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A Challenge to Prove Why Grand Junction Deserves a Closer Look

Before my wife and I moved from Minnesota to Grand Junction, Colorado, we spent nearly two years researching the area, visiting, and figuring out whether the Grand Valley was the right fit for us.

Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time talking about Grand Junction, whether I’m helping someone relocate, writing for this blog, or explaining to people back in Minnesota why we made the move. And I’ve discovered something:

It’s one thing to tell someone how great a place is.

It’s another thing to help them experience it for themselves.

That’s where an idea started taking shape.

A Challenge I Couldn’t Pass Up

Megan Jirele Independent Journalist and WriterMegan Jirele has known me her entire life. She’s an independent journalist and writer, an excellent observer of people and places, and someone who isn’t necessarily going to agree with me just because I feel strongly about something. Over time, she’d heard plenty about Grand Junction from me. Then, last spring, while I was back in Minnesota visiting, she challenged me to put my money where my mouth was.

“You keep telling me Grand Junction, Colorado, is the hidden gem of America. If I gave you 10 days, how would you prove it?”

Well, I wasn’t going to back down from that one. I sent Megan a plane ticket and invited her to spend ten days here. We call it the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge. I wanted to give Megan the opportunity to get to know the place I now call home, with Michelle and I as her hosts. But just as importantly, I wanted her to tell the story in her own way, in her own words.

Why I Wanted to Do This

As a REALTOR® with more than 25 years of experience, I spend a lot of time thinking about what makes someone choose one community over another. I specialize in helping people relocate to the Grand Valley, and I’ve always believed people deserve more than a sales pitch traditional agents give.

I’ve also been on the other side of that decision. Moving from Minnesota meant leaving behind familiar places, established routines, and the comfort of knowing how everything worked. Starting over somewhere new takes research, effort, and a willingness to consider possibilities you might not have thought about before.

I can share what I love about Grand Junction. I can point out the advantages of living here, explain the local real estate market, and tell people why Michelle and I chose to make this our home. But I can’t decide what matters most to someone else.

That’s what made Megan’s perspective so interesting to me. She has her own experiences, expectations, and preferences. She would be experiencing Grand Junction without the history I have with it, and I couldn’t script what she would think or feel. Nor would I want to.

For me, this was an opportunity to do something beyond writing another article about relocating to Western Colorado. It was a chance to share the experience through someone else’s eyes and let readers follow along.

Come Along for the Challenge

We documented Megan’s ten days in Grand Junction and the surrounding area, and we’ve organized the experience into a dedicated series here on MoveToGrandJunction.com.

I’m excited to share it because I think there’s value in seeing a place through someone else’s eyes. And, frankly, I’m curious to hear what you think about Megan’s experience, too.

Whether you’ve lived in the Grand Valley for decades, are thinking about moving here, or have never given Western Colorado much consideration, I hope you’ll take some time to explore the challenge.

Follow the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge →

I started this challenge because I believe Grand Junction deserves a closer look. I invited Megan to experience it for herself, and now I’m inviting you to follow along.

 

Series: 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge

View the all of the posts and videos on the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge page.

Paul Aspelin REALTORPAUL ASPELIN
Your Grand Junction Relocation and Listing Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE

Call or Text (612) 306-9558 (locally based)
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn or send Paul an email

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10-Day Grand Junction, Colorado Challenge: What Did Megan Actually Discover?

ARTICLE 1: DAYS 1-3

 

I Didn’t Want to Give Her a Vacation. I Wanted to Give Her a Glimpse of Life on The Western Slope

When Megan accepted my offer for the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge, I had a challenge of my own: Give her both sides of Grand Junction, from the spectacular to the mundane.

I deliberately didn’t want to create a typical “I’m on vacation” visitor itinerary. I wanted Megan to experience Grand Junction the way someone considering a move here might experience it, by seeing the places that make people fall in love with the area, but also getting a glimpse of what everyday life actually looks like.

Day 1 – Tuesday: First Impression

Megan arrived in Grand Junction in the late morning, and I had a couple of goals for our first day. First, I wanted to give her some time to get acclimated to the elevation, and I didn’t want to overwhelm her like this was the first day of a typical vacation. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel miserable starting the challenge, so we were going to ease into things.

View from on top of a CMU campus building with the American Flag and Colorado Flag flying

CMU campus rooftop hangout spot overlooking campus

After picking her up at the Grand Junction airport, getting settled at our home and having some lunch, we headed to Colorado Mesa University (CMU) for a campus tour. I thought this was the perfect Day One activity for a few reasons. Coming from the Midwest, small college towns have a certain stigma attached to them. CMU in Grand Junction is the farthest thing from the stereotypical Midwestern small town college experience where the focus seems to be on drinking beer every weekend. Read my post about Parent Tips for CMU Families.

I wanted Megan to see how much CMU contributes to the Grand Junction community. It’s more than a college campus. It’s a source of community pride, whether that’s rallying behind the Mavs, allowing the public to take advantage of the resources provided by the Outdoor Program, or even offering college classes for retirement aged adults at reduced rates. CMU is woven into the fabric of the community in ways that go well beyond its students.

From there, we took a quick tour of Los Colonias and the riverfront redevelopment that had taken place there a few years earlier. The butterfly pond. The amphitheater. The dog park. The swimming hole at the end of the lazy river. The open green space. The riverfront trail.

It’s one of those places where you don’t necessarily go because you have something you need to accomplish. You go to hang out. You can soak in the Colorado sun, spend time along the river, let the kids or dogs burn off some energy, walk or bike the riverfront trail, or simply find a patch of grass and do absolutely nothing.

That was intentional, too. I wanted Megan to start this journey by seeing Grand Junction as more than a collection of attractions. I wanted her to start seeing how people actually use the community.

Megan sitting in a chair with a glass of wine at the Carboy Winery in Palisade

Carboy Winery in Palisade

We continued easing into the valley by heading to Palisade for a glass of wine at Carboy Winery before driving back across the valley to Fruita to meet another local couple for dinner at The Hot Tomato.

By the end of Day One, Megan had already experienced three distinctly different parts of the Grand Valley: Grand Junction, Palisade and Fruita.

And that was exactly what I wanted. I didn’t want to overwhelm her with one big “WOW” experience on the first day. I wanted her to begin absorbing the valley as a whole.

And the Colorado National Monument? That could wait.

Because taking her up there immediately would have been the obvious thing to do if this were simply a vacation. I wanted Megan to discover Grand Junction gradually. To see what was spectacular, what was ordinary, and, eventually, to decide for herself whether she could imagine building a life here.

She now had her first glance of the Grand Valley. But seeing a place and understanding a place are two very different things.

Megan’s Take:  The first day in Grand Junction was an entire concoction of feelings. I was slightly overwhelmed by the newness of it all, but the newness sparked a lot of curiosity. I recall being in awe of the new space around me, but also feeling unable to develop any certain opinions as I was digesting so much at one time. But looking back on the experience, I have realized that even though on day one I felt like we were going nonstop, the reality is that it was one of the most relaxed days of the entire challenge!

Day 2 – Wednesday: The Landscape

As we awoke early on Day 2, I had some reservations about starting the day with a big hike that had some serious elevation gain. Megan, however, was feeling great. We decided we could always turn around if we needed to, so four of us met at the Liberty Cap trailhead in the Colorado National Monument.

I knew Megan had never really “hiked” in the Colorado sense of the word. I also knew this was an important part of the challenge. This was her first opportunity to experience the physical landscape of the Grand Valley. Not from the window of a car, but with her own two feet.

Hiking Liberty Cap with friends

Liberty Cap hike

By the time we reached the top of Liberty Cap, I could see the amazement on her face. Standing above the valley, Megan was looking out over a place she was actually evaluating as a potential home. From that vantage point, you begin to understand how the Grand Valley can feel both incredibly large and surprisingly small at the same time. You can see the transition from the city of Grand Junction to the orchards of Palisade, the ranches around Fruita, and the landscape stretching beyond.

But there was something else I wanted Megan to notice.

World class hiking isn’t something you have to drive out of the valley to experience. 

Many of the trailheads around Grand Junction are literally tucked into or next to neighborhoods. The outdoors isn’t necessarily a weekend destination. It can simply become part of how you live. I felt that distinction was important for her to experience firsthand and early in this challenge.

After hiking back down in the rain, we headed home for lunch while taking some time to regroup and work from home before heading back out later in the afternoon.

Our next stop was the Colorado National Monument.

Big Horn Sheep crossing the road in the Monument

Colorado National Monument

The Monument is one of the Grand Valley’s undeniable gems, and one of the things that makes it so remarkable is how close it is to everyday life. We decided to enter through the Fruita entrance and make our way through the Monument back toward Grand Junction.

Within minutes, Megan had her first wildlife encounter of the day when she spotted a herd of about 20 bighorn sheep along the side of the road. The wildlife sightings never get old around here. 

We stopped at several overlooks, took a few short hikes, and made our way to the Visitor Center, which is worth the stop for the interactive displays and the opportunity to learn about the history of the area.

And then there were more bighorn sheep.

And more incredible views.

The Colorado National Monument is obviously high on the list for anyone visiting Grand Junction. It’s one of those places you almost always have to show someone when they come to town. But that wasn’t really the point of taking Megan there.

Colorado National Monument looking at Independence Monument on a blue sky day

Colorado National Monument – Independence Monument

I wanted her to experience the difference between visiting a place once and imagining living next to it.

For the rest of her visit, I hoped that she would look at the red rock cliffs of the Monument from anywhere in the valley and be reminded:

“This is literally in my backyard. I could go back there whenever I want.”

That’s a very different way of experiencing a place. And that was exactly what I wanted Megan to start thinking about.

After an incredible afternoon exploring the Monument, we met friends for dinner at Trail Life Brewing in Downtown Grand Junction. Then we walked Main Street, explored some of the shops, and took in the evening.

It had been a very Colorado kind of day.

But, this wasn’t just a vacation day.

It was another glimpse at what an ordinary day in Grand Junction could look like if this became home.

Megan’s Take: Day two was a big day for me. I’m not typically an early riser so leaving as the sun came up to go for not just any ordinary hike, but my very first REAL hike was both exciting and nerve racking. I vividly remember walking to the beginning of the actual mountain, already sweating and controlling my breathing, thinking oh boy… We haven’t even touched rock yet and I’m already burning calories! Slowly but surly, I was able to get into the swing of things and the adrenaline and endorphins running through me not only made the experience unforgettable, but already rewarding in the moment. 

Once we made it to the top, the only word that left my mouth was, “Wow.” I think it was starting to hit me that Grand Junction was not a city that just happens to have outdoor recreation nearby. The recreational landscape is part of the identity of this place. And that statement stood to be true as we later on drove from Fruita back to Grand Junction observing the Colorado National Monument. One of the biggest things that stood out to me was the CMU mountain biking team zooming past us multiple times. It was truly incredible seeing their talent, but even more astounding to realize this place is likely one of their regular routes. I’m on one side of the road freaking out over the big horn sheep trotting around without a care in the world, while the bikers are probably hoping and praying for one ride where they’re not interrupted by a road block! The clear distinction between my perspective and what one of the locals may be was eye opening to say the least.

Day 3 – Thursday: People and Community

After a couple of days, it was time to settle into some ordinary life.

Megan, my wife Michelle and I started the day by meeting a local resident and colleague for coffee at Kopeka Coffee in Grand Junction.

This was just one of numerous conversations I had planned for Megan throughout the 10-day challenge. I wanted her to speak directly with people who had relocated here, people who went to college here and never left, people who grew up here, and people who eventually retired here.

I wanted her to hear a variety of perspectives straight from the source: the people who actually live here. Megan was incredibly inquisitive, asking about everything from daily life, work and schools to quality of life and what it’s like to raise a family in the Grand Valley.

After our morning coffee meeting, it was time for some real estate work. Megan shadowed me as we visited a home I had listed for sale, drove through some neighborhoods, ran some errands and eventually headed back home for some work-from-home time for both of us.

That’s when Megan said something that made me realize she was beginning to experience Grand Junction differently. Not just as a visitor, but as someone trying to imagine what it might be like to actually live here.

“I know we’re playing things by ear to some extent, but could you give me some idea of what might be on the agenda for the next few days?”

It was the first time I realized how difficult it must be to simply show up somewhere you know nothing about and take each day as it comes without knowing what’s next.

And maybe that was the point.

When you’re on vacation, you usually have a plan. You research the restaurants, book the activities, map out the sightseeing and make a list of the things you don’t want to miss. You try to make every minute count.

That’s not how real life works.

When you actually live somewhere, you work. You run errands. You sit on the deck. You change your plans. You decide at the last minute to go somewhere for an hour. You come home and have friends over for dinner.

Initially, we had intentionally kept the agenda quiet. I didn’t want Megan to research what was coming or form expectations before experiencing it.

Michelle and Megan sitting in chairs at the Colterris Winery in Palisade

Michelle and Megan at Colterris Winery in Palisade

For this challenge to stay unbiased, fresh, raw and as un-vacation-like as possible, I wanted her to simply go with the flow. I did give in a little and give her a glimpse of a few things that were coming up, mostly so she could prepare, but I didn’t want her knowing exactly what was around every corner.

After an afternoon of working from home, we realized we had enough time to sneak over to Palisade for a visit to the Colterris Winery before two couples arrived for an early dinner at our home.

This was mostly a spur-of-the-moment decision, and that was the beauty of it.

We could simply hop over to Palisade, have a glass of wine, enjoy the views and be back home in time to entertain guests. We didn’t need to dedicate an entire afternoon or evening to the experience.

On the way home, we took the Fruit and Wine Byway so Megan could get a firsthand look at just how much agriculture surrounds Palisade, along with a glimpse of the area’s 30-plus wineries.

It literally made the day.

We scheduled dinner early because we also wanted to make it downtown for Thursday night’s Market on Main. Dinner was filled with wonderful conversations about living in the Grand Valley. Everyone had a different story about how they ended up here.

