colorado

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

 

by

Day Trips from Grand Junction: Goblin Valley State Park Utah

Day Trips from Grand Junction: Goblin Valley State Park in Utah

Looking for more day trips from Grand Junction? Consider Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. It’s about 2.25 hours west of Grand Junction. I published a post called Day Trips from Grand Junction CO that has more ideas. You can read it next if you haven’t read it already. I’ll be posting more day trips in the future too!

Get notifications about new posts and watch my short videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

We like taking day trips from Grand Junction and we did this one on a Saturday in May. It was about 85 degrees and sunny. A great time of the year to hike and be outdoors.

What to know about Goblin Valley State Park in Utah before you go

GETTING IN AND PARKING

Goblin Valley State Park entrance sign with TacomaThe park is small, and it gets busy. They don’t offer official timed entry management like at Arches National Park, so you can’t reserve an entrance time in advance. We arrived on a Saturday at about 9:30am and waited in line behind 2-3 cars to get in. We went right to the Valley of the Goblins parking lot and there were about 5 spots left. The park entrance waiting line started to build by 10am and cars were told to wait. They would be let in after current visitors left. The line was long. We ran into a couple on a hike later. They waited in line for an hour before giving up and choosing a hike outside of the state park and come back later in the day.

PARKING PASS

They want you to get the pass online ahead of your visit to speed things up when you enter. When you do, the pass is good for that day and until 10pm the following day. We bought ours the night before we left. If you wait to do it online when you get to the area, you may not have internet service, we didn’t.

RESEARCH THE AREA

Since the park is relatively small, I recommend you research other attractions in the San Rafael Swell area before you go. There is a lot to see in this beautiful area of Utah. Goblin Valley State Park info.

Goblin Valley State Park Experience

We planned for just one day in this beautiful and unique area. Once we got the park map, we went straight to the Valley of the Goblins and parked there by the big pavilion. The parking lot overlooks the Goblins. We walked down several flights of stairs to get down and walk around among them. That was very cool. An open area to roam. After about 30 minutes of that, we headed out. We stopped at the entrance because that’s where the Gift Shop is but it was closed. I think they were short staffed because the gift shop was open when we entered. We should have gone in then.

Goblin Valley State Park Utah goblins

 

Little Wild Horse Canyon – Our first slot canyon experience

This hike was very impressive! According to All Trails map app, the loop trail is 8.1 miles through two canyons. We read about them and watched some YouTube videos. We knew we couldn’t do the full 8 miles, too much for us. So, we chose the Little Wild Horse Canyon side of the loop. It starts out wide then narrows, the smallest section was about 5 inches at the ground and about shoulder width at your shoulders. Sometimes we turned sideways to continue.

There were a few spots to “scramble” or climb over large rocks. Nothing too strenuous for us beginners. It was crowded during the time we went. The parking lot was full. We knew we would stop and turn around when we hit the spot of the 6-8ft “dryfall” because we didn’t feel we could climb back up once we went down. However, we turned around before that because it was just too crowded and hard to pass people coming the other way in such a small space. We went about 1.3 miles on the trail before we turned around and we thought it was fantastic for our first time in a slot canyon. Amazing beauty. This canyon can experience a flash flood if there has been rain up stream, so be aware.

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon narrow bath between walls of rock

It got much narrower than this but we were so overwhelmed we didn’t take enough pictures. We were living in the moment!

Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel

Just off the side of the road we saw some of the largest prehistoric painted figures in Utah. The sign near the panel in the San Rafael Swell explains that the featured pictographs were created by early inhabitants during the Archaic Period (8000 to 2000 BC) and later by the Fremont culture (300 to 1300 AD). It’s amazing that they are still around for us to see! Pictographs are wall paintings done with pigments; petroglyphs are wall carvings, both are commonly called rock art. We are just learning the difference too!

After this, we pulled into one of the campgrounds nearby and had a picnic lunch under the shade of a tree. There are no services in the immediate area for food, so we packed a cooler with snacks for lunch.

pictograph paintings by the ancients of animals and humans

Wild Horse Window

Our last short hike was the Wild Horse Window. Technically it’s accessed from within Goblin Valley State Park boundaries, near the main entrance sign, but the trailhead was hard to find. Our GPS wasn’t working because we had no internet connection. We finally found it after wandering back behind a camping area. I’m glad we persisted because it was amazing! We met a very nice couple from Denver who was just starting the hike when we were, so we hiked together. We had a great time chatting and wayfinding with them on the trail. We only saw two other couples in the 2 or so hours we were there!

The All Trails app says it’s 1.8 miles out-and-back but our trip was 2.3 miles. The app said it takes 51 minutes on average; it took us 1.5 hours. It was sandy, rocky or you were walking on slanted slickrock. We took our time. Thankful for our supportive hiking books as it was rough on the ankles. It wasn’t technical, just had to watch your step. Hiking poles would have made it easier, but we don’t have those yet. Elevation gain was about 384 ft. Uphill there, downhill back. I was thankful there were many cairns to follow, especially over the slick rock because you didn’t have footprints to follow and couldn’t exactly tell where to go. Cairns (pronounced Karens) are stacks of rocks used for marking trails.

We were treated to a spectacular view at the end. Two natural bridges that are formed from wind and erosion. One had a hole in the top. The opening was probably 50’ wide and 50’ tall with moss growing in a few spots. We say more pictographs in the “cave”. We were thankful for the coolness of the shade. We had a snack and took it all in then hiked back to the truck. We were glad we did this one second because these 2.3 miles felt much more strenuous than the first 2.6 miles we hiked in the slot canyon. It was listed as “moderately challenging” and it sure felt like it.

Hiking back from Wild Horse Window Natural Bridge over slickrock following piles of rock to mark the trail

Hiking back from Wild Horse Window Natural Bridge over slickrock following piles of rock that marks the trail

One Final Stop for Dinner in Green River, Utah

After our hiking in this beautiful San Rafael Reef area, the next city on our way back was Green River, so we stopped there for dinner. After that, the next closest city with services is Fruita, CO! A lot of the restaurants and business in Green River are boarded up. They must be struggling as a small rural community. We found Tamarisk Restaurant overlooking the Green River. They have been in business since 1979, and I know why. The food and service were outstanding! We got there around 5-6pm, before the dinner rush. There were 20 people in the waiting area when we left. I highly recommend this place to eat. There weren’t many other cafes or restaurants, there was a sub shop. After a long day of hiking and being outdoors, we just wanted a cool place out of the sun to dine and relax a bit before the 90-minute drive home. We loved it.

I love that we can do day trips from Grand Junction CO like this. We left about 7:30am and were home about 8pm to sleep in our own bed. There are so many amazing places to see within 2 hours of Grand Junction, in all directions!

If you are considering living in Grand Junction, moving here from another state, please reach out to me. I’d be happy to show you around when you come to town to “check it out”.

Picnic in campground under the shade of a tree

We ate a picnic lunch in a campground under the shade of a tree

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

Follow me on Facebook: Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction

Text/Call 612-306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients 

© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com. Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

by