Tag Archive for: Realty ONE Group Western Slope

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BEST Grand Junction Real Estate Agents

Choosing the Best Grand Junction Real Estate Agents

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned home seller, choosing the BEST Grand Junction real estate agents is crucial for a successful real estate experience. Buying or selling a home is not something most people do very often in their lifetime, so you shouldn’t be expected to know how to choose the best Grand Junction real estate agent without some guidance.

Here are nine important factors for choosing the best Grand Junction real estate agent and how to make the most out of your Grand Junction home search or home sale.

1. Experience Matters

One of the most important qualities of the best Grand Junction real estate agents is their profound knowledge of the current real estate market. Only consider an agent who works full-time and is on top of this ever-changing market. What worked to buy or sell a home a year ago may not work today. The best Grand Junction real estate agents will have years of experience and hundreds of transactions under their belt. Understanding how to make your offer stand out in a competitive market, or creatively market your home to get top dollar are skills gained through experience. They are skills that are honed over hundreds of transactions. Use my years of experience assisting hundreds of home buyers and sellers to your advantage! I’ve been licensed since 2001!

“What an amazing experience! This is the second house we’ve bought/sold through Paul and the level of expertise, market knowledge, guidance and professionalism is unmatched!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-Emrah Oruc

👉 Schedule your free no obligation consultation

2. Your Best Interests at Heart

The best Grand Junction real estate agents understand that having your best interests at heart is the most important thing when hiring an agent. But how do you know who that will be? Is it the agent with the funniest videos? How about the agent with the most online reviews? The most years of experience? Or how about the #1 home seller in the valley based on production? All these things can give you a preview into an agent’s true self when it comes down to putting your interest before theirs, but actions speak volumes. Watch this video below about what I did for a client, without hesitation. Will the agent you hire do the same?

“Paul and the team exceeded all of our expectations during our home sale! After a difficult selling experience with a previous home, we were nervous to sell again. However, Paul was incredibly helpful through every step of the process. His communication with us was excellent, and we always knew he was looking out for our best interests. I would highly recommend Paul Aspelin for any real estate transaction!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-Haley Bennett Horal

 

How I take care of every client…

WATCH VIDEO

 

3. Professionalism and Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful real estate transaction and real estate relationship. The best agent will keep you informed at every step of the process, ensuring that you are never left in the dark. Look for an agent who responds promptly to your inquiries, provides clear and concise information, has creative ideas, and has excellent negotiation skills. The professionalism you experience from choosing the best Grand Junction agent is not only important to your relationship, but your agent’s reputation amongst other Grand Junction agents can also greatly impact the outcome of your home sale or purchase. With my experience and knowledge of the industry I consistently excel at keeping my clients informed and other agents prefer to work with those who understand the process and know how to communicate. I wouldn’t have succeeded for over two decades without superior communication skills.

4. Client Testimonials or Reviews?

Part of understanding an agent’s reputation is hearing about the experience of working with them directly from past clients. Reviews are a powerful thing, and many agents go to great lengths to get hundreds of online reviews. I’ve always preferred testimonials from my past clients. For the last two decades I have mailed every single client a survey about their experience working with me and asked for a testimonial. I’ve received hundreds of letters back in the mail. This is much different than sending an email asking a client to complete an online review as part of their to-do list at work that day. Reviews feel coerced, testimonials are given.

“Paul Aspelin has helped me with several real estate transactions. He is ethical, knowledgeable and intelligent. He is an outstanding negotiator and always works very hard for his clients. I could not be more satisfied with the service he has provided me.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-Scott Gordon

Read more testimonials on my About Paul Aspelin page or my Paul Aspelin Reviews and Recommendations post where I show some of the hand written notes and survey results from my happy past clients,

Tip #1 (Insider Tip) If you are interviewing agents, ask them what their referral rate over their career has been. Mine is 90% +. The answer you get from agents should tell you everything you need to know before you hire them.

5. Innovative Marketing Strategies

MOVE2GJ with Paul Aspelin

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Effective marketing is especially crucial in a competitive market like Grand Junction, where highlighting your property effectively can make all the difference. If you’re interviewing agents, there is one question that will separate the best agents from the rest of the pack. “Give me an example of a creative marketing strategy you’ve used to sell a home in the past.” Go ahead…. I’ll wait. You will never see a real estate agent dance around answering a question more than this one. I welcome this question to show you numerous creative ideas I have employed for my clients to create successful outcomes others failed to achieve. Ask me about my scenic overlook sign campaign or my immersive property map.

Tip#2 (Pro Tip) Ask your agent for samples of the brochures they have available at the property for buyers. If a generic black and white MLS sheet is their idea of professional marketing, keep looking. Find out more about the importance of brochures

6. Understanding Your Needs

Every client has unique preferences, requirements, and goals. The best Grand Junction real estate agents take the time to understand your needs—whether you’re buying, focusing on the size or style of a home, specific amenities, or the ideal location, or selling, concentrating on pricing strategy, staging, and marketing to attract the right buyers. The best agents listen first, then tailor their approach to match your individual goals, ensuring that the homes they show align with your vision or that your property is positioned to sell for the most possible value.

7. Negotiation Skills

Real estate transactions often involve negotiations, and having a skilled negotiator on your side can make a significant impact. I work hard to position you to have the upper hand in negotiations before an offer is written or accepted. Top Grand Junction real estate agents possess strong negotiation skills, advocating for your interests and securing the best possible deal. Whether you’re buying or selling, an agent who can navigate negotiations effectively is an invaluable asset. Who has better negotiating skills? An agent with hundreds of successful transactions over two plus decades or a part-time agent doing a handful of deals each year?

TIP #3 (Insider Tip) Make sure the agent you work with takes the time to go over all the paperwork you sign. You deserve MORE! Learn how agent convenience is killing customer service.

8. Accessibility and Availability

I have new construction experience and can walk you through the entire process of building a new home!

The real estate market doesn’t operate on a strict 9-to-5 schedule. Look for a Mesa County real estate agent who is accessible and available, understanding that your property search might require flexibility in terms of viewing schedules and communication. An agent who is committed to being available when you need them demonstrates a genuine dedication to your real estate goals.

Being one of the Best Grand Junction real estate agents is the most inconvenient job on the planet. I am on call every day of the year at all hours of the day and night. But do you know what? It’s how I make my clients successful. I am always there when it matters most.

Tip #4 (Insider tip) The best Grand Junction Real Estate agents understand the importance of communication. Working the housing market during the Great Recession taught me to communicate even when I don’t have any updated news. I will never leave you wondering where things are at.

9. Educational Guidance

It doesn’t matter if this is your first time buying or selling a home. I am here to educate you on today’s real estate market. If you’ve got previous experience with buying or selling that will help you to understand the nuances of the process. However, nothing can replace the guidance and education you receive from hiring the best Grand Junction real estate agent in the Grand Valley. You’ve got a handful of choices, and I’d like to show you why I should be one of your top agent picks to interview. Your move is too important to leave in the hands of just anybody.

Tip #5 (Pro Tip) Ask your agent: “How will you educate me on pricing, marketing, and positioning my home to sell for the most in today’s Grand Junction market?” The best listing agents will walk you through comparable sales, staging strategies, and negotiation tactics — and with my Homes Sold for More™ approach, I’ll show you exactly how to position your home to attract the right buyers, reduce market time, and put more money in your pocket.

Tip #6 (Pro tip) Ask your agent: “How will you position my offer to ultimately succeed in today’s Grand Junction market?” The best buyer’s agents don’t just submit an offer — they guide you through every step leading up to it, showing intent with every action: from property tours, pre-offer communications with the listing agent, and timing your offer strategically.

Read the best Grand Junction locations to consider, and check out my post about Grand Junction Housing Market Update Reports. I can customize a report for your search criteria that shows how many showings listings in your price range are getting in today’s market.