Megan and Michelle walking down Main Street at the Market on Main in Grand Junction

Market on Main in Grand Junction

Talk about a melting pot. But there we all were, sitting around the same table.

After dinner, we made our way back downtown to stroll Main Street and take in the vendors, live music and strong sense of community.

This wasn’t a one-time event created for tourists. The Grand Junction Market on Main happens every Thursday night during the summer and early fall. It’s a place where people gather. And the vibe is hard to describe until you’re standing in the middle of it.

For Megan, I was hoping this day provided another important distinction.

She wasn’t just being shown what Grand Junction has to offer.

She was getting a glimpse of how people actually live here.

It was another perfect ending to an ordinary Thursday in Grand Junction.

Megan’s Take:  Truthfully, I enjoyed every day for different reasons but if I were forced to make a top three list, day three would be up there! Day three was full of, for a lack of better words, experiencing the mundane. Although, I don’t even think mundane is the correct term but rather experiencing a real example of routine. I had the pleasure of meeting a local and picking their brain on life in GJ, followed by getting to shadow Paul through what a real day on the job calls for. 

For some reason, doing the most ordinary things sparked curiosity to know what was in store for me in the days to come. Not because I wanted to prepare for anything but because I was finally feeling settled and wanted to know more about the place I was calling home for the next week. 

I experienced my first Grand Junction dinner party which was wonderful to meet even more locals, ask questions and hear honest truths about the people who know the place best. This dinner in particular gave me a plentiful list of things to think about. Not a projection of opinion I was going to identify with, but important questions to ask myself during and after this journey in order to help me develop and understand my own perspective. We then ended the night with a quick drive to Market on Main where I get yet another glimpse of the kind of community GJ has to offer. 

The Challenge Continues

By the end of Day 3, Megan had experienced the landscape, explored different communities around the Grand Valley, met people with very different stories, and gotten a glimpse of what an ordinary workday could look like here.

But we were just getting started.

Over the next several days, she’d discover just how much of the Western Slope was within reach of Grand Junction, and experienced some adventures that would push her well outside her comfort zone.

CONTINUE TO…
the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Days 4–7 — Discovering the Western Slope and Beyond

Want to understand Grand Junction from Megan’s perspective? Read her entire independent account of the challenge, including what surprised her, what questions she was left asking, and whether she could imagine building a life here.

CONTINUE TO…
Could I Actually Build a Life in Grand Junction? A 10-Day Challenge

 

Series: 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge

View the all of the posts and videos on the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge page.

Paul Aspelin REALTORPAUL ASPELIN
Your Grand Junction Relocation and Listing Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE

Call or Text (612) 306-9558 (locally based)
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn or send Paul an email

Megan Jirele Independent Journalist and WriterMEGAN JIRELE
Independent Journalist & Writer
Digital Storytelling & Content Creation
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn

 

© 2026 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

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10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Exploring Beyond Grand Junction

ARTICLE 2: DAYS 4-7

 

The Grand Junction Backyard: Mountains, Small Towns and National Parks

What if you could spend Friday exploring the San Juan Mountains, enjoy a relaxing Saturday on the Grand Mesa, spend Sunday driving off-road trails, and visit a national park in Utah on Monday, all without taking a vacation? That’s exactly what I wanted Megan to experience during Days 4–7 of the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge. As we explored mountain towns, discovered familiar scenery, experienced the thrill of getting off the pavement, and crossed state lines for a day trip, I wanted her to see something bigger than the destinations themselves. I wanted her to understand what makes living in Grand Junction, Colorado, different: the freedom to explore an extraordinary variety of places without having to travel far from home.

Day 4 – Friday: Your Backyard Is Bigger Than You Think

What does Grand Junction’s location make possible?

Megan looking out to the Million Dollar Highway in the San Juan Mountains at the Bear Creek waterfall

Bear Creek Falls overlook with the San Juan Mountains in Ouray, CO

By Friday, everyone had agreed that we would start the Labor Day weekend a little early. It was time for Megan to experience her first real day trip of the challenge, taking us 100 miles south into the San Juan Mountains and the towns of Ouray and Telluride.

In one of our conversations before Megan arrived, she mentioned that she wanted to visit Switzerland someday to see the mountains. I took that as the perfect invitation to introduce her to our own “Switzerland of America” on the Western Slope.

This day was the biggest itinerary challenge of the entire 10 days. There was simply too much to experience and nowhere near enough time to do it all. So, I thought long and hard about what I wanted Megan to get out of this experience.

Most importantly, I wanted her to understand something: When you live in Grand Junction, monumental vacation-like experiences can become simple day trips. Grand Junction isn’t just a place to live. It’s a basecamp for experiencing unforgettable moments.  

We got an early start and headed directly to Ouray for our first stop.

Red Mountains along trail in the San Juan Mountains

Red Mountain Mining Trail view from the top of the Red Mountains in the San Juan Mountains

This quaint little mining town tucked into the heart of the San Juan Mountains will literally take your breath away. And then there’s the adrenaline rush and sheer amazement of driving the Million Dollar Highway toward Silverton. Megan was getting to see the eye candy that people come to Colorado for. But I didn’t just want her to see the mountains. I wanted her to experience them.

After driving much of the Million Dollar Highway, we took a mountain-pass detour that put us into four-wheel drive low and well off the beaten path. We were taking Megan over Red Mountain Pass, climbing to elevations of more than 11,000 feet and into some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Colorado.

Backroad exploration is part of living in Colorado. But on the Western Slope, it can also become part of everyday life. I wanted Megan to realize that there was an entire layer of Colorado that most visitors never get to experience. I didn’t want her driving past trailheads filled with people unloading their RZRs and ATVs, wondering where they were going and what they were seeing that the average tourist never gets to experience.

Because getting there is part of the experience. The drive up these mountain roads can be spectacular in itself, but what I really wanted Megan to understand was that some of the most incredible places I’ve experienced during my time in Colorado weren’t found along the paved highway. They were off the beaten path.

There are places people visit on vacation. And then there are places locals go exploring.

Halfway through our up-and-over adventure, we stopped for a picnic lunch, explored the remnants of some old gold and silver mines, and eventually made our way back toward Ouray, stopping at the ghost town of Ironton along the way.

Megan enjoying hot chocolate at a coffee shop in Mountain Village, CO

Enjoying hot chocolate at a coffee shop in Mountain Village, CO

Our original plan was to take the heart pumping, off road, Ophir Pass into Telluride, but it was closed for some maintenance work. And, frankly, after some of the anxiety-inducing driving we’d already put Megan through, I think she was perfectly happy to take the longer paved route.

On our way to Telluride, we pulled over at the Double RL Ranch overlook. Megan was amazed to learn that the ranch is owned by Ralph Lauren of fashion industry fame.

Then we arrived in Telluride. The town was hosting a film festival, so it was busier than normal. We parked and immediately headed for the gondola to go up to Mountain Village. There may not be a better way to experience the incredible mountain scenery of Telluride than from the gondola. It was spectacular.

We first got off at the San Sophia station to explore the empty ski slopes and soak in some views before hopping back on and continuing to Mountain Village.

My wife, Michelle, tells everyone that Mountain Village feels like Santa’s north pole village.

Paul riding the Gondola in Telluride CO

Telluride free gondola up to Mountain Village

She’s not wrong. It’s spectacular, upscale and almost surreal. Walking through the village during the off-season offers a completely different experience than being there during ski season, but the scenery and atmosphere are always impressive. As we wandered through the European-inspired village, we stopped for some Telluride hot chocolate, found an empty table outside, and simply soaked it all in. 

And then, because this day apparently wasn’t already full enough, we noticed our barista taking pictures of someone outside. We soon realized there were some A-list celebrities in town for the film festival. Megan’s eyes lit up. “I literally cannot believe this right now.” It was one of those completely unplanned moments that you couldn’t have put on an itinerary if you tried. But it made the day for her and us too. 

We took the gondola back down to Telluride, walked the shops along Main Street and eventually headed out of town. And since this day had already been one surprise after another, of course we spotted a herd of roughly 50 elk in a field on our way out.

Seeing one elk for the first time is memorable. Seeing fifty of them together? That’s something else entirely.

By the time we finally made it home, it was late. We were tired. We were exhilarated. And we had packed an absolutely ridiculous amount of Colorado into a single day. For most people, a day like this would be the highlight of a two-week Colorado vacation.

For Megan, it was only Day 4. 

This wasn’t about how much we could cram into one vacation. It was about showing her what could be possible when Grand Junction was your home base.

Megan’s Take: Boy oh boy there is so much I could say about day four. I think I lived ten different lives that day. Day four was the day of firsts, the day of high blood pressure, and the day of wondering if this is real life? We had another early wake up call in order to hit every stop Paul had planned for the day, which I was ready for! 

It started with the San Juan Mountains in Ouray and when I say I felt like I was in Switzerland, I mean it. Pictures will never do what my own eyes saw, justice. My life flashed before my eyes on the million dollar highway as I was both in awe of the scene around me but concerned if I moved even one muscle I was going to flip the car over the mountain. One of the most incredible parts about that morning in Ouray was making our way through the Red Mountain Pass, where I experienced my first natural bathroom break, riding at what felt like a 90 degree angle in a moving vehicle, and exploring a gold mine. The fact that I experienced all of that in the span of a few hours was incredibly surreal.

And then there was Telluride… I still sometimes can’t comprehend how ALL OF THESE PLACES are just a couple hour drive at most from Grand Junction. This town was one I see in my dreams to be honest. The energy of the town, the endless shops and restaurants, and then you hop on the gondola that takes you to one of the most incredible places I have ever been too. It is like its own little oasis, and I felt like I was in a movie scene. I was in complete awe with every single thing I experienced that day.

Day 5 – Saturday: A Little Taste of Home

After a long day on Friday, we were all ready to sleep in and have a little downtime. Saturday morning was exactly what we needed. We had coffee, made a big breakfast, did some laundry, and Megan went out for a quick run. There was no set in stone agenda for the day other than dinner at my daughter and son-in-law’s house that evening.

We would simply play things by ear. And that’s exactly what I wanted Megan to experience.

After a slow morning at home, we decided to take the afternoon to explore the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain and home to more than 300 lakes. I was especially excited about this one because I knew it would give Megan a little taste of northern Minnesota right here on the Western Slope.

One of the things I wanted Megan to experience throughout the 10-day challenge was just how dramatically the landscape can change within a relatively short drive of Grand Junction. There aren’t many places where you can snow ski in the morning and play golf in the afternoon. But that’s possible here, with Powderhorn Mountain Resort only about 45 minutes from Grand Junction.

After our slow morning at home, we were caught up on our chores and ready to head up the mountain. 

The leaves were just beginning to change, but the views were already impressive. And, because apparently we were becoming magnets for wildlife, we spotted a few bighorn sheep soon after we exited I-70.

We drove through the small town of Mesa, and our first stop was Powderhorn.

Although the ski season was still months away, the resort was open for its summer activities, with mountain bikers using the chairlift to get to the top before riding back down. We wandered around for a while, talking about all the activities Powderhorn offers beyond skiing, including events like Color Weekend and Oktoberfest. It really is a fun place even if you don’t ski.

Megan had downhill skied before, but this was her first time standing at the bottom of a Colorado ski run and looking up at the terrain around her. A bit intimidating to say the least.

From there, the elevation really started to climb. Our next stop was Mesa Lakes Lodge. Michelle and I love walking around Beaver Lake because the water is so clear that you can actually see trout from the shoreline. On this particular day, the lake was alive with people fishing from shore and others out enjoying the water in kayaks.

Megan immediately recognized something familiar. That was another thing I loved about watching her experience the Grand Mesa. It wasn’t Minnesota. But there were pieces of it that I’m sure felt surprisingly comfortable.

Megan on top of rocks on the Land o' Lakes trail on the Grand Mesa with expansive mountain views behind her

Land o’ Lakes Trail on the Grand Mesa

Next, we headed to the Land o’ Lakes trailhead for a short quarter-mile hike to an incredible overlook of Island Lake. 

From the overlook, you can see the Elk Mountains and the San Juan Mountains stretching out in the distance. A must-see overlook when visiting the Grand Mesa. 

A few more quick stops at Grand Mesa Lodge and Mountain Top Resort gave Megan an even better feel for the whole “Up North” Western Slope experience.

And then, just like that, our relaxing little afternoon was getting away from us. 

We headed back down the mountain and made one more stop in Palisade at Clark & Co.’s Distillery. Megan had never visited a distillery before, so this was another first for her. It’s one of our favorites, and the combination of unique drinks, incredible food, the riverfront setting and views of Mount Garfield makes it a pretty great place to spend an hour.

By now, we were officially running out of Saturday. We quickly headed home to get cleaned up and ready for dinner.

We had a wonderful relaxing evening at my daughter and son-in-law’s house, filled with good food, great conversation and, of course, some fresh Palisade peach cobbler to finish things off.

It had been a completely different kind of day than Friday.

Just coffee, breakfast, laundry, a little exploring, family, dinner and peach cobbler.

And somehow, we still managed to squeeze a pretty incredible amount of Colorado into it. That was the point, too. Not every day in Grand Junction has to be an adventure. Sometimes, it’s just Saturday. And that’s pretty damn good.

Megan’s Take:  Day five was another perfect day to grasp what a free day could look like as a Grand Junction local. I really appreciated that we got to have a slow morning but still do some exploring. This day was another experience I didn’t quite realize until the ten day test was over, just how possible adventure can be in Grand Junction if you desire. You can sip your coffee and relax on the porch, but still get a hike in and observe the mountain beauties on the same day while not feeling rushed. Or you can wake up and say I want to do absolutely nothing and have a total change of heart hours later and still go on that adventure. The lakes were the perfect slice of home and also mind boggling to me just how diverse the environment in and around Grand Junction was.

Day 6 – Sunday: Getting Off the Pavement

Palisade Farmers Market showing booths and Mount Garfield in the backdrop

Sunday Palisade Farmers Market

By now, Megan was starting to get a pretty good feel for what everyday life in the Grand Valley could look like. But there was still another part of the local lifestyle I wanted her to experience. 

We started the morning in Palisade at the Sunday Palisade Farmers Market. Megan was really excited about this one.

The Palisade Farmers Market runs from early June through early October, and Michelle and I probably make it there about three weekends out of every month. It’s one of those things that has become part of our own routine.

We wandered through the streets of Palisade, stopping at the different vendors, visiting storefronts, and just taking our time. There is a vibe to this market that is difficult to explain until you’re there. Megan grabbed a coffee with sweet peach cream, which seemed like a pretty appropriate way to start a Sunday morning in Palisade. “When in Rome” as she stated a few times over her visit. 

And then there was the produce. Oh, my. If you’ve never had fresh Palisade peaches, I’m not sure you’ve really experienced what a peach can taste like. All of the local produce at this market is something else.

But what I really wanted Megan to experience was the community.

The market is incredibly easy to attend. You don’t have the parking headaches you might expect at a similar event in a larger city. You’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of people trying to navigate through the crowd. Instead, you can park, walk around, talk to vendors, run into people you know, get what you came for, and simply enjoy the morning.

It feels relaxed. 

It feels local.

And it feels like something local people actually do, not something created just for tourists to come experience. That’s part of what I love about Palisade. There is a genuine sense of community here, and the Farmers Market captures it perfectly. After spending some time wandering the market and enjoying a slow Sunday morning, it was time to shift gears.

Polaris RZR side by side off road vehicle

Polaris RZR side by side off road vehicles

It was time to get off the pavement.

Megan, Michelle and I rented a side-by-side RZR and headed toward Rabbit Valley in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area near the Utah border with our daughter and son-in-law, who joined us in another RZR.

This was going to be a first for Megan. She had never driven an ATV, much less a RZR, and I wasn’t quite sure what she was going to think once we got out on the trails.

For the first half hour, I did the driving. The trails were incredible, but the machines were even more impressive. These things can climb, maneuver and tackle terrain that would make you think twice about taking a regular vehicle anywhere near it.

After about 30 minutes, we pulled over and I asked Megan if she was ready to take the wheel. She reluctantly said yes, with a smile.

“Just take it slow and drive at your own pace.” 

She did great. But I knew she was nervous.

There was a lot to take in. The terrain was unfamiliar, the RZR was incredibly capable, and we also had another RZR leading us that was being driven by someone who was very experienced and fast! Keeping up was a little intimidating.

At our next stop, I asked how she liked it so far. She said, “When we descended that one hill, I think I closed my eyes for part of it.” Oh my!!!! I took the wheel again for the next leg. 

We eventually stopped for lunch overlooking the Colorado River. Sitting there, high above the canyon walls, soaking in the incredible scenery, it was hard not to appreciate how different this experience was from simply driving through the area.

After lunch, I asked Megan if she was ready to give it another try.

“I think I am OK,” she said.

I encouraged her a little, not wanting to push too hard. She reluctantly climbed back behind the wheel. This time, I could tell something changed. She was still cautious, but she was starting to figure it out. She was getting a feel for the machine, learning what it could do and becoming more comfortable with the terrain.

Then we got separated from the other RZR. We were following the same trail when we suddenly lost sight of the vehicle in front of us. We continued for a while, but after about ten minutes we still hadn’t seen them and the trail was getting rougher.

Had we taken a wrong turn? We weren’t sure.

Eventually, we came to a particularly technical section of trail and decided to stop. The other RZR was stopped up ahead waiting to see if we needed guidance or help on this next obstacle. 

Megan was still driving.

The RZR was sitting at what felt like a 45-degree angle from side to side, and directly in front of us was a huge mud hole with an immediate climb up on some rocks beyond it.

You could see the deep tire tracks coming out the other side showing us others had struggled to get through. Apparently, we weren’t the first people to wonder whether this was a good idea.

Megan looked at the obstacle.

Then she looked at me.

“I’m not sure I can do this.”

My advice was pretty simple.

“If you’re going to go for it, just don’t stop. If you hesitate in the middle, we might get ourselves into trouble.”

I hadn’t even finished the sentence when Megan essentially had a “hold my beer” moment.

She hit the gas and plowed straight through the obstacle. Like an absolute pro. We cheered with excitement as she came out the other side. I still haven’t ever asked if her eyes were open on that one. But, I think I know the answer. 

Right then, I was so proud of what had just happened. That was her moment. She had gone way outside her comfort zone, trusted herself, trusted the machine and absolutely crushed it.

Sometimes you just need a little experience before something that initially feels intimidating starts to feel like fun. And sometimes you need someone sitting next to you saying, “You’ve got this. Go.”

That was exactly what happened with Megan.

I also understood why she was nervous. This wasn’t a gentle scenic drive. We were bouncing over trails, climbing rocky terrain and navigating a landscape that looked very different from anything she was used to driving. But that’s part of what I wanted her to experience.

Group photo of Michelle Paul Megan and more with helmets on with Colorado River Valley in the background

RZR ride in Rabbit Valley – Colorado River view stop for a snack at the Knowles Overlook Campground

Outdoor trail riding is a big part of the culture on the Western Slope. People explore on mountain bikes, motorcycles, RZRs, ATVs, four-wheel-drive vehicles and just about anything else capable of getting beyond the pavement.

For someone moving to Grand Junction, I think that’s an important part of the equation to understand. This isn’t just a place where you can look at the outdoors. It’s a place where you can actually get out into it. 

As our afternoon was coming to a close, we loaded up the RZRs and headed back toward Grand Junction. Megan had gone from being nervous about what these machines could do to understanding why people on the Western Slope enjoy them.

And that was another piece of the puzzle I wanted her to notice. The Grand Valley isn’t just surrounded by incredible scenery. There is an entire culture built around getting out and experiencing it.

By the time we got home, we got cleaned up, had some appetizers, talked about the day’s adventures, and enjoyed a quiet dinner at home.

Another day. Another completely different experience.

Suddenly, this entire challenge was starting to feel less like we were trying to show Megan everything Grand Junction has to offer and more like she was simply beginning to experience what life here could actually look like.

Six days in.

And we still had four to go.

Megan’s Take:  I woke up on day six ready for whatever was in store! There are a few lessons that have truly stuck with me from my ten day experience and this day provided one of them. The morning was filled with dare I say the best farmers market I have ever been to. The community at the Palisade farmers market was one I’d never seen before between every single stand being a small or locally owned business, to the energy just walking down the street. 

Afterwards I experienced my first ever RZR as both a passenger and driver. Like Paul mentioned in the day six debrief, I had a major “hold my beer moment.” I won’t lie, I was freaking out, not sure whether or not I would be able to make it through as the driver. The anxiety and stress of the mudhole situation definitely made me uncomfortable, but afterwards I felt like I was on cloud nine. The adrenaline and joy I felt was an incredible reminder that sometimes you just have to go for it. Sometimes you’re left with no option but to just step on the gas and pray you make it. This experience reminded me to do things even when you’re scared because if you don’t, you’re likely going to miss out on some of the best lessons, greatest adventures, and some awesome stories. 

Day 7 – Monday (Labor Day): Two States. One Day.

Colorado in the morning. Utah for the day. Back home in Colorado by evening. 

Paul and Megan standing on the side of I-70 at the Welcome to Utah road sign

Day seven started with what has become something of a rite of passage for our out of town guests whenever we head west from Grand Junction.

A stop at the Welcome to Utah sign for pictures and proof. 

We had crossed the state line, and just like that, we were off to explore another state for the day. But this wasn’t going to be an overnight trip. We weren’t packing a suitcase. We weren’t booking a hotel. We weren’t even particularly far from home.

We were headed to Moab and Arches National Park.

One of the things I wanted Megan to understand during the 10-Day Challenge was that Grand Junction’s location isn’t just a nice bonus. It fundamentally changes what a normal day can look like. Moab is only about 90 miles from Grand Junction. Only an hour’s drive if you ask some local people. I know…Feel free to do the math. 

And because we were coming in from the Colorado side, we were able to enter Arches through what I think of as the park’s back door. That little geographic advantage would essentially give us another hour or more in our day. Instead of driving all the way to the main entrance and then backtracking, we could enter from the north, work our way through the park, and keep moving. 

And we were going to need it.

Delicate Arch

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

The hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

First up was the quintessential Utah experience: Delicate Arch.

If you’ve seen pictures of Arches National Park, or even a Utah license plate you’ve probably seen this one. But pictures don’t really prepare you for standing there. The hike has such a “moment” attached to it because you come around the corner on a cliff-like ledge of a trail and “BOOM”…the arch is right there in all its glory.

We stopped at the arch for a half hour, took in the scenery and let Megan experience one of the most recognizable landscapes in the Southwest for herself. And then, because apparently one famous arch wasn’t enough, we kept going.

We explored a few more incredible arches, stopped for a picnic lunch, and took in more of the park before eventually making our way toward the visitor center.

By then, we were all getting hungry. So we headed into Moab.

You might enjoy this post about going in the back door to Arches and hiking Tower Arch.

A Little Bit of Moab

The first priority was iced coffee.

Then we did what we always like to do when we’re in Moab: wander through some of our favorite shops along the main drag. One of those stops was the Made in Moab store, where we took our time looking around. We didn’t need to rush through town just to check another box off the itinerary.

That was another little distinction I wanted Megan to experience. 

Yes, we had spent part of the day hiking through one of Utah’s most famous national parks. But we weren’t treating Moab like some distant destination where every minute had to be maximized because it might be years before we return, if ever. 

We could slow down. Grab a coffee. Browse a few shops.

And eventually make our way to the real star of the show.

Pasta Jay’s

Oh, how we love this place.

After a full day of hiking and exploring, sitting down for dinner at one of our favorite Moab restaurants felt less like the end of some epic vacation excursion and more like what it was becoming throughout this challenge: Just another day out.

Except this particular day happened to include two states, a national park and Delicate Arch. And we weren’t done yet.

The Scenic Way Home

After dinner, we could have simply headed back to Grand Junction on the interstate. Instead, we took the back way. We followed the Colorado River past Castle Valley and into some of the most unmistakably Western scenery you can imagine. This stretch of road has been used as the backdrop for countless Western films, including movies associated with John Wayne. 

And as we drove through it, I couldn’t help thinking about the bigger point of the day.

This wasn’t just about getting to Moab. It was about what was between Moab and home. The red rock cliffs. The river. The enormous canyon walls. The open landscape that seems to stretch forever. And then, eventually, we were back in Colorado.

And Megan still had three days left.

Megan’s Take:  What kind of place allows a national-park experience to become a routine day trip? Well, I’ve got an answer for you. Day seven was a multi state day and even just saying that is still so surreal. The drive to Arches National Park felt like a breeze, and in my opinion was the perfect distance to feel like you are entering a whole new world even if it wasn’t all that far from Grand Junction. It felt like you had a little slice of everything between rock, sand, agriculture, animals and more.

The hike to the Delicate Arch was extraordinary. When I tell you my jaw was on the floor, I mean it. The view of the Arch and the surrounding area didn’t feel real at first, and it took me a minute to take it all in. I could have sat and looked out at it for hours. 

Afterwards we explored Moab which was a wonderful little town that didn’t feel all that large but still offered so much as far as activities, culture and community gathering spots go. Once we wrapped up dinner having some of the best pasta I’ve had, we were on our way home. 

It didn’t dawn on me until we were all settled into the car and half way through our drive home that this day was nowhere near a vacation for the group I was with. 

They can just wake up and do this. 

Four days. Four completely different experiences. And a whole new perspective on what it could mean to live on Colorado’s Western Slope. From the mountain scenery of Ouray and Telluride to the familiar comforts of the Grand Mesa, the community atmosphere of Palisade, the excitement of off-road exploration, and a day trip to Arches National Park, Megan was beginning to understand that Grand Junction’s appeal isn’t just about what you can do here. It’s about everything you can experience from here. But could all that adventure translate into a lifestyle she’d actually want to call home? We still had three days left in the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge, and it was time to explore another side of life in the Grand Valley.

The Challenge Continues

CONTINUE TO…
The 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Days 8-10: Discovering What Life in the Grand Valley Is Really Like

Want to understand Grand Junction from Megan’s perspective? Read her entire independent account of the challenge, including what surprised her, what questions she was left asking, and whether she could imagine building a life here.

CONTINUE TO…
Could I Actually Build a Life in Grand Junction? A 10-Day Challenge

 

Series: 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge

View the all of the posts and videos on the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge page.

Paul Aspelin REALTORPAUL ASPELIN
Your Grand Junction Relocation and Listing Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE

Call or Text (612) 306-9558 (locally based)
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn or send Paul an email

Megan Jirele Independent Journalist and WriterMEGAN JIRELE
Independent Journalist & Writer
Digital Storytelling & Content Creation
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn

 

© 2026 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

by

10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Could Grand Junction, Colorado Feel Like Home?

ARTICLE 3: DAYS 8-10

 

The 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge: Discovering What Life in the Grand Valley is Really Like 

For the first seven days of the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge, Megan experienced mountain towns, national parks, off-road adventures, scenic drives and the incredible variety of places within reach of the Grand Valley. But there was one question we hadn’t fully answered: What would Grand Junction feel like when the adventures stopped and everyday life took over?

During the final three days, I wanted Megan to experience something just as important as the scenery: ordinary mornings, workdays, conversations with locals and the small moments that make a place feel like home. Because visiting Grand Junction, Colorado, and deciding whether you could actually build a life here are two very different things. And as Megan prepared to head home, it was time to consider the biggest question of the entire challenge: Could Grand Junction become a place she would want to call home?