Let’s Get Started

Your home purchase or sale is too important to leave to chance—or to agents relying on sponsored ads just to get in front of you. As you begin your search for the best Grand Junction real estate agents, follow these nine tips, and you can be confident your next choice will be the right one. With the right agent by your side, you’ll enjoy a smooth, stress-free, and rewarding experience in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, or anywhere in Mesa County. There are some great agents in the Grand Valley, but I want to make sure you know at least one who consistently helps clients successfully purchase homes and sell for more with less stress.

Call me with confidence to assist with your relocation, your home purchase or sale. Reach out through my online contact form today.

Learn more about what I learned by living in Grand Junction Colorado or Why I chose Realty ONE Group Western Slope and why you should too!

I was recently featured in The Grand Junction Sentinel for my work helping people relocate to Western Colorado.

Paul Aspelin REALTOR

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

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

 

Paul Aspelin Realtor Designations and Awards List

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Choosing the Best Grand Junction Listing Agent | Your Home Sold for MORE™

Choosing the Best Grand Junction Listing Agent

Choosing the Best Grand Junction Listing Agent to sell your home is about more than an agent placing a sign in the yard or putting your home on the MLS. It’s about strategy, preparation, and partnering with a locally based agent who knows how to maximize your sale and your experience. Choosing the right agent is the most important step to sell faster, earn more, and reduce stress.

Too many people in Grand Junction are ultimately choosing their listing agent based on the wrong criteria. The industry itself rewards listing agents for their sales figures, not the client experience, so why would you think any different? In this ultimate guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know to avoid the traditional agent trap, and pick a listing agent who delivers results, avoids costly mistakes, and guides you smoothly through the entire selling process.

“I was very impressed with Paul at our first meeting in my home because of the time he spent with me explaining his marketing strategies and his professionalism. He demonstrated the fact that he values the confidence his clients place in his ability to sell their property. He is a real estate agent of high integrity and compassion, a role model for other real estate agents. I felt completely at ease giving Paul the listing of my home. I told him he should consider instructing a class for other real estate agents.” 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-Pat Campbell

Call/Text Paul Aspelin at (612) 306-9558 or fill out this form to schedule your FREE  No-obligation listing consultation.

Why Choosing the Best Grand Junction Listing Agent Matters

The Grand Junction real estate market has unique challenges and opportunities. Who you choose to work with matters, so please take this decision seriously.

A skilled local listing agent understands:

  1. Current Market Trends
  2. Pricing Strategies
  3. Marketing Expertise

Tip 1 (Insider Tip): Interview multiple locally based agents before deciding. Look beyond hype — ask about expired/canceled listings to gauge their real performance.

1. Current Market Trends

Knowing how long homes stay on the market and what buyers are paying is important. But statistics don’t sell homes. Collaborating with a Grand Junction listing agent who understands how to create demand and position your home as the “must-see” property only happens when you hire the right agent.

My strategy turned decades of experience into a process that gives you the upper hand in negotiations, avoids traditional listing agent “Just Listed” pitfalls, and takes full advantage of the critical “first impression” period. These are just a few of the key factors for getting your home Sold for MORE™!

Tip 2 (Pro Tip): Watch how long homes stay on the market and how pricing changes over time. Avoid agents who rely on monthly price reductions.

Curious about the market? Complete the contact form to request your complimentary Realty ONE Monthly Market Snapshot PDF today. Click here to view a sample PDF of the report and see the value for yourself. I wrote a post about it, including the number of showings current listings are getting. Read my Grand Junction Housing Market Report post.

2. Pricing Strategy

Accurately pricing your home is important, and every traditional agent will tout this as their number one tool to get a “Just Sold” sign in your yard. I am not interested in “Only Sold”—I want your home Sold for MORE™. My trademarked Homes Sold for MORE™ process is about collaborating with sellers to set the right price from the start, attracting educated buyers without relying on constant price reductions. Beware of traditional agents who use language like “It’s your home, we can price it at whatever you want.”

When interviewing listing agents, it’s important not to approach a pricing conversation like a scene from old western movie where there is a standoff at high noon. You will have your opinion, and the agent will hopefully have theirs. If you cannot comfortably collaborate on pricing, find an agent that will.

Avoid Losing Big on Your Home Sale

I recently saw an expired listing from a top Grand Junction listing agent that came off the market after 6 months, and seven price reductions adding up to almost a 25% discount from the original listing price. So, what happened? As a top listing agent who survived the housing market of the Great Recession, I have never been 25% off in my pricing recommendations. This was a case of either a seller dictating a listing price based on emotion and/or a listing agent “buying their listing.”

Buying a listing happens when an agent provides an overly inflated home value to secure your business thinking you will eventually come down to a price that will sell. I assure you this traditional agent thinking is NOT how you get MORE from your home sale.

Tip 3 (Insider Tip): Avoid agents who try to “buy the listing” with an unrealistic price — it’s a recipe for long days on market and unnecessary reductions.

Tip 4 (Pro Tip): Always discuss pricing strategies in detail. Make sure you and your agent collaborate to set the right price with local comps and buyer insights.

Don’t fall for the Zestimate® trap when you can rely on a Bestimate™ for an accurate home value.

Contact me today for a free market analysis and personalized pricing strategy session that positions your home to sell for MORE.

3. Marketing Expertise that Matters

Professional photography, MLS listings, and targeted social media campaigns draw attention—but does your home emotionally connect with buyers? I know how to reach educated buyers who are ready to act. My process not only exposes your home to stand out, but it also positions you to win while avoiding costly failed sales while giving you the upper hand in negotiations.

With a large amount of relocation buyers coming to Grand Junction, your listing will also be featured on this website. The #1 relocation website in the Grand Junction area, ensuring your home stands out to buyers all over the country.

Tip 5 (Insider Tip): Look for agents who have a strong LOCAL relocation website — your home should be visible to buyers moving from other states, not just local traffic. Check out my Grand Junction Relocation Guide to see how relocation-focused marketing can give your home maximum exposure.

Tip 6 (Pro Tip): Ask your agent how they measure marketing success. Avoid generic metrics like “list-to-sold price” without context.

Want to discuss and see examples of proven marketing campaigns and how my strategic approach gets homes SOLD for MORE™? Contact Me to learn more.

Marketing Statistics & Strategy

Don’t be misled by “List-to-Sold Price” metrics. Traditional agents often boast about selling “at or above asking price.” Many times, this statistic ignores the multiple price reductions that took place before that final sale.

A monthly price reduction strategy is not a marketing strategy. Homes Sold for MORE™ focuses on front-loaded preparation, a targeted launch strategy, and attracting educated buyers to protect—and maximize—your equity. We understand how to properly interpret statistics to provide you with rock solid advice, every time!

Tips for Hiring the Best Grand Junction Listing Agent

Not all listing agents are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

  • Upfront Guidance: I understand how to guide you to avoid typical hurdles and prepare your home correctly before exposing your listing on the MLS. Traditional agents are trained to rush to get you on the market. It’s always better for your bottom line to go on the market when you are ready versus quickly. I always encourage people to reach out to me months or even a year in advance.
  • Positioning for Success: I provide you with an upper hand in negotiations, maximizing your net sale proceeds. My strategies go beyond the final sales price by proactively putting more money into your pocket from avoiding common pitfalls upfront whereas traditional agents deal with hurdles as they happen.
  • Local Market Knowledge: “I know the area” is a common marketing phrase you hear from many traditional agents. Neighborhood familiarity is nice, and understanding three different routes to the nearest Walmart is quite impressive, if you’re acting as a buyer’s agent. But strategic marketing and educated buyer positioning matter more when it comes to listing a home.