Day 8 – Tuesday: An ordinary Tuesday

Realty One Group Western Slop office interior showing conference room and lobby

Realty One Group Office in downtown Grand Junction

The extended holiday weekend was over. It was time to go back to work. No national parks. No mountain passes. No RZRs. No two-state adventures.

Just Tuesday.

And that was exactly what I wanted Megan to experience.

Megan and I got up and out fairly early and headed to my office in downtown Grand Junction. I wanted her to experience something we hadn’t really done yet during the challenge: what it felt like to park, walk through downtown and actually go to work.

Bekah and Megan with matching tattoos

matching tattoos!

We both had plenty to get done, but I had also arranged a few meet-and-greets with some of my colleagues. One was born and raised in Grand Junction. Another had grown up in Ouray before eventually making her way to the Grand Valley. Different backgrounds. Different paths. Same place they had ultimately chosen to build their lives.

After a productive morning and more firsthand insight into what living in the Grand Valley is actually like, we ran a few errands.

Nothing particularly exciting.

We headed home for lunch, and then spent the afternoon working from home.

No agenda. No sightseeing. No big reveal.

Just a normal Tuesday.

That evening, we had a quiet dinner at home. No restaurant. No activity planned. No place we needed to be. And maybe because there was nowhere else planned for us to go, we ended up staying up late talking about the journey so far.

Eight days in, Megan had experienced an incredible amount of Grand Junction and the surrounding area. We talked about the places she’d seen, the people she’d met, the things that had surprised her and, perhaps most importantly, how her perception of the Grand Valley was changing as the days went by.

I had purposely built this day into the challenge because I didn’t want Megan to spend ten days falling in love with Grand Junction only because I kept taking her to the best places.

This day was designed so Megan could experience something we hadn’t really given her yet: the mundane. 

What would Grand Junction feel like when it was just Tuesday? 

Especially after a holiday weekend. We’ve all experienced that dreaded re-entry, day-after feeling when the fun is over, the calendar fills back up, and it’s time to get back to work.

Would the magic disappear? Would the reality of everyday life feel like a letdown after everything we’d experienced? Or would she discover that maybe a place doesn’t have to be extraordinary every day to be a pretty damn good place to live? 

Megan’s Take:  I like to think of day eight as my own personal recollection convention. This was the first day I was no longer exploring and digesting life in Grand Junction, but rather recapping everything I had experienced and how it was starting to give me my own developing perspective. It was a very relaxed day which allowed me to sit down, look at any notes I’d taken, and revisit feelings and ideas I’d put on the back burner. It was extremely beneficial to be able to share all of my insight with Paul, ask questions I had, and more. It was both an overwhelming but astounding realization to sit there and recap everything I’d experienced in just eight days, knowing the ordinary and extraordinary could coexist in everyday life in Grand Junction. 

Day 9 – Wednesday:  More Than a Vacation

As we got closer to the end of the challenge, Megan and I started talking about what she still needed to experience before she could make up her mind. The answer wasn’t another adventure. She needed more life. More time simply being in Grand Junction. More conversations with people who actually lived here. More glimpses of what her life might look like if she weren’t here as a visitor.

We started the morning with a long walk along the Riverfront Trail, beginning at Dos Rios. It was a beautiful way to start the day, but Megan was just as intrigued by the workout equipment scattered along the trail as she was by the views. People were out walking, running and exercising, with the Colorado National Monument rising in the distance beyond the Colorado River.

It wasn’t an attraction we had come to see. It was just part of a normal morning.

For lunch, I arranged for Megan, Michelle and me to meet a colleague at Las Marias, a Mexican restaurant near my office. This person grew up in Grand Junction, went to college here, got married and started a family here. In other words, she wasn’t someone telling Megan what Grand Junction was like from the outside. She was someone who had actually built a life here. The conversation gave Megan another valuable perspective on the community.

After lunch, we walked along Main Street through the middle of the workday. Downtown was busy enough to feel alive, but not so busy that it felt overwhelming. People were having lunch, running errands, heading back to work and going about their day.

Again, nothing spectacular was happening.

And that was becoming spectacularly important to this challenge.

That evening, there wasn’t another big outing or carefully planned experience. We spent our time talking, collaborating and getting everything ready for Megan’s flight home the following day.

The adventure was almost over.

But by this point, I was less interested in whether Megan had enjoyed Grand Junction.

I wanted to know whether she could imagine living here.

Megan’s Take: Like the day before, day nine was one of processing yet still grasping everyday life in GJ. The most important part about this day was that it was my last full day in Grand Junction and it was time to start asking myself some of the big questions that would ultimately determine whether or not I felt I could build a life here…

Day 10 – Thursday: The Final Question

The challenge was coming to an end. Megan was flying home later that afternoon, so we were intentionally playing the day by ear, while giving her plenty of time to pack, get organized and prepare for the trip home.

Then we received an unexpected invitation to lunch at Basecamp Provisions in Fruita from one of my coworkers, whom Megan had met a few days earlier. The two of them had hit it off immediately, and apparently one conversation wasn’t enough. So we squeezed in one last meeting over lunch.

And honestly, that felt like the perfect way to spend our final few hours. No itinerary. No big adventure. No box to check. Just lunch with someone she had met during her time here and a conversation that happened naturally.

Then it was time.

Megan with a sad face sitting in the car as we drive to the airport

The drive to Grand Junction Airport

We drove Megan to the airport and said our goodbyes. There were hugs, thank-yous and that strange feeling you get when something you’ve been looking forward to for a long time is suddenly over.

Ten days had gone by remarkably fast.

From the first time we spoke about the Grand Junction Challenge, the goal was to give Megan something very different from a typical vacation. I didn’t want her to simply see the best of Grand Junction. I wanted her to experience enough of the community: the spectacular, the ordinary, the people, the work, the weather, the food, the conversations and even the downtime, so she could begin to answer a much bigger question:

Could I actually build a life here?

I also knew I had something to learn.

Megan agreed to do this without knowing exactly what she was getting herself into. More importantly, she agreed to keep it raw and real. She wasn’t here to tell me what I wanted to hear, and I wasn’t interested in giving her a carefully scripted version of Grand Junction.

That made her questions and observations invaluable.

Over ten days, she asked things I probably wouldn’t have thought to ask. She noticed things I had stopped noticing. She challenged some of my assumptions. And she gave me a much better understanding of what someone experiences when they are considering leaving the place they know and building a new life somewhere completely different.

That may ultimately be the most valuable thing I took away from the challenge.

My wife and I moved to Grand Junction after doing several years of research. We knew what we were looking for. We knew why we wanted to be here.

But Megan reminded me what it feels like to not know. And that is something I never want to forget when I’m helping someone else make this same decision.

Because relocating isn’t really about finding a house. It’s about figuring out whether you can see yourself building a life in a new place.

Megan came to Grand Junction with a challenge for me:

“You keep telling me Grand Junction is the hidden gem of America. Prove it.”

I don’t know if I proved it.

That’s for Megan to decide.

But I do know that after ten days, she had something much more valuable than a vacation. She had experienced Grand Junction.

And now she gets to decide what she thinks.

A Special Thank You to Megan

Paul Megan and Michelle Aspelin standing on a rock at the top of the Grand Mesa with alpine trees and a lake behind us

Grand Mesa Land O’ Lakes Overlook

Megan, thank you for saying yes, for being willing to experience the Grand Valley on its own terms, and for sharing your perspective so honestly. I hope the experience gave you as much to think about as it gave Michelle and me to appreciate all over again about the place we call home.

Whether you’re simply curious about Grand Junction or seriously considering a move here, I hope Megan’s experience gives you a useful starting point. And if you’d like to dig deeper, I’ve created this website to help you understand what living here is really like, so you make a more informed decision about whether the Grand Valley might be right for you. 

Thank you for following the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge!

As always, I am here to help.

Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®
Relocation Specialist since 2001

Consider one of these articles to continue your exploration of the greatest hidden gem in America.

Our Living in Grand Junction Experiment

What We Learned After Living in Grand Junction for Three Months

Why Retire in Grand Junction

Why People are Moving to Grand Junction

All blog posts – you can search for any topic that interests you or read the posts in your favorite category first.

 

Series: 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge

View the all of the posts and videos on the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge page.

Paul Aspelin REALTORPAUL ASPELIN
Your Grand Junction Relocation and Listing Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE

Call or Text (612) 306-9558 (locally based)
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn or send Paul an email

Megan Jirele Independent Journalist and WriterMEGAN JIRELE
Independent Journalist & Writer
Digital Storytelling & Content Creation
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn

 

© 2026 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

by

Could I Actually Build a Life in Grand Junction? A 10-Day Challenge

Guest Post by Megan Jirele, Independent Journalist and Writer

I arrived in Colorado barely knowing the Western Slope existed. Ten days later, I was questioning not just whether Grand Junction checked my boxes, but whether I had been asking the right questions in the first place. 

The 10-Day Grand Junction, Colorado Challenge

“You keep telling me Grand Junction, Colorado is the hidden gem of America. Prove it.”

That was essentially the challenge I gave Paul, whom I’ve known my whole life. I’d heard him talk about Grand Junction plenty of times. But surely everyone thinks their favorite place is special, right? So when Paul challenged me to come experience it for myself, I didn’t expect him to actually send me a plane ticket. But he did.

I was given 240 hours in a place I had barely heard of to answer a much greater question than whether Grand Junction was a nice place to visit:

Could I actually imagine building a life there?

I wasn’t coming as a tourist with a list of attractions to check off. I was coming as someone who might actually have to live there. I needed to experience the ordinary parts along with the extraordinary ones: the people, the community, the weather, the neighborhoods, the work, the pace of life, and everything I might gain or give up by making a move.

So I went in skeptical, curious, and intentionally unbiased.

I had no idea whether I was about to prove Paul right, or prove him wrong. 

So…What Exactly Is Grand Junction? 

How could a place I’d never even heard of before be all that special? That’s how I felt when my plane touched down. I was hesitant, wondering what my experience would be like in a city I’d never been to before, let alone heard of. Now, I’m leaving with a much different question: Why aren’t more people talking about this place?

Let me give you a little recap before we dive in. Mountains. The Denver Broncos. And weed. If you had picked my brain a year ago on what popped into my head when someone said “Colorado,” that would have been my answer in all honesty. Forget asking me about Grand Junction because up until a few months ago it was just another place I’d never heard of. I’ve been to Denver, and Glenwood Springs, but I’d never really ventured into the heart of the Western Slope. In fact, I didn’t even know that was a term used until ten days ago. 

Once I deboarded the plane at GJT, I was consumed by the overwhelming feeling of unfamiliarity. It would be a lie to say I had zero expectations before arriving though. For example, I knew it would be beautiful, I mean you would know that if you’ve ever opened Google before. But the peculiar feeling you get when you’ve completely left your norm was more present than ever. Again, my knowledge and research was minimal to none, so I was stepping into foreign territory.

The Questions I Couldn’t Shake 

Like one of my personal favorite chick flicks, Love, Rosie says, “Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling,” so entering this ten-day adventure required me to lead with an open mind. The greatest challenge I gave myself prior to my arrival was determining whether this could actually be a place I’d live. I have always relied heavily on my home and my people to give me the everyday comfort I need. Due to my homebody nature, experiencing a life different from my own would be a challenge, but I knew I had to ask the difficult questions. 

Would this be a place I’d recommend to a stranger or a loved one? The ultimate goal was to determine if Grand Junction offers what I think it takes for someone to stop and reconsider their entire future, or is it just another average town? For me, could someone build roots here or is it just a pit stop on the way to the ultimate destination? The questions were infinite, so curiosity was going to be my biggest ally. I knew I wouldn’t be able to definitively say yes or no right away, but it was absolutely a thought in the back of my mind from sunrise to sunset.

When Does Vacation Start Feeling Like Everyday Life? 

I remember the initial drive to Paul and Michelle’s home and thinking, “Huh, I did not expect it to feel so desert-like.” It was interesting because I always associated the desert with cactus but there were only small sections of them scattered throughout the landscape. The craziest part was I could look over my shoulder and see greenery covering some of the mountains. I quickly realized I could see a completely different landscape in almost every direction. 

One of the most important aspects of my ten-day trial was whether or not the environment around me would ever stop feeling like a vacation. A new atmosphere was initially hard to imagine being anything other than a picturesque getaway. On day two I experienced my first hike ever, climbing the Liberty Cap Trail on the Colorado National Monument. I recall not being able to comprehend my view once we made it to the top. The most insightful thing about it all was seeing the Grand Valley of Fruita, Palisade, and Grand Junction below me, and recognizing this type of view is in the palm of people’s hands any given day.

With my newfound perspective, experiencing the outdoors started to look a little different in the following days. I was no longer viewing the mountains, rivers, and desert as some mind-blowing combination, but rather as an opportunity to wake up and choose what kind of setting I was up for that day. 

I remember my first morning run outside compared to my last run felt completely different. I ran the same path both times, but there were distinct differences. I could now tell my direction solely by looking at what mountain was in front of me, and I knew where to turn because of a cactus patch settled on a corner. These were small factors with a big impact.

Looking back, the defining moment I can say the outdoors turned from feeling like a getaway to everyday life was going to bed the night before a hike to Delicate Arch in Moab. I was on FaceTime with my dad when the discussion about my plans for the following day came up. I let him know I was heading to Utah for the day. He then said, “How crazy is it that you get to wake up, in one state, spend the day in another, and fall asleep back at the one you woke up in.” After so many days went by, it had not even occurred to me how incredible it was that the outdoors in Grand Junction and its proximity to other places offered the lifestyle that most people spend months in advance planning for. At that moment I realized my lens on the setting around me had completely shifted. I was no longer viewing what this place had to offer as a super bloom. I was viewing its offerings like they were an all you can eat buffet. 

So far, Paul had given me some pretty good evidence. But I wasn’t ready to call it yet. 

Could I Find My People Here? 