Also important are…

  • Paul Aspelin Reviews and RecommendationsProven Track Record: A track record that actually means something. Most agents flaunt high sales volume and five-star reviews. But here’s the truth: Many high-volume agents have shockingly high expired or cancelled listing rates. Online reviews are often only given as a reciprocal courtesy at closing. If an agent has closed 1,000 homes yet has only two hundred reviews… that’s only a 20% satisfaction rate. Look beyond the hype so commonly marketed as the best metric to find a quality agent. Personal accolades, handwritten cards, and referrals reflect true success, but aren’t always readily visible online. Ask the agent you’re interviewing about their rate of referral from past clients. I’ve consistently been at 90%+. This stat should tell you everything about an agent’s process and mindset for delivering the value and experience you deserve. Read my reviews and recommendations.
  • Innovative Marketing Skills: MLS alone isn’t enough. Holding open houses every weekend can be more valuable to an agent’s business than your home they have listed. Homes Sold for MORE™ saves you wasted open house weekends while targeting educated buyers. I hold open houses ONLY when they are warranted. I utilize a system for attracting open house prospects while protecting your valuable time.
  • Negotiation Expertise: I analyze offers differently, starting with a focus on buyer intent. Are they really interested in buying your home or will they continue to keep shopping? All my insight and advice are aligned to protect your bottom line. My goal is not to get you any offer, I want the right offer that will stick, and close on time! Negotiation tactics can be taught but nothing replacing experience with the real deal.

And let’s not forget these…

  • Client-Focused Approach: Communication is key. Our process prioritizes your goals, not ours. Traditional agents are trained to utilize every listing as an opportunity to generate more business. Operating on a high rate of referrals allows me to focus 100% of my efforts and attention on selling your home, not selling you on marketing efforts like weekly open houses or marketing campaigns designed to attract new business while your home is listed for sale.
  • Years of experience and hundreds of homes sold: With my 25+ years of experience, I have dealt with almost every situation, in every type of market you can imagine. Managing other agents for 18 years when I was the broker/owner of my previous brokerage exposed me to managing any hurdle that is tossed our way. Aligning with Realty ONE Group Western Slope also provides additional resources and support to tackle the most difficult of situations to benefit your outcome.

Tip 7 (Insider Tip): Ask agents for examples of creative marketing campaigns they’ve executed. Real-world examples matter more than awards.

“Your dedication and determination to meet my needs was impressive! I never felt like I was just another client”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Rona Mandel

What is Homes Sold for MORE™?

Homes Sold for MORE™ is a trademarked approach designed to help sellers maximize their home’s value while minimizing stress and time on market. Unlike traditional listing agent strategies, our system focuses on:

  • Homes Sold for More sign over generic sold signExpert professional resale staging and home preparation
  • Targeted marketing for educated buyers
  • Collaborative pricing
  • Mitigation of buyer reconsideration pitfalls
  • Positioning you to have the upper hand in negotiations
  • A step-by-step process that avoids failed offers and unwarranted price reductions

Tip 8 (Insider Tip): Ask your agent how they prevent buyer remorse and renegotiation delays — many listings fail after initial offers due to poor positioning.

We don’t just list your home — we position it to sell for more money, faster, and with less stress. Learn how we are different at homessoldformore.com.

How a Great Listing Agent Helps You Sell for More

A great Grand Junction listing agent does more than list your home—they strategically position it to sell for the highest possible price: Our strategy isn’t another empty claim, it’s a promise we consistently deliver. See the difference in our strategy versus the tactics traditional agents use by visiting our “Just Listed Pitfalls” page.

  • Staged by Rooms with Style

    Professional Staging & Photography: First impressions matter. We bring 20+ years of certified professional resale staging experience to every listing regardless of price. I do not subscribe to the mindset of traditional agents who base their marketing efforts on your price point and whether your home is worthy of their best efforts. Every home gets my best! Professional photographers that help tell a story, not just take pictures, are critical to your success. I see terrible, professional pictures all the time. Quality is just as important as clarity.

  • Targeted Marketing: Educated buyers, not just motivated buyers, are reached to reduce failed sales and get you MORE. Educated buyers understand a great home and opportunity when they see one. They are the ones who present offers on day one because they are waiting for a home like yours to hit the market.
  • Pricing & Negotiation: Our collaborative pricing protects your equity and saves time.
  • Stress-Free Process: We manage paperwork, preparation guidance, pre-inspections, closing, and many details traditional agents overlook.

My Homes Sold for MORE™ process consistently delivers MORE value with fewer days on market, creating a smoother, more profitable experience for sellers. Your home isn’t “Just Listed” then “Only Sold;” it’s Sold for MORE™!

Tip 9 (Pro Tip): Ensure your agent will personally oversee every stage — don’t settle for someone delegating your listing entirely to assistants.

“We really enjoy working with Paul to sell our home. His marketing strategy enabled us to reach more Realtors® and interested buyers in the area than the typical open house and newspaper ad strategy that is used by other agents.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️– Richard and Amber Jackson

Learn how my Homes Sold for MORE™ system and personal oversight of every listing can maximize your sale. Schedule your consultation.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make Without the Best Listing Agent

Avoid these costly errors by hiring a top listing agent from the start:

  • Allowing a traditional agent to “buy your listing” with empty promises and an inflated listing price just to secure your business.
  • Poor or limited marketing—relying only on open houses
  • Choosing an agent based sales volume or name recognition rather than consistent results
  • Failing to interview multiple agents before deciding

These mistakes can lengthen your time on the market and reduce your final sale price. A skilled Grand Junction listing agent prevents these pitfalls.

Tip 10 (Insider Tip): Avoid rushing to list your home. Timing, preparation, and strategy drive higher net proceeds.

Understand the “Just Listed” pitfalls you should avoid to put more money in your pocket!

Interviewing the Best Grand Junction Listing Agent

Every seller I’ve ever met dreads the thought of interviewing agents for selling their home. A two-hour dog and pony show of generic statistics, their company history, their sales awards, etc. which are all designed to display an impression of their worth. Worse yet, you call in a heavy hitter agent who walks in unprepared and is overly confident expecting their name to be enough to earn your business. No thank you, you deserve MORE!

Ask These Two Questions to Spot a Top Listing Agent

When you call me out to discuss your situation, be prepared to receive value and strategy. I often get seller comments like “Wow, I wasn’t expecting our meeting to go like this” or “I cannot believe we almost considered the agent we met with last night.” With me you get no fluff, no pressure, and only a proven system of results that add value to your bottom line. To speed up your interviews I highly recommend you ask agents two critical questions:

  1. “What percentage of your listings have expired or canceled on you?”

    This question is framed all around RESULTS! Many top producers have expired or cancelled rates of 20%-30% and believe those are “acceptable” rates of failure and just a normal part of doing business. They might be when you operate your business as a numbers game. In my 25-year career I have only had about ten homes that didn’t sell. Half happened during the housing recession, a couple of the clients I fired, and a couple more had life events change their circumstances and desire for selling. That’s it! I don’t just list homes, I sell them. If you commit to me, I will commit to you.

  2. “Give me an example of a creative marketing strategy you’ve used to sell a home.”

    You won’t see an agent squirm in their seat more than after this question. I’ve been blessed with a creative gene and a love for creative marketing. If we need an out-of-the-box strategy to attract more buyers, I’ve always been up to the challenge. Ask me about my scenic overlook campaign or my property map ideas. Absolute home run for my sellers!

Tip 11 (Pro Tip): The right agent answers confidently with real examples — this separates marketing fluff from actionable expertise.

Tip 12 (Insider Secret): Learn how to find out if that top Grand Junction agent you’re considering is actually a discount broker in disguise.

Avoid costly mistakes — schedule your free interview with me today and ensure your home is positioned to sell for MORE™.

FAQ — Best Grand Junction Listing Agent

Q: What does a Grand Junction listing agent do?
A: Manages every aspect of preparing, exposing, and selling your home to maximize your net profit with less stress.

Q: How much does a listing agent cost in Grand Junction?
A: Typically, a commission percentage is charged upon the successful closing of your home. There is no standard fee as all commissions are negotiable. At Homes Sold for MORE™, we ensure your investment in the right agent is maximized in ways beyond just the final sales price.

Q: How do I know which agent is right for me?
A: You should ask about past results (not sales volume), including rates of canceled and expired listings. Find an agent willing to provide examples of past creative marketing initiatives they’ve used. Interview multiple agents no matter how time consuming and painful that might be.