Megan shopping at the Grand Junction Market on Main Farmers Market

Market on Main in Grand Junction

Yearning for a sense of belonging is only human nature, which is why I feel it is paramount to describe my experience with the community in Grand Junction. When I say the sense of community in this city is strong, I mean it. Downtown Grand Junction is one of the most lively places I have seen, especially for a Wednesday night. The options on Main Street are endless from restaurants, bars, theaters, shops, and so much more. One of the best parts about this little town was how seriously people take gathering. I got to experience my first ever Grand Junction Farmers Market on Main, where orchards, local wineries, small business owners, and delicious food trucks were set up. The most fascinating thing about it all was every so often, over several blocks, there were kid-friendly play options built into the sidewalk. I’m talking slides, climbing structures, animal statues and more. It became very clear that there is absolutely no sacrificing a date night or friend gathering because there is something for the entire family.

With that said, the community sense streamed much further than just the downtown area. I had the privilege of getting to meet many wonderful people throughout my ten days and have very insightful conversations about life in GJ. A question I asked almost everybody was, “If you could pick one thing that keeps you here, what would it be?” And I kid you not, every single person had the same answer- which was the community they are surrounded by. When I asked them to elaborate further many people said it wasn’t just the village of people around them, but rather the limitless opportunities the location provides. Whether you’re joining a hiking group, signing the kids up for nature camps, or just getting involved in the community, you’re surrounded by people seeking the same experiences you are. 

The final realization I had was how much residents of Grand Junction love Grand Junction. People are genuinely proud of where they live and the lifestyle it offers. It is truly the biggest small town you’ll ever visit. It was enlightening to see people living such a slow and easy pace of life in a place that is surrounded by so much adventure. Coming from metro life, it felt quite refreshing to see this type of culture and now that my ten days have been completed, I’m already reminding myself to channel a little bit of the Grand Junction way everywhere I go.

Just Another Mundane Tuesday

Like I’ve mentioned, I wanted my experience here to be authentic and honest. Part of that was seeing what a normal week day living here was like. My mornings typically start with coffee and scrolling through my phone, but that was not the case this time. I woke up around seven in the morning to get dressed and ready for a five mile hike. I remember first thinking, “I’m not sure this is for me.” This was completely out of my norm and the fact an “average Tuesday,” could start with climbing 1,250 feet of elevation was crazy to me. Of course that activity may not be an everyday thing for most people, but knowing that option is available any given day for locals was actually incredible to learn. It started raining on the way down from the top but the sun was still shining and I recall an overwhelming feeling of joy. Instead of wondering if this was really for me, I started thinking, what a way to start the day. 

On our way back to the house I realized two things. Traffic couldn’t exist if it tried in Grand Junction, and yellow lights are a suggestion at most. Not sure if one causes the other but that’s none of my business… In all seriousness I was completely shocked that getting from point A to point B didn’t require planning for extra time. You can just hop in your car and get to where you need to be. I then showered and had lunch, and spent a few hours working. Something about starting the day the way I did motivated me immensely and I was not feeling overwhelmed with the task in front of me, but rather endorphins were rolling and I was ready to get things done! 

Later on I got to go for a jog through neighborhoods nearby and a few things stuck with me. The streets are clean, cars actually stop at crosswalks, and cookie cutter builds are not the norm. The views were immaculate but I will say, running at a higher elevation is no joke. I consider myself a relatively seasoned runner, but was not prepared for the combination of the hot sun and heavy breathing. Otherwise, the vibe was high in Colorado, no pun intended!

At the end of the day, my group and I drove through the Colorado National Monument, ate at a restaurant downtown called Trail Life Brewing, (which has many vegetarian options by the way), and ended the night with a glass of wine at home as the sun set. As someone who has grown up in a suburb outside of a big city, a lot of this day was out of the ordinary for me. But as I was falling asleep that night, I rolled over and wrote, “My peculiar Tuesday is someone else’s typical Tuesday.” and boy is that the truth.

At this point, I was starting to understand Paul’s argument. But I still had one problem: I was on vacation. 

Who Actually Chooses To Live Here? 

The people I met who live in Grand Junction had chosen it for a reason. Those reasons may vary but the greatest common denominator is the lifestyle offerings. Grand Junction is where the outdoor lover and adventure seeker lives. The hiking, biking, and rafting opportunities seem endless. But Grand Junction is also where the decompressor can call home. Forget hiking a fourteener when you can spend your weekends on the Fruit and Wine Byway, exploring shops and restaurants in Palisade, Fruita or Grand Junction, or breezy walks through parks. This place is for the new families looking to escape big city chaos, those who want to retire in an area that has no shortage of ways to spend your time, and the list goes on. It’s for the person whose favorite hobby is making memories.

Although, it’s not just the activities in or near the city, but the practical parts that make up everyday life. The town is clean and taken care of, I felt it would be a very safe place to raise a family, in fact a mother of a young boy told me how she would feel safe with him biking alone to the park. It’s the lack of traffic and free parking after four p.m. downtown. The city doesn’t treat people like tenants; it treats them like co-owners. The pace of life is slower, and in my experience restorative.

Speaking of restorative, many of the locals like it just the way it is. They embrace the history of the place they call home, and are committed to keeping its integrity and reputation. The kind of people who should live in Grand Junction are people who want to live somewhere that values its roots, and appreciates it just the way it is. I started to understand about half way through my experience that the tightness of the people here felt so powerful because everyone clearly shared something in common. The love for their town.

Collard Lizard photo by Emma Aspelin

Collard Lizard photo by Emma Aspelin from EmmaGetsOutside.com

Nobody Warned Me About The Lizards 

Nobody told me how many lizards there are in Grand Junction. Hear me out, I am someone who doesn’t get bothered much by insects and what not, but something about watching a lizard crawl extremely fast right next to your feet made me cringe. I mean, they are everywhere! They aren’t really pesky or aggressive, but they are so tiny and quick. I would suggest to anyone who has the same fear of tiny little creatures crawling up your pant leg, to be prepared for that. Not that that will happen, but again, possibilities seem to be endless in Grand Junction. 

How Far Would You Go to Live Here? 

Aside from the reptile population, I was surprised to learn what employment looks like in the city. A few things stood out to me which were that job opportunities in Grand Junction are harder to find due to its location and size, remote work is fairly common, and the most shocking was that some people commute over an hour to and from work each day. My curiosity was definitely sparked so I followed up with the question, “Why not move to be closer to work?” And a local told me that the drive was worth it in order to live in Grand Junction. That was a very eye opening perspective. 

homemade peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream in a bowl

Homemade peach cobbler

And Then There Were Peaches 

Finally, I’ve only ever known peaches to be associated with the state of Georgia, but peaches are the thing in the Grand Valley. I got to experience my first Palisade peach and peach beer, along with peach cobbler, and even peach coffee! Whether you’re in a grocery store, restaurant or a farmers market, I can confirm you won’t go more than 100 feet without seeing a peach during harvest season. 

The Cold Shower Moment

It was either day eight or nine when I sat down to collect some of my thoughts when I got consumed with somewhat of a reality check. I pondered on if I felt such a liking to this place because it was a break from my reality, or if it really was becoming somewhere that checked boxes. I needed to take a minute and evaluate my non-negotiables and determine if Grand Junction could hypothetically make sense for me or for people considering a change.

The number one question people should consider before moving here would be, How different would your life look if you gave up your current rhythm for the one you would have in Grand Junction? Would you miss the community you have? The climate? The drives? The schools? The favorites list you’ve created in your notes app? Or would you be willing to sacrifice your current norm for one that may just be more fulfilling? I would also tell someone to ask themselves if they would consider a smaller town over a larger metro area? (depending on where they currently live) Would you miss the big city shopping scene or being close to a professional sports team? Would these be deal breakers or deal makers?

All of these questions were no longer theoretical, but real considerations. It had officially dawned on me that my ten day exercise was coming to an end and the final test was about to begin. Could I make this place a home?

Could I Actually Build A Life Here? 

The answer wasn’t a simple one to determine. I was genuinely evaluating up until the very moment I was in the air leaving the Grand Junction Airport. Even there, I was experiencing new things such as being the only person in a security line. I was overwhelmed with everything I had just experienced, but ultimately grateful for what it had given me. As I am sitting here writing this, I can confidently say, yes, I could build a life in Grand Junction, but the why is a lot more profound.

To sum up my response, because it would take pages to write everything I feel, I’ve never felt more challenged and outside of my comfort zone before. But at the same time, I’ve never felt so much peace and tranquility. Some of the biggest drivers for me were the sheer number of new experiences I encountered, the difference the climate made in how I felt day to day, and the lifestyle opportunities Grand Junction has to offer. 

Most of the time, my days on the Western Slope felt like a never-ending series of firsts for me, but trust me, I wasn’t complaining! For example, I’d never gone to the bathroom outdoors before. I would have rather risked peeing my pants than squatting behind a tree, but we were in the middle of nowhere on a 4 x 4 mountain road and my options were limited. I may sound a little dramatic but seriously, when in my life had I ever been in a situation where that was the best and only option. This adventure allowed me to recognize that my capabilities stem a lot further than I know, it all just depends on the kind of environment I permit myself to be in. 

Another first was experiencing the San Juan mountains including Ouray and Telluride. I have never been to Europe, so in a random discussion with Paul he said, “Well, I know a place.” Ouray was literally the Switzerland of America, it was mind blowing. Then we just so happened to visit Telluride on a day when celebrities were in town for a film festival. When would I ever just randomly rub shoulders with an A-lister? Never is the answer. My whole point in saying all of this is that opportunities are completely endless here, and knowing I could experience thrill any given day checked box after box. 

Another driving factor towards my answer was the weather. I often asked people, “Does seasonal depression exist here?” I was given answers such as no, rarely, or my favorite, “I didn’t realize I had experienced it until after a few months of living here.” It was an incredible feeling living with weather that was not only doable but enjoyable. No nasty humidity, flowers everywhere, and a community who thrived outdoors regardless of the time of year. The harshness of winter is bearable, at least compared to what I’m used to, no grey skies for days, or hiding indoors for months. A white Christmas is big for me, but who would I be to not enjoy 300+ days of sunshine a year when I could easily plan a trip back to the Midwest or just drive 45 minutes up to the Grand Mesa to get my winter fix. 

Once I began to understand how much Grand Junction’s mild climate could positively affect me both mentally and physically, another box was checked.

There are so many other things I could touch on, like the amount of time people can spend outdoors here, the potential for a more active lifestyle, or the opportunities at Colorado Mesa University. But one thing that ultimately stood out to me was the neighborhoods. They felt safe, and with the variety of homes and the proximity to parks, it made me start thinking about what it would actually be like to raise a family here. There was something about the overall quality of life that felt different from anything I had experienced before.

If I could sum up Grand Junction in one sentence it would be Paul’s famous words, “Live Your Vacation.” I say that with zero bias and solely from my own experience. I could have spent three more weeks living there and fear I wouldn’t even have touched the surface of its portfolio. Moving to Grand Junction means moving to the Western Slope. Moving to Palisade or Fruita means moving to the Western Slope. Once you move to one, you have them all. This side of the state becomes one large basecamp where a city line means nothing other than crossing over to a new opportunity.

What 10-Days Changed 

My job here isn’t to persuade, it’s to reveal. I learned and navigated something brand new to me, seeing and testing things the internet couldn’t tell you, at least not authentically. Grand Junction is the kind of place where you can’t understand its magic until you’re immersed into it, until you see it for yourself, and truly live it. I’d like to think my experience is the closest thing to a reader feeling that magic for themselves. 

I could continue unpacking so much more but one of the final things I will mention is, sure, I had certain boxes I thought were required to be checked, but now I’m questioning what really are my true non-negotiables? Ten days ago I dove in head first into a world of unknown, and was definitely reminded of the things I typically look for. It’s natural to gravitate towards what reminds you of home or comfort but then experiencing so many firsts, it became extraordinarily apparent that the boxes I thought I wanted to check before have evolved. If I could tell Megan from ten days ago how her journey would play out, the only thing she’d change would be to bring a jar so she could bottle Grand Junction up and every lesson it taught her forever. 

The Part You Can’t Google 

Last but not least, for anyone considering a move, here’s what ten days taught me: research matters, but it can only take you so far. You can build spreadsheets, compare statistics, study neighborhoods, and create a list of dealbreakers, but none of those things can tell you what it actually feels like to live somewhere.

I came to Grand Junction thinking I needed to determine whether it checked all the right boxes. Instead, I left questioning some of the boxes I thought mattered in the first place.

I learned that sometimes, you have to give yourself permission to imagine something different before you can decide whether it’s right for you.

The greatest decision isn’t simply deciding where to live. It’s deciding what kind of life you want that place to make possible.

Thank you to Paul and Michelle Aspelin for guiding me through the experience of a lifetime, or rather, surprising me with each day’s itinerary and saying, “Here’s a life jacket if you need it!”

Series: 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge

View the all of the posts and videos on the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge page.

A Note From the Author

I came to Grand Junction as a newcomer, not with the goal of promoting a destination, but with a genuine question: could I actually imagine building a life here? I was given ten days to experience Grand Junction as if I were seriously considering a move, and to be honest about what I discovered along the way. This story is my perspective as an outsider, navigating a place I barely knew and trying to decide whether it could feel like home. 

 

Megan Jirele Independent Journalist and WriterMegan Jirele

Independent Journalist & Writer
Digital Storytelling & Content Creation
Series: 10-Day Grand Junction, Colorado Challenge

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What Happened After My 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge?

Guest Post by Megan Jirele, Independent Journalist and Writer

I Didn’t Expect Grand Junction to Follow Me Home

What happens when you temporarily live somewhere and return back to the place you’ve always known? Do you regret the decision of jumping back on the plane that once dropped you off or are you ready to get back to your norm? Or, are you like me, left wishing you could have the best of both worlds?