Q: How long will it take to sell my home in Grand Junction?
A: It depends on market conditions, collaborative pricing, and the guidance you get from your agent, but our system consistently reduces time on market.

Q: Will any Grand Junction listing agent help me get my home Sold for MORE™?
A: No! The best listing agents use strategic positioning, collaborative pricing, and give you the upper hand in negotiations to maximize your sale. We don’t rely on low interest rates or an overheated seller’s market to consistently generate incredible results.

Q: What’s the difference between a listing agent vs buyer’s agent?
A: Listing agents represent the seller; buyer’s agents represent the buyer. Find an agent that will commit to putting your best interest first and foremost in every situation!

Ready to Sell Your Grand Junction Home for MORE?

Partner with me, a listing agent who prioritizes your goals and uses the Homes Sold for MORE™ strategy to maximize your sale price, reduce stress, and shorten market time. Learn more at HomesSoldforMore.com.

Paul Aspelin Grand Junction Listing Agent - Homes Sold for More and For Sale Sign Grand Junction Get Help, Not HYPE! We do Real Estate RIGHT!

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today! Complete this form to connect with me and be confident in your decision to reach out! 

Text or Call (612) 306-9558  (Locally Based)

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

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

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Grand Junction Area Spotlight

Grand Junction Area Spotlight

When you move to the Grand Junction area, there are plenty of great spots in and around the area worth checking out. In this post I put the spotlight on a few of our favorite places or experiences, in no particular order. The main image on this post was taken on the Waterfowl Trail in the Connected Lakes State Park near downtown Grand Junction. I have a video about it on my Live Your Vacation Facebook Page.

Send me an email if you have any suggestions of places you think we should check out or you are curious about.

Parade of Lights (December)

Parade of Lights in Fruita CO - Xcel Energy truck covered in lights

Parade of Lights in Fruita

Our first Parade of Lights was officially in Fruita when we were staying there for 3 weeks during our Living in Grand Junction Experiment. It’s way too cold in Minnesota to attend a parade like this so it’s something we look forward to each December. Before the Grand Junction Parade of Lights starts, we head over to Mainstreet Bagels to get some authentic hot chocolate. Typically, we are joined by our daughter and son-in-law to enjoy the floats. It’s not too cold but you do want to wear a hat and gloves. Hot cocoa helps too!

Fruita Visitor Center

There is a Visitor Center in Grand Junction off Horizon Drive near the airport, but it’s just not as good as the Fruita Visitor Center. The GJ location went through a transition recently so they didn’t have as many brochures during that time. But the Fruita Visitor Center is always well stocked with information and volunteers to share their experiences. On one visit, we met a gentleman who lived just a couple of miles from where we grew up in Deephaven, MN. I sometimes stop in there to pick up guides, maps, and brochures for my visiting clients. I encourage you to go there yourself. We discover something new every time. They have information about all of Colorado, not just the Grand Junction area.

Colorado River Bridge

We often find ourselves drawn to the bridge over the Colorado River at Las Colonias Park near Camp Eddy. In the spring, we come to watch the powerful rush of snowmelt flowing through the river. By summer and fall, it’s the perfect spot to check water levels, relax, and watch people float by, soaking in the Grand Valley lifestyle. Sometimes we walk around the nearby Butterfly Pond. Michelle’s sister and brother-in-law stayed at Camp Eddy for 3 weeks in October. They loved being so close to the river and the Colorado Riverfront Trail. Read my post about the cons of living in the Grand Junction area where I mention the goat heads on the Riverfront Trail and how to avoid a flat tire on our bike.

Downtown Grand Junction

Realty ONE Group office on Colorado Ave in downtown Grand Junction

Realty ONE Group Western Slope office on Colorado Ave in Grand Junction

There is just something about walking downtown Grand Junction from end to end. We have many favorite shops and restaurants downtown and would be happy to meet you in any location downtown! Sometimes when we are running errands, we’ll just drive through downtown to see what’s going on. Attending the Sunday Farmers Market in Palisade the best, but we also go to the Thursday evening Farmers Market in Grand Junction several times a year.

Parking is easy, drive to Colorado Avenue, just a block off main street. You can usually find a spot to park in the lot behind the Rockslide Brewery. The lot is free after 4pm and on weekends. Keep a couple of quarters in your vehicle in case you need to pay for parking. It’s very reasonable. My Realty One Group Western Slope Real Estate Office is located in downtown Grand Junction, and I frequently pay to park in the area. Let me know if you have question about the parking apps.

Mesa County Libraries

We are constantly researching the area and we read business and marketing books as a hobby. We’ve been to the Fruita, Grand Junction, Clifton, Orchard Mesa, and Palisade Libraries. Libraries are a great resource for the community. Read my post about Mesa County Libraries and the Friends of the Mesa County Libraries. I even started a Little Free Library in Las Colonias, visiting it often to make sure it’s still filled with books, and Michelle usually finds one for herself.

Colorado National Monument Favorite Stops

Paul Aspelin standing near the top of the Serpent’s Trail in the Monument

Take the Fruita (west) entrance into the Colorado National Monument. Just before the Visitor Center, turn left at the Saddlehorn Campground. At the “Y” in the road, veer left and follow the loop around to the parking spaces in front of the Book Cliffs View. Walk out about 50 feet for some incredible views. There are a few short trails nearby, one leads to the Visitor Center. It’s one of our favorite spots to bring guests and it’s typically not crowded.

Another favorite is Otto’s Trail. It gives visitors a chance to stretch their legs and get emersed in the canyons of the Monument. A stop at the top of Serpent’s Trail is another great spot but there are only 4 parking spaces so it’s not always available when you drive by. If you can stop, walk for about 50 yards down the trail and enjoy the view! Serpents Trail is the original road to get to the top of the Monument. It’s a great hike, but a lot of elevation gain. Watch for big horn sheep, mostly along the western side of Rimrock Drive through the Monument.

Palisade Sweet Spots

Clark’s Distillery at Sunset looking at Mt. Garfield

Outside of Grand Junction, we visit Palisade the most. We always enjoy the Sunday Farmers Market, and we have some favorite restaurants if you are looking for recommendations. One of our favorite spots is to sit outside in the Adirondack chairs at Clark’s Distillery and watch the sun set over the Colorado River. The setting sun makes the Book Cliffs glow. They have great food and a variety of beverages. Another spot to sit and soak up the view is at the Colterris Winery. The winery is at the far eastern edge of Palisade on N. River Road. You are at the base of the Book Cliffs and the Grand Mesa, peering into the De Beque Canyon. Most days there is a gentle breeze due to the micro-climate of this area. It’s very peaceful.

I’ve got a few more favorite spots in the Grand Junction area, and I’ll usually mention them when I give clients a tour. If they are interested, I add them to the itinerary. Some are quick stops, overlooks, high points, special views, and unique features to point out. As a CMU alumni parent, we always enjoy pulling into the parking lot at the Outdoor Program building and watching the students walk about campus. You can get breakfast at the CMU Library building nearby. I have a post with some tips for CMU parents if your child is considering attending this fabulous Western Slope University.

Do you have a favorite spot in Grand Junction, Fruita, or Palisade? Send me an email and we will check it out!

Move to Grand Junction and Live Your Vacation Every Day!

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Text or Call (612) 306-9558 with your questions about living in Grand Junction.

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE
Learn more about me and how I serve my clients.
Serving Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and all of Mesa County.
Licensed in Colorado.

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

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Silverton Day Trip from Grand Junction

Silverton Day Trip from Grand Junction

It was late October when we took our most recent Silverton day trip from Grand Junction. We have been there two other times and always enjoyed this calm, scenic mountain town.

Our first experience in Silverton, CO was in 2021 when we drove from Arizona to Grand Junction to see our daughter on our way back to Minnesota. From Grand Junction we drove south along Hwy 550 to Durango. We hit many small towns in Colorado before turning north to Minnesota. That trip included our first experience on the Million Dollar Highway.

The Million Dollar Highway

We didn’t do much research about the Million Dollar Highway our first time to Silverton. I thought it was all about the “million-dollar views”. Boy, were we surprised! Paul drove with white knuckles while I could barely look out the side window down the 1000’ cliff. We both watched the road as we twisted and turned along the side of the mountain and the cliff. No guardrails. Speed limit gets down to 15 mph because of the tight curves. Once we made it safely to Durango, I looked it up online and the first website to pop up was “Most Dangerous Roads” … gulp! I texted our daughter’s boyfriend at the time, Josh, and asked him about people dying on that road. And his reply, I remember to this day, “Yeah, about a dozen people die each year on that road but it’s mostly during the winter so you don’t really need to worry.”  What?!?!?!

The second time we drove it was to give our relatives a chance to see Silverton and the Road while they were visiting. I sat behind the driver vs in the passenger seat, and it went much smoother. The most recent time was in October 2025 and this time we stopped along the way and really took in the experience. We are more comfortable driving on the mountain roads now. It was much more enjoyable. We went on a Sunday when the Broncos were playing, so there was hardly any traffic on the road which made a huge difference. The first time we drove it a semi carrying logging timber came around the corner and Paul practically came to a stop in his lane (we were only going about 15 mph anyway) until the semi passed and we both gave a sigh of relief.

Where is the Million Dollar Highway?

The Million Dollar Highway is officially the stretch of Hwy 550 between Ouray and Silverton, part of the larger San Juan Skyway that makes a big loop in SW Colorado. About halfway, you go over Red Mountain Pass (10,899 ft. elevation). It’s very beautiful. There are only parts of the road with the steep drop-offs and absolutely no shoulder. Other times it flattens out and gets wide as you go through a valley closer to Silverton. I think it’s something everyone should experience once. Just go slowly and only go in good weather without snow on the ground or rain so you can enjoy it. I feel like every day trip we take is like a mini vacation. We get so lost in the experience of it all, it’s a great break.

Red Mountain Pass and Yankee Girl Mine

This is a stunning part of Hwy 550. There are actually 3 Red Mountains, named 1, 2 and 3 that stand out against the deep blue sky. There is a pullout near the top, on the north side of the pass that explains the multitude of mines in this area. It is there that we learned that the Yankee Girl Mine was one of the most profitable silver mines in the United States.

The Yankee Girl mine went nearly straight down to a depth of 1200 vertical feet. The remaining structure serves as a relic of the area’s rich mining history, and it was fun to photograph it. It was in operation from 1882 to 1890. The Yankee Girl Mine helped bring attention to the Red Mountain Mining District, which eventually became a significant mining area known around the world.

Silverton Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

Another way to get to Silverton is to take the train north from Durango. The train drops passengers off in the downtown business district. There was a train at the station when we last visited. You can start your adventure when the train drops you off and visit the many shops, galleries, and restaurants. They offer a round trip from Durango with a 2-hour layover in Silverton or trips with an overnight stay in Silverton. There’s a special Polar Express experience during the holiday season. Get your tickets and more information at https://www.durangotrain.com.

Silverton Mountain Backcountry Ski Area

Paul gets asked a lot by clients coming in from out of state about the closest place to downhill ski. We tell them about Powderhorn Mountain Resort on the Grand Mesa or Telluride Ski Resort. But did you know that Silverton has a chairlift? It’s at Silverton Mountain about 6 miles out of town. This is no ordinary resort, in fact, there is no resort at all. Just a chairlift.

Silverton Mountain describes the experience like this. “Imagine a place where the average total snowfall of over 400 inches exceeds the amount of daily visitors. Advanced and expert only riding, no groomers, no clearcut runs and a real mountain experience with plenty of adventure on tap. All thrills, no frills.” That’s right, we saw the chairlift but no clearcut ski runs through the trees. They offer heliskiing where a helicopter drops you off, up to six times in one day, to ski Silverton’s backcountry. Be sure to bring your own food and water. They rent ski and snowboard equipment suitable for the area. It’s open to the public Thursday-Sundays during the winter and spring ski season. Private heliskiing is available 7 days a week, including Monday through Wednesday when mountain operations are closed. Learn more at https://silvertonmountain.com.

The Town of Silverton, Colorado

Ok, enough about getting to Silverton, let’s talk about what you can do while you are there for your Silverton day trip from Grand Junction. Silverton is a tiny, historic mountain town with a little over 700 residents. There are miles of ruggedly beautiful mountains surrounding the town that serve as their playground with great jeeping, hiking, biking, mountaineering, fishing, ATVing, and river running. It’s an official Colorado Creative District offering a vibrant arts community. They have outdoor music and many festivals and events during the summer months, including a farmers market in July, August and September.

The buildings are mostly classic Victorian era including the notorious Blair Street, home to bars, brothels and bunkhouses for the miners. It’s now home to shops, art galleries and restaurants, some with funky names.  The main street is called Greene Street, and I think it’s the only paved road through town. It’s small but charming and welcoming. We ate at a saloon on Greene Street that still had a bullet in the wall behind the bar from the “wild west” days. The Silverton Cemetery attracts visitors during the day and even at night to experience some paranormal activities. Some buildings are said to be haunted as well. There are museums and mine tours to learn about the rich mining history.

We saw a small grocery store. There are hotels and RV Parks with cabin rentals if you want to stay the night and continue your adventure. Maybe rent an ATV and do the Alpine Loop? There are loads of small creeks that lead into the Cement Creek, Animas River and Mineral Creek. The scenery is stunning everywhere you look, just like most of Colorado.

Access the Alpine Loop

You can stay in Silverton and access the 63-mile Alpine Loop. From Silverton, the Alpine Loop connects with Lake City and there’s another access from Hwy 550 on the Million Dollar Highway that takes you to Ouray. ATVs are no longer allowed to drive through town, so you’ll need to trailer them up to a staging area or have someone drop you off for your adventure. Plan on a full day, or more, to drive the loop. The Alpine Loop is demanding, and you need to be prepared. The two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, but the well-prepared traveler reaps the rewards: pristine mountain views, abundant wildflowers, hiking and biking trails, great camping opportunities, and ample solitude in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.

These rocky roads were first used by 19th-century miners, who carted their ore to Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City in mule-drawn wagons. They weren’t built for automobiles. There are seven ghost towns along the loop. We’d like to see Animas Forks Ghost Town someday. Make sure someone knows your travel plans and do your homework before you start your trip. Be sure you have a full tank of gas and ample food and water supplies as there are no services along the Alpine Loop itself. Oh, and it’s closed in winter. We haven’t driven the loop, we just drove a small portion from Silverton and we went a few miles on it from Lake City.  Someday we will rent ATVs and experience the full loop.

In Silverton, you can rent ATVs, golf carts, e-bikes, mountain bikes, go horseback riding and participate in guided hikes. There are all sorts of outdoor adventures you can take advantage of on a Silverton day trip from Grand Junction. I really enjoyed strolling the main street and going into the shops and galleries.

If you’d like to live near aventures like this in Silverton, Get Started!

Book Recommendation

If you want to experience the 4×4 and jeeping backcountry roads in Colorado, I highly recommend the book by Charles A. Wells called “Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails” and there is a “Northern” version for roads north of I-70. I was able to snag the book at a Friends of the Library book sale, and I purchased the northern version, a spiral bound book, but we haven’t ventured north of I-70 yet. The San Juans keep pulling us south.

The books categorize the trails by easy, moderate, or difficult. They include photos, detailed maps, and descriptions about what to expect at what mile point along the trail. It helps keep us out of trouble. We stick to the “easy” roads. However, we took one 4×4 only trail in our Tacoma, Washington Gulch, to get us to Emerald Lake from Crested Butte. THAT was amazing but we got lucky. That particular road wasn’t in the book, and I think it was definitely a moderate trail. Not good for our first experience! Ask Paul to tell you the story about our trip and what the lady at the Visitor Center advised us to do! Lesson learned, do your own homework first and know your limits.