Experiencing life for ten days in Grand Junction brought me more questions than answers, and as I’ve settled back into my “regular life” it’s been quite a thought- provoking topic of conversation, the ones I have with myself and with others. I’ve been finding myself overwhelmed in the best way because the new perspectives and questions keep rolling in like your favorite hot slot at the casino. One could say I’ve been gambling between the best ways to describe everything I’ve learned from this journey, but the truth is I’m still learning something new as the days go by. 

The most significant inquiry I’ve been consumed with is can ten days in a new place change your lens on the place you came from?

The Question Everyone Asked Me When I Got Home 

The number one question I’ve been asked since I’ve returned is, “So… what was it like?” My answer starts with me taking a deep breath and answering with, “Well, where do I start?” Because truly, how do I unpack ten full days of living a life I’d never lived before? It is almost like most people back home are expecting me to come back with a verdict, but it is so much more than a yes or no question. I usually share my day one realizations about how I was both anxious and excited, and how those feelings shifted throughout ten days. Some of my favorite topics are debriefing all of the firsts I got to experience, and the lessons I’d learned, not only about Grand Junction, but myself. I realized that sometimes the only thing standing between me and golden opportunities, is in fact, me. I have the tools to step out of my comfort zone and be okay, I just need to give myself permission. 

I shared that although I went in with zero expectations, I am surprised I liked Grand Junction as much as I did. Perhaps that is the beauty of knowing absolutely nothing about where you’re going, it is impossible to have any preconceived bias. Not to be an instant killjoy, but that is usually the first thing I tell people. My closest friends and family know I like being comfortable, in every sense of the word, so the surprised looks on their faces have not only been funny to see, but quite interesting. And these surprised looks are not because I or anyone else predicted I’d dislike Grand Junction, but because it is somewhere pretty different from what I normally gravitate towards. I’m usually a beach and boat kind of girl, but now I have a soft spot for the mountains.

My favorite reaction thus far was one from a friend of mine, Olivia. I had bought her a few postcards and when I brought them home to her and showed her pictures she said a sentence I will never forget. “This is literally my dream vacation, I’ve wanted to go to Canyonlands forever!” That conversation has stuck with me as the gratitude I have for my experience is constantly overflowing, and it has completely affirmed the realizations I’ve had since coming home. My ten day test is quite literally someone’s bucket list destination. 

The Strange Thing: I Started Comparing

As I’ve now been home for a few weeks, it has given me a lot of time to think about my journey through a lens that was still developing when I first came back. I do think it is human nature to compare and contrast, so the constant analysis has been ever present.

I’ve realized the access to outdoor opportunities in Grand Junction filled my cup in a way the Midwest doesn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I love living in the state of 10,000 lakes and a place where fall walks are incomparable. But as the season is changing and a harsh Minnesota winter is approaching, I can’t help but miss predictable and dependable weather. I will also add that yes of course, I can go outside here at home, but the urge to is far less than it was in GJ. Perhaps it’s because I’m used to the outside offerings here, or maybe it’s because the offerings in Grand Junction were simply unmatchable. What I do know is that the outdoor lifestyle in Grand Junction recharged my battery mentally and physically in ways I didn’t realize until my ten days had come to a close. 

I definitely miss the culture in GJ too. I miss how accessible a safe and lively downtown is, how in tune the community was, and most of all, the versatile atmospheres at hand. The slower pace of life there compared to a quicker pace in a metro area, is night and day. The option to live your Tuscany dreams at a winery and then cross the street to one that reminds you of a cozy Northwestern cabin will never stop amazing me. Walking the streets downtown GJ at night and not wondering what would happen if I was alone, is a feeling I miss. 

I definitely don’t miss the lizard population though. As we know, I did zero research before arriving in Grand Junction, so when I got home Google and I had a long overdue date. The first thing I researched was the lizard population, and let’s just say thank goodness I didn’t have a run in with what is called the Eastern Collared Lizard. The chances of me making it home if that had occurred are slime to none. 

What Finding A Home Really Means

Has my definition of home changed since I got home? Absolutely. Home can be anywhere, as long as you’re open and willing. I used to think home was determined based on where your loved ones and favorite places are. And sure, that can be part of it, but the idea that home is strictly determined by that was extremely naive of me. If this experience had taught me anything, it is that starting somewhere new is like taking the training wheels off of a bike. First, you want them back on, then you start getting acquainted with the foreign feeling. Once you feel more confident, you start taking leaps of faith and pushing through until you ultimately get used to the newness of it all. Finally, if desired, you can start adding bells, whistles, and baskets to the handle bars, setting up roots and making the bike your own. 

A Tribute To My Roots

Megan enjoying hot chocolate at a coffee shop in Mountain Village, CO

Enjoying hot chocolate at a coffee shop in Mountain Village, CO

Speaking of home, I definitely felt a sense of gratitude for the place I currently live. It took me testing a new place to realize relocating somewhere like Grand Junction would require sacrificing some of the things I love most about my current home. For example, I love all of the lake towns near my city, watching the snow fall from my bedroom window on Christmas morning, the state fair and festivals I’ve grown up with. I’ve always cherished those parts about where I live, but was reminded greatly just how thankful I am for what I have. 

Could I Actually Build a Life There? 

The number one question I asked myself before starting my ten day adventure was whether or not Grand Junction would be a place I could start a life. When I first got home, the answer was yes. Now writing this weeks later, I can confirm my answer hasn’t changed. The only thing that has changed is an even stronger urge to visit again. In my opinion, life moves pretty fast, but in Grand Junction, life moves at whatever pace you want it to. 

And to me, that is a life worth living!

Cheers to Grand Junction.

Watch the “2-Weeks After” Video

Series: 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge

View the all of the posts and videos on the 10-Day Grand Junction Challenge page.

Megan Jirele Independent Journalist and WriterMegan Jirele

Independent Journalist & Writer
Digital Storytelling & Content Creation
Series: 10-Day Grand Junction, Colorado Challenge

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Experience the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction

When you open the map for the Colorado National Monument, you might wonder “Where do I start? What should we do first? What is a ‘must see’ with the time we have?”

In general, most people experience the Colorado National Monument by driving through on Rim Rock Drive from Fruita to Grand Junction or vice versa. After three years of exploration, we have had a chance to really discover everything the Monument has to offer. It’s quite an amazing place and we are lucky to have it in our backyard. In fact, it’s now in the backyard of several clients that I helped move to the Redlands area at the base of the Monument!

I’ll start with the basics, then give you some tips based on our experience.

“Inch by inch, foot by foot. All around you, this dramatic landscape is always changing. Earth’s powerful forces and past climates built the land up; erosion continually wears it down. They tell a spectacular story of our dynamic planet.”

-a quote from the Colorado National Monument brochure/map you get from the Visitor Center

Rim Rock Drive

Rim Rock Drive is a wonderful 23-mile paved road that climbs to the top and winds along the canyon rim. It takes you from end to end with lots of roadside overlooks with spectacular views.

Construction of the road started in 1931 by the Civilian Conservation Corp and was finished in 1950 by the National Park Service. We prefer to enter from the West Fruita Entrance, closest to the Visitor Center, and complete our drive by exiting the East Grand Junction Entrance. You can also enter the park from a couple of small trailhead parking lots at the base of the Monument in the Redlands.

If you want to get to Glade Park (the General Store is something to see), you exit Rim Rock Drive at about the half-way point. This exit has a bathroom and also leads you to the Rattlesnake Arches trailhead via Black Ridge Road. We’ve taken this road and done the arches hike. Warning: you need a high clearance, 4WD vehicle to get to the Rattlesnake Arches trailhead. It’s worth the slow drive to see arches in Colorado.

Fun Fact: The second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world is in Rattlesnake Canyon within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. It’s a cool hike, once you get there! Ask me about the drive to the trailhead.

If all you do is drive through the park, it’s exceptional. Views change with every curve in the road. Some of our favorite scenic overlooks are Fruita Canyon View, Independence Monument View, Grand View, and Cold Shivers Point.

Colorado National Monument Brochure Map

All Four Seasons

Paul Aspelin overlooking a monument canyon

Paul overlooking Monument Canyon

You can enjoy “the Monument”, as locals call it, during all four seasons. Walking or hiking on the trails during the summer is best done in the morning since there isn’t a lot of shade. In the winter, mid-day hikes are perfect. To see the landscape with a dusting of fresh snow is magical!

The overlooks and several of the trails are accessible to people with all levels of abilities. The park is like a living place of beauty with stunning rock formations, plants, wildlife, and wilderness. There is so much to discover. If you can, dedicate a full day to exploration or two half days while you are in Grand Junction. And when you live here, you can go as often as you like in any season!

Amenities

Visitor Center

Cactus blooming with white pedals and a yellow center flower

Blooming cactus in the Monument

They have a gift shop at the Visitor Center. Check out the exhibits to learn about the area. They offer ranger-guided walks and talks too. The bathrooms are accessed from the outside, so they are available all the time. There are pit toilets about midway along Rim Rock Drive and at the picnic area near the East Grand Junction entrance. There is an outdoor picnic area, and we recommend the Canyon Rim Trail or short Alcove Nature Trail across the street from the Visitor Center. Both are great options if you don’t want to walk very far but still want to feel immersed in the park.

While the main entrance gates are open 24/7 year-round, the Visitor Center is not. It’s open daily from 9AM to 4PM (with extended hours from 9AM to 5PM during the spring and summer months). It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Campground

Big Horn Sheep crossing the road in the Monument

We often drive through the Saddlehorn Campground to get to the Book Cliffs View overlook. We take everyone here for views into Wedding Canyon and of the city. Campsites are first-come, first-served or you can make reservations at Recreation.gov. There are restrooms, picnic tables, charcoal grills and drinking water nearby. Watch for bighorn sheep! We’ve had to stop on our way out to let them cross the road in the campground.

Picnic Areas

A fun way to experience the Monument is to pack a lunch or snacks so you can stop whenever you get hungry and soak in the beauty all around you. We have eaten at overlooks, or you can go to the dedicated picnic areas at Devils Kitchen Picnic Area (near the East Grand Junction entrance) or use the picnic area at the campground and Visitor Center.

Hiking

Wedding Canyon Trail

Wedding Canyon Trail

Aside from driving through, the Monument is best known for the 45-mile trail system. There are easy, moderate, and difficult trails. Some are super short, others go on for miles and miles!  They can be steep or slope gradually. They are mostly dry but can be rocky or feel unstable in sections. The trails can take you deep into the canyons or across the plateaus. Michelle uses the AllTrails app to help choose trails based on our abilities and enjoyment. Remember to always stay on the trail so you don’t disturb the fragile desert crust. Leave no trace.

We have personally hiked or partially hiked 10-12 trails in the park. Remember to bring plenty of water, wear protective clothing or sunscreen and a hat, plus sturdy hiking shoes for rough trails or tennis shoes for shorter walks. You probably won’t have a cell signal, so you might want to download Google Maps for this area, especially if you go hiking.

Wildlife

Collard Lizard photo by Emma Aspelin

Collard Lizard photo by Emma Aspelin from EmmaGetsOutside.com

You are likely to see mule deer, and hopefully desert bighorn sheep. You’ll also see cottontail rabbits, golden eagles, turkey vultures, hawks, birds, squirrels, chipmunks and lizards, including the collard lizard, the most colorful lizard in the Southwest. While we have seen all of those, we have not witnessed other wildlife reported to roam the Monument like coyote, mountain lion (also known as cougar, panther or puma in other parts of the country), fox, and the rarely seen rattlesnake.

Insight After 3 Years of Exploration

Simply driving up to the top from the Fruita Entrance is amazing. If we see bighorn sheep, they are likely in this section of the park.

The Book Cliffs View accessed from the Saddlehorn Campground is a popular spot where you can hike the trail to Window Rock. There is a narrow, rocky ledge, but not too scary.

The Canyon Rim Trail goes from the Visitor Center to Book Cliffs View, so you can hike to it vs drive to it as well. The trail is wide with a gradual slope and gets you close to the drop-off, if you want.

While at the Visitor Center, pay attention to the garden of plants. You can wander through and discover their names. We like seeing the blooms on prickly pear cacti in May or June.

If you are mainly driving through but want a couple of short hikes, we recommend Otto’s Trail or go out to Grand View Point.

If you have a little more time, hiking on the ledge of the canyon to the Coke Ovens is a cool hike and not as busy as other spots.

If you want a longer, more strenuous but memorable hike, start at the Wedding Canyon trailhead from Broadway in the Redlands and hike counterclockwise to the base of Independence Monument and back on Monument Canyon Trail. Read the post about the day we did this hike. When you see photos of the Colorado National Monument, they most likely feature Independent Monument.

I have hiked Corkscrew Trail up, up, up to Liberty Cap on the Liberty Cap Trail. I wanted to turn around about three times but I did it. Thought I might die, but I did it! This trailhead is also in the Redlands off of South Broadway.

Cold Shivers Point, yes, it feels colder there because of the constant breeze into the canyon, is a fun stop. Once you reach the railing of the overlook, look to your right and venture a little farther. Out on the cliff edge, be careful, you can see where people have etched their names into the rock. If you go here in May, you might find some CMU graduates taking photos. It’s a popular spot.

One last thing to savor is not a sight but a smell. The pinyon pine and juniper trees smell absolutely amazing. Especially if you can go after it’s rained, which is rare, but it does happen. So many times we are on a trail and just stop to breathe in the fresh air.

Serpents Trail

Hiking Serpents Trail

If you want a workout, hike 3.9 miles out and back up Serpents Trail, built in the 1900’s. It’s an elevation gain of 797 feet and is called “the crookedest road in the world,” because of the 16 switchbacks. Don’t be surprised to see runners pass by like you are standing still on this hike. One of our favorite spots is at the top of the trail. There is a small 3-space parking lot. Park there, if you can, and walk out about 30 yards. You get an excellent view of the Grand Valley. The trailhead for Serpents Trail is near the East Grand Junction Entrance. There is a parking lot on Rim Rick Drive but we usually park in the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area.