There are plenty of adventures beyond a Silverton day trip from Grand Junction that you can enjoy within 2–3 hours of the Grand Valley — and the journey is always stunningly scenic. I hope you enjoyed this post about our Silverton day trip. If you want us to write about other Grand Junction day trips, let Paul know. There is so much to see and do in Grand Junction and the surrounding mountain and desert communities. Paul has lots of stories he can share.

Red Mountain Pass mining district overlook

If you are considering moving to Grand Junction, Paul will give you a tour when you first come for a visit. Learn more About Paul and how he’s been serving his clients since 2001.

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!
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Guest Post by Michelle Aspelin
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© 2025 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR® MovetoGrandJunction.com and Michelle Aspelin. Copyright protected. All Rights Reserved.

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Leaf Peeping from Grand Junction

Leaf Peeping from Grand Junction

When fall comes and you want to go leaf peeping from Grand Junction, you have a huge advantage over people who live on the Front Range. Here on the Western Slope, we can easily get to Telluride, Ouray, Crested Butte, and of course, the Grand Mesa. We don’t need to sit in traffic for long hours due to congestion on I-70. In fact, we don’t have to get on I-70 at all! If you are not from Colorado and you have never driven our East/West Interstate, please read my post called “I-70: What it’s really like to drive it.” And be prepared to be entertained!

Crested Butte Leaf Peeping

We decided on a day trip the last weekend in September to go leaf peeping from Grand Junction to Crested Butte. We drove Kebler Pass, which is only open during the summer months. It was stunning. Of course we stopped at our favorite spot for tea/coffee, Rumors, and ate at McGill’s Restaurant. Both are located on the main drag, Elk Ave. Supposedly the largest Aspen grove is found along Kebler Pass. The leaves were amazing, and while the pass was popular, there wasn’t any “traffic” to contend with.

We left Grand Junction and drove to Paonia, then the Kebler Pass to and from Crested Butte. On our way back, we drove through Redstone and had a picnic dinner along the river, then to Glenwood Springs and came back I-70 to Grand Junction. But we could have come back via Paonia and stayed off I-70 if we wanted to. But we like making a loop to see different things vs coming back the same way.

Fall leaves from Kebler Pass with ferns and aspen trees with yellow leaves

Kebler Pass on the way to Crested Butte

Fall leaves along Kebler Pass with mountains and blue sky

Kebler Pass view while driving to Crested Butte

bright orange and yellow fall leaves and Michelle and Paul Aspelin

Crested Butte last week of September

Eating picnic dinner along the river in Redstone showing mountains and park

We sat at a marble picnic table and ate dinner along the river in Redstone

Grand Mesa Leaf Peeping

We took another day trip the very next day. This time we went leaf peeping from Grand Junction to the Grand Mesa. We did that day trip twice this fall. The second trip was the last weekend of September, the leaves were in their peak colors. We drove up to Powderhorn Mountain Resort during their special “Color Day” celebration and took the chairlift up to the top of the mountain. That was Michelle’s first time on a chairlift. We hiked a part of the West Bench Trail at the top of the mountain and came back to the resort for a snack and listened to the music on the outdoor deck.

Yellow and green aspen leaves viewed from the chairlift at Powderhorn Mountain Resort

View from the chairlift at Powderhorn Mountain Resort

walking the West Bench Trail among the yellow aspens at the top of Powderhorn

Walking the West Bench Trail among the yellow aspens at the top of Powderhorn

View of the mountain biking trail below the chairlift at Powderhorn

View of the mountain biking trail below the chairlift at Powderhorn

On a different trip up to the Mesa, we kept going on Hwy 65 and stopped at Mesa Lakes Lodge for lunch. After stopping at the Grand Mesa Visitor Center, we  hiked Ward Lake. It has a great section that goes through a beautiful forest. Continuing on with our day, we hiked Land O’ Lakes, a short .5 mile out and back with the best views! It’s a paved trail that’s very high. We could see Craigs Crest, tons of lakes, of course, and even the Elk Mountains and the San Juans in the distance. That short hike is on the list for the next time we have friends or family in town. We took Michelle’s sisters there in mid October and it was still stunning. Easily one of the best viewpoints on the Mesa!

map showing the dirt road we took along Hwy 65 on the Grand Mesa

This map shows the dirt road we took along Hwy 65 on the Grand Mesa

View from the Land o' Lakes trail overlook showing mountains, aspen leaves, and Indian Lake

View from the Land O’ Lakes trail overlook

Dirt road through the woods showing bright yellow aspen leaves on our leaf peeping from Grand Junction trip up the Grand Mesa

View from the dirt road – the aspen trees were glowing!

Hiking trail around Ward Lake on the Grand Mesa showing rocks, green and red ground cover and the lake

Hiking around Ward Lake

At the end of our day we relaxed and had drinks outside on the deck at nearby Grand Mesa Lodge. We were enjoying ourselves so much we ended up eating dinner there too. On our way back, we took a small bypass down a gravel road and past a campground, then back onto Hwy 65. THAT was amazing! The beautiful aspen leaves covered the road like a tunnel. Again, the Mesa was busy this time of year, but there was no traffic, no waiting in line, just great views!

Facebook post showing traffic congestion for leaf peeping from the front range

Skip the I-70 Traffic: A Better Way to Enjoy Fall in Western Colorado

Online we saw several news reports of vehicles being so backed up on I-70 for leaf peeping from the Front Range that they actually had to close an exit near Georgetown. That’s not fun. Last year we stayed overnight in Denver with friends who were in town from Wisconsin to attend a concert at Red Rocks.

On our way back to GJ, we drove west to Evergreen, then to Fairplay and up to Breckenridge passing The Colorado Trail near Kenosha Pass. It was so backed up it took us an hour to go just a few miles. We vowed to never get stuck like that again! However, we did see a moose and her baby, that was cool!

When you go leaf peeping from Grand Junction, you can plan your day as you’d like. You can live like you are on vacation every day with access to the mountains and all its glory. And after the leaves peek in the higher elevations in September, you can enjoy fall again when they peek in Grand Junction around mid to end of October.

I posted some leaf peeping videos on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

Paul Aspelin on the chairlift at Powderhorn showing the yellow aspen leaves

Paul Aspelin on the chairlift at Powderhorn Mountain Resort

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.

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

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Your Grand Junction Relocation Guide

Your Grand Junction Relocation Guide

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

I AM your Relocation Guide!

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

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

I was recently featured in The Grand Junction Sentinel for my work helping people relocate to Western Colorado.

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

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

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

Personalized Relocation Tours for a Seamless Move

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

I love to provide personalized Relocation Tours of the Grand Valley. I don’t just hand you a brochure. You hop in my vehicle, and I give you a guided tour of neighborhoods, schools, parks, local businesses, and hidden gems so you can truly understand what life here feels like. My role is bigger than helping you buy a house. I am here to help you discover if the Grand Junction lifestyle and community fits your goals and needs. Get started with my step-by-step relocation guide.

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

What to Expect on a Relocation Tour

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

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

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

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

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

Skip the Learning Curve: Explore Grand Junction with Me

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

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

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

Read my post about What Relocation Buyers Find Shocking about Buying a Home in Mesa County, and I do too!

Ready to Explore?

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

Colorado National Monument Tour Stop

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

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

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

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

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

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Homes Sold for More™

Selling a Home in Grand Junction with a Homes Sold for More™ Agent!

If you’ve been reading my Move to Grand Junction blog posts, you know that they are mostly about moving here and living in Grand Junction. But did you know I also list homes for sale in Grand Junction? In fact, I have a dedicated website for Grand Junction Home Sellers called Homes Sold for More™.

What is Homes Sold for More™?

Homes Sold for More™ is a listing process I created over the last 25 years that positions the sellers I work with to get MORE! More communication, more convenience, more pre-planning, more home staging, more services, and more expertise.

Traditional “Just Listed” tactics are outdated and ineffective. In fact, after moving to Grand Junction, I quickly realized that the listing preparation and marketing tactics used by even the top agents in the Grand Valley are 15+ years behind what agents are doing in the major metropolitan areas. I show my clients how their home can stand out from the competition!