This unique trail deserves a bit more explanation. In the early 1900’s John Otto built miles of canyon trails and guided visitors to the spectacular wonderland. On May 24, 1911, President Taft established Colorado National Monument. Otto was the park’s caretaker until 1927. Today, when you hike the trails, they are the remnants of his trails, built by hand! However, Serpents Trail stands out because this road was a part of the original road to get to the top of the canyon until 1950 when they completed Rim Rock Drive.

Cherish Independence at Independence Monument

Independence Monument flag raising on 4th of July

Flag raising July 4, 2026

Every fourth of July, local first responders and climbers scale the 450-foot-tall Independence Monument in Colorado National Monument to raise the American flag, a tradition started in 1911 by John Otto. They return about a week later to take it down.

On July 4, 2026, Michelle and I witnessed this monumental event, pun intended. They didn’t do it in 2025 due to a raptor’s nest at the top of Independence Monument. We went to the Independence Monument View Overlook and were able to park along the road. We gathered with about 30-40 people for this patriotic experience. Among the spectators were past climbers, a park-ranger, interested community members, and the local tv news station reporter. It was fun to chat with and hear stories as we watched the climbers get to the top. They start early in the morning to hike 3 miles to the base. Then they climb up 450 feet to secure the pole and raise the flag. It was very meaningful. Very American.

We especially wanted to participate this year because we had just experienced the nearby Knowles Canyon Wildfire (renamed the Snyder Fire) where 4 wildland firefighters lost their lives and a fifth was injured. We are thankful for their service. The fire started in June 2026 and on July 4 we still had a haze of smoke in the valley and we were worried we wouldn’t be able to see the climbers. Luckily the higher we got, the clearer it got. We are thankful we live in America.

Living in the Redlands at the Base of the Colorado National Monument

Redlands Mesa Golf Course

Redlands Mesa Golf Course photo taken from above on a trail from Redlands 360 neighborhood

The general area at the base of the Monument stretching to the Colorado River is called the Redlands. The Redlands is a region not a town or its own municipality. The area gets its name from its distinct red soil, dramatic red rock canyons, and towering sandstone cliffs. If you live in the Redlands, you live in Grand Junction. When I take clients on a tour of the Grand Valley, we always drive through the Redlands neighborhoods and stop at the Redland Mesa Golf Course Clubhouse.

Visitors ask me what it’s like to live in the Redlands. There are lots of opportunities and home styles including established homes and new construction. Yes, there are large single-family homes that surround the golf course, but I helped a client purchase a home in the Redlands with an ADU on a larger lot with numerous fruit trees and large gardens. I also sold a homesite in an upcoming neighborhood for a custom-built home.

I brought the first buyer for a custom-built home by Goetzmann Homes in the Redlands 360 development. I have a post about that area if you want to learn more about Redlands 360 and see the master plan map for the development that stretches beyond the Easter Hill neighborhood where my buyers live. We hiked the trails near Easter Hill and the Canyon Rim neighborhood.

To sum it up, if you are in Grand Junction, Fruita, or Palisade, or driving by on I-70, it’s worth a stop to experience the Colorado National Monument. It’s one of over 400 parks in the National Park system, so your America the Beautiful Pass works here.

And, if you think you might be interested in living near the Monument, let me know! There are some interesting pockets and housing opportunities available if you know where to look.

You can experience the Colorado National Monument as a day trip or go over several days. Read about other Day Trips you might be interested in on our Day Trip Collections page.

Move to Grand Junction… We’ve been waiting for you!

Paul and Michelle Aspelin standing at the top of Serpents Trail with Grand Junction in the distance

Top of Serpents Trail

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.

Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley in Colorado.

© 2026 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

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Get Your Marble in Marble, CO: Day Trip from Grand Junction

A Surprise Drive Right Up to the Marble Quarry Entrance

One of our favorite things about living in Grand Junction is that you can leave the desert landscape of the Grand Valley in the morning and be surrounded by spectacular Colorado mountains and cooler temps by lunchtime.

Marble is only one example of the small mountain communities, scenic drives, historic sites and outdoor adventures within reach of Grand Junction. We were amazed as we drove right up to the working quarry entrance!

Where is Marble, CO?

map showing the West Elk Mountain Loop for a Marble CO day trip from Grand Junction mapMarble sits at an elevation of nearly 8,000’ in Gunnison County, within the beautiful Elk Mountains along the Crystal River, on the West Elk Loop.

In general, Marble CO is south of Glenwood Springs. You can easily get there from I-70. However, we like to take the scenic route. From Grand Junction we drove south to Delta, east through Hotchkiss and Paonia, then northeast on Hwy. 133. We went over one of the most beautiful passes, McClure Pass, and dropped down into the Crystal River Valley.

From Highway 133, the 6.5 mile road to the town of Marble is paved. You drive past the historic jailhouse, through the town and end at the edge of Beaver Lake on the east side of town. Once you turn off the main road though, to navigate the grid of houses, the local art galleries, or get to the campground, you will be driving entirely on dirt and gravel. Most people drive out the same way you drove in. Unless you are headed for adventure!

Any route continuing past town immediately turns into rugged, unpaved dirt paths. This includes County Road 3C (Quarry Road) heading up to the marble mine (which we took), and Crystal River Road leading out to the iconic Crystal Mill and Schofield Pass, both of which transition into highly technical, rocky 4×4 only terrain. One day we will rent side-by-sides and drive to the famous Crystal Mill.

About Marble, CO

Marble Mailboxes lined up along with free books

We saw this cool lineup of mailboxes that also houses free books!

Marble is tiny. Really tiny. There isn’t a gas station or grocery store in town, so make sure you have what you need for the day. I suggest you make a stop at the super small “visitor center”. It’s not what you might expect. It’s called The Marble Hub.

It’s a coffee shop, with packaged ice cream bars, a gift shop, and the only place in town you can get free Wi-Fi service. Really. While you’re there, check out the old bank vault behind the counter. The Hub is in the historic 113-year-old former Marble City State Bank building. Because Marble is completely off the grid for cell service, this cozy building functions as an essential lifeline for travelers. We looked at the map on the wall and that’s how we got to the quarry. They have physical trail maps and crucial local safety warnings (like reminders that the rugged road to the famous Crystal Mill absolutely requires a 4-wheel-drive vehicle). Exploring small Colorado towns is so fun.

The town of Marble is mostly residential homes. There’s a small lake nearby, Beaver Lake. It is a popular stop that gives access to the Crystal River for fishing, and it’s close to historic Redstone too. This was our second time visiting Marble. We mention it in the Leaf Peeping From Grand Junction post.

Marble, Colorado has been described as “an isolated mountain hamlet tucked away in the Elk Mountains with a year-round population fluctuating between 130 and 150 residents.” There’s only one full-service restaurant, the highly rated Slow Groovin’ BBQ (more on that below). There is a café we have yet to try, we will go there next time.

Folks choose to live in this geographically isolated pocket of Gunnison County for its profound sense of tight-knit community and immediate access to rugged outdoor recreation. A lot of artists and marble sculptors live there too! You can watch a cool Colorado PBS documentary on Marble, CO that just came out in August 2026. It’s called Made in Marble.

viewing the Marble quarry up the mountainside

Driving to the Marble Quarry

Marble Quarry Road

Driving on the Quarry Road with steep drop offs at times

When you visit this tiny Colorado mountain town, allow time to drive 4 miles up Quarry Road to see the marble quarry. It was absolutely amazing. From the base looking up, the marble on the mountain top looked like a glacier! So white and bright against the green and brown backdrop of nature. We were totally amazed. And we could get right up to it!

We were there on a Saturday this time. The narrow dirt shelf road that goes up to the quarry entrance was open. Last time it was closed. We drove as far as visitors can currently go to an active Colorado quarry with an incredible history.

The quarry is now owned by Colorado Stone Quarries, an Italian company. They extract marble year-round and send it to their state-of-the-art marble processing and finishing facility in Delta, CO. You can see it right along Hwy 50.

Marble Gallery photo of marble sculptures for sale

Sculptures for sale at The Marble Gallery.

Marble from Marble was selected for the Lincoln Memorial in 1916, and in 1931 stone from the quarry was used to create the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Pretty cool!

There are no public tours available for the active quarry. However, at the entrance, there is a pile of marble for the community. It’s free, if you can pick it up. I got a few tiny pieces. I also bought a larger piece from The Marble Gallery in town. Next time, I want even something bigger that we can display outside.

Marble around Marble

Michelle standing next to a chunk of marble by the Crystal River

Michelle standing next to a huge chunk of marble along the Crystal River

Here’s one thing you won’t see in other mountain towns, huge chunks of marble used for functional purposes, like erosion control near bridges and rivers. You’ll see most yards have marble statues or huge 2’ x 3’ chunks of marble by the driveway. We thought it was the strangest thing to use marble for such things. Only in Marble, CO!

Next time, we want to visit the local Marble Museum housed inside the historic two-story 1912 schoolhouse built with a distinct marble foundation. It originally served up to 200 students during the peak of the town’s mining boom before closing in 1948.

It was raining when we left so we didn’t get a chance to walk through the Marble Mill Site Park either. That looked cool. To stand where the marble was cut, sanded, and polished to make the Lincoln Memorial. That would be amazing.

Eating at Slow Groovin’ BBQ

Slow Groovin BBQ Salad

Slow Groovin BBQ sandwichThis was a highlight on our Marble CO day trip from Grand Junction…

After a short 15-minute wait, we were seated on the deck overlooking the main road at this popular establishment. We watched the stream of side-by-sides, motorcycles, campervans, trucks, cars, bikes, and hikers parade by while we dined. We saw people running into friends and giving hugs. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.

The food was absolutely amazing! Michelle had a nut and berry salad with a huge piece of smoked salmon. I had the best pulled pork sandwich (with all the fixin’s) that I have ever had. Everything was so fresh and delicious. They are open seasonally, so plan accordingly so you don’t miss a meal here.

Discovered Black Bridge Winery on the Way Home

Black Bridge Winery near Paonia, sitting in chairs, with wine, by the river

Relaxing along the North Fork of the Gunnison River near Paonia

On our way home we decided to make one more stop. Michelle did some quick research to see who was still open and she picked the Black Bridge Winery and Orchard Valley Farm and Market on the east side of Paonia. We got a glass of wine and sat in Adirondack chairs overlooking the North Fork of the Gunnison River and the cool looking black bridge that the winery is named after.

We sampled their tasty balsamic vinegars and brought two home with us. I have already used the peach balsamic vinegar to make homemade BBQ sauce. They have a large assortment of infused olive oils, salsa, syrups, sauces, dressings, and produce along with pottery, jewelry and wine in the tasting room. We will bring friends back here. They have a huge farm and orchards, open Memorial Day through Halloween. People were picking fresh raspberries and blackberries while we were there and their watermelon looked delicious.

This is the kind of day we have come to appreciate living in Grand Junction. We can have breakfast at home, get in the 4Runner, drive into the mountains, explore a tiny historic community, have lunch, discover a new winery, and be home the same day. Making memories and sharing the story and videos of our journey with family, friends and future clients.

I posted a short video about this Marble CO day trip from Grand Junction on social media.

Read more on our new Day Trips from Grand Junction page, a collection of adventures!

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction

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Paul Aspelin on the way to the Marble Quarry

Paul Aspelin on the way to the Marble quarry

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Relocation and Listing Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE

Call or Text (612) 306-9558 (locally based)

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

© 2026 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

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Why I Chose Realty ONE Group Western Slope

Why I Chose Realty ONE Group Western Slope – The Smart Choice for Grand Junction Real Estate

The Search for Excellence

For you to understand more about me, how I work, and my “why,” I think it’s important to share my journey of choosing to partner with Realty ONE Group Western Slope, and why you should too.

Selling my home of 26 years and moving to Grand Junction marked a significant chapter in my life. Not just as a homeowner, but as a seasoned real estate broker selling real estate since 2001. Having owned and operated a successful independent real estate brokerage in Minnesota, the prospect of relocating to Grand Junction meant finding a new professional home as well. This wouldn’t be an easy task.

Learn more about Paul

The Leap from Big Box to Boutique

Paul Aspelin REALTORWhile reflecting on my journey of starting my career at a traditional “big box” real estate brokerage, to establishing my own independent boutique brokerage, I’ve always had the desire to provide a better customer experience. Opening my own brokerage in 2005 allowed me to redefine the expectations of how a real estate transaction should be. I have successfully assisted hundreds and hundreds of clients over the years.

Now, I needed to find a brokerage in the Grand Valley. One like Beyond Homes Realty that I built in Minnesota. Or I could consider opening a second location for Beyond Homes Realty in Colorado.

Thorough Research

In my process of searching for a new real estate brokerage to work with, I met with every big box broker and some independents in the Grand Valley. This decision-making journey began two years before my actual move. It involved extensive research following various social media outlets, scouring business websites, reading company newsletters, and watching team YouTube channels. I wanted to understand the marketing strategies, culture/mentality, and mindset of the leadership at each brokerage. I wasn’t willing to settle and work with just any brokerage.

Customer Service Excellence

I am a firm believer in the crucial role of exceptional customer service and creative solutions in the real estate industry. Far too many agents look at this business as a numbers game with a “transaction only” focus. My next move had to align with the reputation I built on exceeding client expectations.

Culture and the Realty ONE Group Western Slope Mentality

What sets this brokerage apart is their leadership and focus on their agent’s overall success. That success comes from collaboration amongst leadership and other agents to ensure everyone is supported. Although each agent operates their own individual business, others don’t hesitate to step up for each other.  It’s how you create a culture that cultivates excellence which, in turn, drives the customer experience. This brokerage aligns with my beliefs of always having the best interests of the customer at heart. I also believe that the excellence of a real estate brokerage is based on the support and direction of its leadership team, not the number of agents.

More about Realty ONE Group Western Slope

Dirty Little Industry Secret Revealed

I learned early on in my career that the traditional real estate brokerage business model for success had always been attributed to attracting the highest number of agents first, with quality customer service being left to chance as a hopeful byproduct. When operating my own brokerage, I never subscribed to that traditional business model which is why I left the traditional big box brokerage after my first 4 years to start my own company, Beyond Homes Realty. My goal and company motto is to “Redefine Your Expectations” of how a real estate transaction should be. I’m proud to say that my team and I at BHR successfully did that for 18 years in Minnesota!

Over the last two decades I’ve been contacted and courted by every major real estate company in the nation to open this branch, spearhead that territory, head up this team, buy into that franchise, train these agents, etc. There was one glaring issue for me with every opportunity I was presented…. NONE OF THEIR “SUCCESSFUL” BUSINESS MODELS OR OPPORTUNITIES HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH PROVIDING AN OUSTANDING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE! It was all based on attracting the highest number of agents and excepting a high agent turn-over rate as the road map to success. I wasn’t buying it and neither should you.

I Found My Place with Realty ONE Group Western Slope

When Realty ONE Group Western Slope opened their office in the summer of 2024, they immediately gained the attention of the Grand Valley. They stood out as a brokerage designed for agents who wanted more. More support, more leadership and more tools to enhance the customer’s experience. Their leadership team is well known and striving for nothing but excellence in every aspect of this business.

I am proud to be a part of and support that business model!

Every interaction I’ve had working directly with the leadership team only reinforces that I made the right decision. I couldn’t be more excited to continue building on my successful 25+ year reputation after relocating my career and family to Grand Junction.

Traditional brokers don’t understand my desire and mentality of putting the client first. And frankly, won’t ever offer anything like the real estate experience you’ll receive when working with me and the dedicated people at Realty ONE Group Western Slope. Stuck in the past, traditional real estate business models will never be able to compete with my service oriented mindset, creative ideas, and history of customer service excellence.

My experience and dedication is waiting to be shared with those who understand how important hiring the right agent can be to the success of your next home purchase or sale.

A Smart Choice

Choosing to partner with Realty ONE Group Western Slope was not just a professional decision for me. It was fulfilling the promise of a commitment to myself to align with a brokerage and team of people that share my values and dedication toward the customer experience. Realty ONE Group Western Slope gives me the ideal place to excel in the next chapter of my career while I continue giving back to the community.

YOU Really Need More?

Are you considering a move to Grand Junction Colorado? Are you seeking a real estate partner you can trust? I can promise you that my experience, creative ideas, and customer service mindset, coupled with the support of the entire Realty ONE Group Western Slope family, will turn your dreams into reality. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in property in the Grand Valley. We do Real Estate RIGHT!

Discover Grand Junction through my award winning blog Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction

Take it from someone who spent the last two plus decades striving to raise the bar in this industry. Success happens when you partner with the right agent and brokerage for your real estate needs. Grab a hold of it and enjoy the ride. Let me be your personal Grand Junction Relocation Guide!

Grand Junction adventure vehicle - Paul in our new Toyota 4Runner in Marble, COCall me with confidence at (612) 306-9558

All my best,
Paul Aspelin, Relocation & Listing Expert

Read Paul Aspelin Reviews and Recommendations Post. It includes handwritten notes from happy clients, survey results and testimonials not found online.

Welcome to Grand Junction…. We’ve been waiting for you!

If you haven’t already, learn more about this wonderful area by reading these posts:

Are you a real estate agent looking to refer an out-of-state client?

Please call me directly at (612)306-9558, send me an email, or find me on LinkedIn. I’d be happy to provide a level of service and success to your clients that makes you look like an absolute ROCK STAR!

Agent Relocation

Are you a real estate agent with a great reputation looking to relocate your successful career to the Grand Valley like I did? Please call me directly at (612) 306-9558 for a private conversation to understand more about why I chose to work with Realty ONE Group Western Slope!

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What’s Your Adventure Vehicle?

You don’t need a serious off-road rig to start exploring the Western Slope.

One of the biggest misconceptions about living in Grand Junction is that you need a serious off-road adventure vehicle to enjoy it. You don’t.

You don’t need a lifted Jeep, 35-inch tires, a winch hanging off the front, or thousands of dollars in aftermarket equipment. You certainly can have all those things (and you’ll see plenty of them around here) but you don’t need them to start exploring the Western Slope.

So, what do you really need to access adventures in and around Grand Junction?

Honestly… a regular car will get you to a tremendous number of scenic destinations and sightseeing opportunities. A stock four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle simply gives you more confidence when the pavement ends and the roads get a little rougher. Or when it snows in the mountains!

The key is to understand that the need for more capability, and the confidence to use it, doesn’t happen overnight.

Start With What You Have

Shortly after we moved to Grand Junction, we bought our stock Toyota Tacoma SR.

We had originally leased it for our daughter while she was in college at Colorado Mesa University. When the lease ended, the buyout was thousands of dollars below the current retail price. So, what the heck… why not drive a 4-wheel drive truck for free for a few years? Starting with that Tacoma turned out to be one of the best things we could have done after moving to Grand Junction.

My wife and I weren’t off roaders in Minnesota. We owned several four-wheel-drive SUVs and a half-ton truck over the years, but 4-wheel drive mostly meant one of three things:

  1. Trying to plow through the three-foot snowbank at the end of the driveway after the snowplows came through
  2. Driving in dicey Minnesota winter conditions
  3. Racing across frozen lakes through a foot of snow looking for a great ice-fishing spot

Colorado changed that.

Why the Tacoma Was Perfect

Red Mountain Mining Area and Yankee Girl Mine near Ouray CO

Yankee Girl Mine on Red Mountain Mining Area 4×4 trail near Ouray

The first thing we learned was that vehicle size matters.

We didn’t realize how important having a relatively narrow vehicle would be for accessing some of the narrow trails and shelf roads we’ve ventured on. We’ve accidentally gotten onto a few roads we probably shouldn’t have been on, but thankfully, we made it through. We affectionately call several of them “pucker pass.” The Tacoma was also the perfect “nothing too fancy” vehicle for getting our feet wet in the off-roading world. We could learn without worrying about every scratch, bump or little ding. And we learned a lot.

The Moab Lesson

Sand dune in Moab

Sand dune in Moab, UT

I remember the first time we went to Moab with our daughter and son-in-law. Thankfully, he knew what he was doing. He’s a Colorado native. We aired down the tires, grabbed the recovery boards and headed out onto some trails and spun around in a sand dune.

At first, I was thinking, “This isn’t so bad.”

Then we approached the first two-foot ledge. Suddenly, we needed to stack rocks, have a spotter outside the truck, and slowly walk the vehicle down the ledge. All I could think was, “Do you have any idea how much a new vehicle costs, and we are doing WHAT to it?!” Oh my.

I seriously would have turned the vehicle around if it had been anything nicer or more expensive. I was convinced you didn’t treat a truck like this and expect it to last. In hindsight, that day taught me something important. I learned what a vehicle was actually capable of. More importantly, I learned that sometimes the vehicle doesn’t need to change. Your confidence does.

If you purchase a new Ford Bronco, ask the dealership about the Bronco Off-Roadeo in Moab. We had friends from Minnesota do that experience and stay with us a few days to explore the Grand Valley. She learned how to use the special features and capabilities her vehicle offers, like the seven G.O.A.T. Modes™. Learn more about the Moab Bronco Off-Roadeo. https://broncooffroadeo.com/locations/moab

You Don’t Have to Be an Overlander

You also don’t have to become an “overlander” to enjoy the outdoors around Grand Junction.

Maybe your idea of adventure is driving up to the Grand Mesa, exploring a back road, finding a trailhead, watching the sunset, taking the dog somewhere new or simply discovering a road you’ve driven past a hundred times. That’s adventure too. And that’s one of the things we love about living here.

You can start small, learn what you enjoy and gradually discover what you’re comfortable doing. There’s no prize for taking the hardest trail on your first weekend.

Read our Leaf Peeping from Grand Junction post about roads you can travel to see the beautiful fall colors.

What Kind of Adventure Vehicle Do You Need?

Your Grand Junction Relocation Guide is Paul Aspelin. Here he is standing in front of his Toyota Tacoma

Top of Serpents Trail in the Colorado National Monument

Your Grand Junction adventure vehicle can evolve with you.

A regular car:
Great for scenic drives, paved roads, sightseeing and countless destinations around Western Colorado.

AWD or stock 4WD:
Adds confidence for many dirt roads, trailheads and less-developed roads. Also, important if you plan to drive I-70 towards Denver in the winter months as chains are required without AWD or 4 WD.

A stock truck or SUV:
Gives you additional clearance, capability, and flexibility as you explore more challenging terrain.

A modified 4×4:
Makes sense for people who have developed the skills, experience, and desire to tackle more difficult trails.

The trick isn’t buying the vehicle first and figuring out what to do with it later.

It’s discovering what you enjoy first and letting the vehicle evolve with you.

Our Next Step

Over the last three years, we’ve taken a lot of pictures with our adventure Tacoma and driven numerous clients around the Grand Valley. In 2026, we decided it was time for an upgrade.

We knew exactly what we wanted. Something that would give us more capability and confidence for many of the backroads and trails on our bucket list, while also providing the comfort we wanted when driving clients around Grand Junction. (More leg room in the back seat!)

That led us to a Toyota 4Runner Off-Road Premium.

Toyota 4Runner camera screen for our adventure vehicle

The camera screen in our Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner fits our lifestyle perfectly as we continue to Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction and bring you along on our adventures through social media and this blog. Many people around here prefer Jeeps. Others love their Toyotas. Subarus are everywhere for good reasons. There are plenty of ways to explore the Western Slope.

One of our favorite features in the new 4Runner are the multiple cameras. Especially the one that looks forward. When we used to climb a steep trail in our Tacoma all we could see was the sky in front of us. Now, we can actually see the trail and the rocks or potholes ahead of us. Plus, views of the sides so we don’t hit any bushes or rock walls.

Michelle’s favorite is the view that shows us the % of grade we are going up or down and our camber to see how “tipped” we are from side to side as we drive the trail. The camera came in handy on our last trip near the Red Mountain mining area between Ouray and Silverton. You can read about the first section of this 4-wheel drive only mining trail we drove in the Tacoma.

 

Toyota Tacoma driving on shelf road near Emerald Lake in Crested Butte

Driving the Tacoma on a shelf road near the stunning Emerald Lake by Crested Butte – ask me about Washington Gulch!

Know Your Limits

If you’re not already an experienced overlander, my advice is pretty straightforward. Start simple. Find your comfort level. Learn what your vehicle can do. Learn what you can do. And never attempt a trail that your vehicle (or your nerves) may not be capable of finishing.

There are several trails on our bucket list that we still want to tackle, but we’ll be renting an ATV for some of them because we know our limits. There’s nothing wrong with knowing when to leave your vehicle parked. In fact, knowing when to turn around is part of becoming a better adventurer, but unfortunately many trails are so narrow there is no turning back.

Start Where You Are

Regardless of your vehicle, your age, or your experience, there are so many beginner-friendly roads, scenic drives, and outdoor destinations around Grand Junction that there is no reason to wait. You don’t have to wait until you have the perfect vehicle. You don’t need the perfect gear. And you certainly don’t need years of experience.

Start where you are.

  • Take the road you’ve never driven.
  • Find the trailhead.
  • Explore the back road.
  • Turn around when you’re uncomfortable.
  • Learn something.
  • Try again.

Because one of the best parts about living in Grand Junction isn’t having an adventure vehicle. It’s having an adventure outside your front door. And maybe that’s one of the reasons you moved here in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a 4×4 vehicle to enjoy Grand Junction?

No. Many scenic destinations and sightseeing opportunities can be reached in a regular passenger car. AWD or 4WD simply expands your options and can provide additional confidence on dirt and rougher roads.

Can you explore Western Colorado in a regular car?

Absolutely. Start with paved scenic drives and well-maintained dirt roads and always check current road conditions before heading out.

What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Western Slope?

There isn’t one right answer. A regular car, Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, or truck can all be the right vehicle depending on what you want to explore and your experience level.

Do I need an off-road vehicle to go overlanding?

expedition rig at Overland Expo Mtn West with Paul standing in front

Expedition Rig – go big if you want to!

No. Overlanding is less about having the most modified vehicle and more about traveling independently and exploring places beyond the typical tourist route. Start with trips appropriate for your vehicle and experience. If you are interested in buying a more capable vehicle, I recommend reading our post about the Overlanding Expo Mountain West.

What should beginners know before driving Colorado back roads?

Know your vehicle’s capabilities, check weather and road conditions, carry appropriate recovery and emergency equipment, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back “in civilization”, and never be afraid to turn around. Download Google maps while you have cell service because you won’t get a signal in the mountains and your maps won’t work unless you’ve downloaded them in advance.

Are there beginner-friendly trails and roads near Grand Junction?

Yes. The Grand Junction area offers a wide range of scenic roads, dirt roads, trailheads and outdoor destinations. The important thing is to choose routes that match your vehicle, experience and comfort level. Driving on Rim Rock Road in the Colorado National Monument is a great place to start.

Michelle reads her book titled Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails to see which trails are ranked easy, moderate or difficult. There is a version for south of I-70, her favorite, and another version for north of 1-70. One day we hope to drive the roads behind the Book Cliffs where the wild horses live. It’s officially called The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range. It is a 36,000-acre protected area located just northeast of Grand Junction, CO, where more than 100 wild mustangs roam free.

Venture on friends!

Watch short videos of our adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

https://www.facebook.com/LiveYourVacationinGrandJunction

https://www.instagram.com/liveyourvacationingj

https://www.youtube.com/@MoveToGrandJunction

Toyota 4Runner on I-70 near Palisade and Mt Garfield

The new 4Runner on I-70 in Palisade near Mt. Garfield

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

PAUL ASPELIN, your Grand Junction Relocation and Listing Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE

Call or Text (612) 306-9558 (locally based)
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Serving Mesa County and the Grand Valley in Colorado.

© 2026 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

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