Avoid These “Just Listed” Mistakes When Selling Your Grand Junction Home

For a comprehensive list of “Just Listed” pitfalls to avoid visit HomesSoldForMore.com. Find out more about my process and how the Sold for More™ team stands by the fact that “We Do Real Estate Right!” Some of the pitfalls to avoid are quite entertaining! Learn about showing feedback, radon testing, price reductions, photography, what color to paint your home, secure lockboxes vs combo lockboxes, professional brochures, and no open houses!

In this real estate market, a vast majority of people will be selling a home before buying their next one. Unfortunately, contingent offers are not the answer to avoiding a double move (see my article on contingent offers).

Whether you are selling a home in Grand Junction or relocating here with a home to sell out of state, here are five quick tips for seller success.

Five Tips for Seller Success

  1. Hire an experienced locally based agent that understands how to help guide you in preparing a home to be listed. This includes professional staging, color consultation, decluttering, and pre-packing. Best to follow the phrase “The way you live in a home is different than the way you sell a home.”
  2. It’s better to go on the market when you’re ready than just fast. If your agent is pushing to get your home listed ASAP, they view your home as another “Just Listed” commodity and don’t fully understand how to take advantage of the first impression period.
  3. Photographs need to speak to buyers! Even though the latest smartphone has great clarity, the quality of a photo comes from the talent of the photographer. Great pictures speak a thousand words, don’t settle for less than the best. Always hire a professional.
  4. Don’t allow your agent to ignore virtual staging if you plan to sell your home vacant. The average person has a challenging time visualizing the layout of furniture in rooms. Virtual staging is your friend when selling a vacant home.
  5. Collaborate with your agent on pricing! Work together to come up with the best price based on the facts of what is selling in your area, not emotion or what you think it could sell for.

Sellers in Grand Junction consistently see stronger results with the Homes Sold for More™ strategy

“Working with Paul was an outstanding experience from start to finish. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the market and brings a level of experience and professionalism that immediately puts you at ease. He’s organized, hardworking, and always quick to respond — which made a stressful process feel much more manageable.

What really sets Paul apart is his proactive approach. He didn’t just list the house and hope for the best. He came in with a clear strategy, helped with thoughtful staging, and found creative ways to market the home so it truly stood out.
Most importantly, Paul genuinely cares about his clients and the outcome. You can tell he’s fully invested and working hard on your behalf. We felt very lucky to have him guiding us through the sale and would recommend him without hesitation.”
Rachel Nelson – Grand Junction

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 – Sold a Single Family home for MORE in Grand Junction, Colorado (2026)

👉 “Want results like this? Schedule your FREE Discovery Conversation

Trust me, I won’t be like this guy pressuring you to sign the contract the first time we meet.

Finding an Agent to Sell Your Home in Another Location

If you’re interested in having me interview and recommend agents to sell your home in another location, just ask! I’d be happy to do the legwork for you to find the best agent for listing success! I understand what it takes to effectively prepare, list, and market homes.

Other articles you might enjoy:

Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients!

Homes Sold for More sign over generic sold sign

Selling a Home in Grand Junction? Call me with confidence!

Paul Aspelin REALTORText/Call (612) 306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Locally Based Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.

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

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Comparing Taxes: CO, AZ, NV, TX, & FL

Comparing Taxes: Which State is the Most Tax-Friendly?

When choosing where to live, comparing taxes can play a significant role in the decision-making process. Some states offer tax advantages that can save residents thousands of dollars each year. In this article, I am comparing taxes and the differences between Colorado (with a specific look at Grand Junction), Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Florida to determine which state is the most tax friendly.

Taxes are obviously a key factor when deciding where to move, but it’s also helpful to see why people are choosing Grand Junction and how the cost of living compares to other areas.

Colorado Taxes Compared to Other States

State Income Tax

One of the biggest tax considerations is state income tax. Here’s how these five states compare:

  • Colorado: Flat income tax rate of 4.4%
  • Arizona: Flat income tax rate of 2.5% (one of the lowest in the nation)
  • Nevada: No state income tax
  • Texas: No state income tax
  • Florida: No state income tax

Property Taxes

Property taxes can vary significantly depending on the state and local government rates.

  • Colorado: Low property tax rate at 0.49% of home value (one of the lowest in the country)
    • Grand Junction, CO: Property tax rates are consistent with the state average, making it an attractive option for homeowners.
  • Arizona: Moderate property tax rate at 0.51%
  • Nevada: Moderate property tax rate at 0.55%
  • Texas: High property tax rate at 1.68% (one of the highest in the country)
  • Florida: Higher than average property tax rate at 0.83%

While Texas and Florida have no state income tax, their higher property taxes can offset some of the savings.

Sales Tax

Sales tax impacts everyday purchases and varies widely across these states:

  • Colorado: State base sales tax of 2.9%, but local taxes push the average to 7.8%
  • Arizona: State base sales tax of 5.6%, but local rates bring the average to 8.4%
  • Nevada: State base sales tax of 6.85%, with an average combined rate of 8.2%
  • Texas: State base sales tax of 6.25%, with local taxes leading to an average of 8.2%
  • Florida: State base sales tax of 6%, with local taxes pushing the average to 7.0%

Florida has the lowest average sales tax burden, while Arizona has the highest.

Other Taxes to Consider

  • Gas Tax:
    • Colorado: 23.9 cents per gallon
    • Arizona: 18 cents per gallon
    • Nevada: 33.78 cents per gallon
    • Texas: 20 cents per gallon
    • Florida: 43.5 cents per gallon (highest of the group)
  • Estate & Inheritance Taxes: None of these states impose an estate or inheritance tax, making them attractive for wealth transfer planning.

Insurance Costs: Auto & Home

Insurance rates can significantly impact cost of living, especially for homeowners and drivers. Here’s how these states compare:

  • Auto Insurance (Average Annual Premiums):
    • Colorado: $1,750
      • Grand Junction, CO: Auto insurance rates tend to be slightly lower than the state average due to smaller population density and lower accident rates.
    • Arizona: $1,480
    • Nevada: $1,900
    • Texas: $1,750
    • Florida: $2,560 (highest due to high accident rates and severe weather risks)
  • Home Insurance (Average Annual Premiums):
    • Colorado: $1,800
      • Grand Junction, CO: Home insurance costs are generally lower than Denver and other metro areas, averaging closer to $1,600-$1,700. You should also know that more rural mountain properties (far away from fire departments) can have increased premiums due to wildfire exposure.
    • Arizona: $1,250
    • Nevada: $950 (lowest due to fewer natural disaster risks)
    • Texas: $2,400 (high due to hurricane and tornado risks)
    • Florida: $4,000+ (highest in the nation due to hurricanes and flooding risks)

While Florida and Texas have favorable tax structures, their high insurance costs can impact affordability and overall cost of living.

“Go West” my friend! Here’s an I-70 overhead sign as you leave Denver, CO. Michelle took this on our way back from a road trip to Michigan and Minnesota to see family. Move to Grand Junction! Let me show you around!

Overhead highway sign showing go west on I-70 to Grand Junction from Denver

A little known “non-tax” benefit of living in Grand Junction

Comparing taxes can be an important part of any financial plan, especially in retirement. But one thing no one talks about is utility costs. Utility costs overall in Grand Junction are well below what I was used to paying in my former home state of Minnesota. Here in Grand Junction, we enjoy ultra-low utility bills in the shoulder season months.

What is a shoulder season month? This is a period where you rarely need to heat or cool your home. With the low humidity and perfect overnight sleeping temps, we’ve experienced up to 2 months on either side of the change of seasons where our gas and electric bills are laughable, they are so low. Most irrigation water is also charged annually not monthly, so there will be savings found on that bill as well. I would guess we are saving around $2400+ a year from what we were paying (obviously in a much colder climate and a larger home) on our combined utilities. It’s just one more factor people often overlook, since most focus on comparing taxes first.

I also have a lot of simple energy saving tips you can implement in your new home, just ask me!

Read my post about WHY people are moving to Grand Junction.
HINT: It’s about more than financial comparisons.

Colorado TABOR Surplus Refunds

TABOR stands for Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. The Colorado Department of Revenue website shows which type of refunds have been issued to Colorado residents since 2018. Refunds can be for property taxes, income taxes, or sales taxes. Learn more about potential surplus refunds at https://tax.colorado.gov/TABOR

Thinking about living in Colorado? Explore homes for sale in Grand Junction.

Bottom Line

For those prioritizing a low tax burden, Florida and Texas stand out as the most tax-friendly states. However, high home and auto insurance costs, particularly in Florida and Texas, can offset some of the tax benefits. Each state balances taxation and cost of living differently, so choosing the right one depends on personal financial circumstances, lifestyle, and risk tolerance for insurance expenses. Knowing these differences can help guide your decision when considering a move.

Always consult a tax professional for the most up to date information. The information above was current as of July 2025. Please check with each taxing authority or state government for additional information as tax rates can and do change.

Paul Aspelin working on his laptop at the kitchen tableLive Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

Follow Live your Vacation in Grand Junction on Facebook and Instagram
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Text or Call me at (612) 306-9558 (locally based)

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

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

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

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55+ Communities in Grand Junction

House Hunting When You Are 55+

55+ Communities in Grand Junction offer a range of options for older adults looking for low-maintenance and active living. Before I made my move to Grand Junction, I was holding an open house in a new construction single family home geared towards older adults. The neighborhood had a Homeowners Association (HOA) to take care of all the exterior maintenance like yard services. No community center or other facilities. The model I was in was a spacious one-level home with three bedrooms on the main level and a two-car garage.

I had a 62-year-old gentleman strike up a memorable conversation with me. He explained that he has a boat, a motorcycle, two cars, and he and his wife like to ride bikes. It made him wonder how he’d be able to fit all his toys in this narrow two-stall garage. He asked, “Why don’t these builders understand that just because we want a home with no exterior maintenance, that doesn’t mean we sit home all day. We need room for our “stuff” as well as a simpler lifestyle as we get older.”

I fully understood where he was coming from. There are national builders, like D.R. Horton that build 55+ communities where you own your own single-family home and they include amenities like a club house, pickleball courts, workout room, and community eating and entertaining spaces. Over my career I have helped several clients build homes in communities like these. Be warned though. These robust communities also come with high monthly fees. You may, or may not, want all of that.

I haven’t found housing available in 55+ Communities in Grand Junction that are like this. Where you own a single-family home. Until now…

Chipeta Hollows

Good news! BOA Builders is building a 55+ Community in Grand Junction! Technically it’s in Orchard Mesa just east of the Chipeta Golf Course. This new development broke ground in June 2025. It is an Epcon Community. You can learn more about this option by visiting the Epcon website.

Epcon describes it this way…

“Discover Chipeta Hollows, an exclusive neighborhood designed for those who seek a vibrant, active, and low-maintenance lifestyle. Built by BOA Builders, known for their commitment to quality craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and sustainable living, Chipeta Hollows redefines a lifestyle of living in Grand Junction, CO. Chipeta Hollows community offers resort-style amenities to enhance your daily life. Enjoy the beautifully designed clubhouse, perfect for social gatherings, fitness activities, and relaxation. Stay active with a pickleball court, a sparkling pool, and scenic walking trails, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Western Colorado. For pet lovers, the dog park and dog wash station ensure that your furry companions feel just as at home as you do.”

Buyer Representation

55+ Communities in Grand Junction happy seniors sitting in front of their homeIf Chipeta Hollows (or any new or existing development) sounds like a place you’d like to live, contact me before you call or go visit so I can explain to you your right to buyer representation before you contact the builder or developer. This is very important. If you contact them first, you may forfeit your right to be represented. The real estate agent or “sales rep” in open houses and builder models represent the seller or the builder, not the buyer. When I represent buyers, I always put their best interests first. Agents representing the seller are obligated to put the seller’s interest first, not the buyers. Call or text me at (612) 306-9558 if you have any questions about representation in Colorado. Real Estate Representation laws and rules vary by state.

👉 Read my post about being your personal Grand Junction Relocation Guide!

Homeowner Association (HOA) Fees

Property Tax ValuesLet’s talk about low maintenance and HOA fees. In Minnesota, HOA fees were much higher than here in Grand Junction because they had to include snow removal and lawn maintenance services. In northern and eastern states there can be lots of grass to mow and shrubs to trim on a regular basis. Many snowfalls over 2” that require shoveling or plowing (again and again) and you have to treat the roads and sidewalks with salt or sand to get rid of the ice.

Luckily, here in sunny Grand Junction, there aren’t many plowable snow events, maybe a slight accumulation of snow 2-3 times a winter which is usually melted by the end of the day. And being in the desert, the landscaping is already drought tolerant and full of low maintenance plants like cactus and beautiful rose bushes that start blooming in late April or early May. Less maintenance means less fees. Plus, our property taxes are very low here. So don’t be too scared when you see monthly HOA fees, they aren’t that bad here.

👉 HOA fees aren’t the only thing to consider when budgeting for a new home, you may be interested in my article about the cost of living in Grand Junction.

What if you just want a single-family home with low maintenance?

Single-Family Homes

The Grand Valley is “the home of 3/2 housing” meaning three bedrooms and two-bathroom ramblers or ranch style homes are commonly called one-level living in other parts of the country. Hardly any homes have basements, and if they do, they aren’t musty because we have very low humidity and low rainfall in the Grand Valley.

Most properties have a two-car garage, sometimes a three-car. Many neighborhoods allow homeowners to add sheds and additional garages to their property. More rural properties have larger lot sizes and less restrictions and they are just 5-10 minutes from downtown.

Low maintenance single family homes are easy to find too. Metal roofs are very popular and last much longer than asphalt roofing materials. Plus, without a lot of snow, our roofs don’t experience a lot of freeze/thaw, so they last longer.

Award-Winning Water Straight from the Tap

Because our water comes from the snowmelt and springs on the Grand Mesa, we don’t need extra equipment like water softeners and water treatment systems. Our water is delicious right out of the tap. It’s award winning actually. Read my post about the Grand Junction Water Supply to learn more.

55+ Communities in Grand Junction

You can easily Google “55+ Communities in Grand Junction CO” to get a list. There are zero in Palisade and one in Fruita called Village at Country Creek. Grand Junction lists about a dozen. Some offer both independent living and assisted living options for those that need care. Even though they say 55+, it feels like most of these communities are suited for those who are later in their retirement years or for anyone needing assistance.

  1. Village Cooperative of Grand Junction
  2. The Fountains of Hilltop
  3. The Cottages of Hilltop
  4. La Villa Grande Care Center
  5. The Retreat at Harbor Cove
  6. Larchwood Inns
  7. Ratekin Tower Apartments
  8. The Lodge at Grand Junction
  9. Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
  10. Grand Villa Assisted Living
  11. The Commons of Hilltop
  12. Cappella of Grand Junction
  13. Solstice Senior Living at Mesa View

Moving to Grand Junction

So, what does all this mean? It means that Grand Junction has lots of options for 55+ housing that isn’t strictly classified for people in or nearing retirement. I haven’t even touched on the golf course communities. You can learn more about those by reading my post called More Than Redlands Mesa Golf Courses.

I have helped dozens of clients 55 and older find their next place to call home. What I’m saying is, the best place to live might not be in the state you live in now. Speaking of best place to live, Grand Junction won an award for that too being named the “Best Place to Retire” from Kiplinger Magazine. I reference it in my post called Why Choose to Retire in Grand Junction.

If you are looking for low maintenance living in a warmer climate without a lot of fuss, consider retiring or semi-retiring in Grand Junction.

Check out my related post called Retire in Grand Junction: Your Grandkids and Kids Will Thank You. It explains why living in an area that serves all ages can be critical to enticing your family to come visit you!

Call or text me at (612) 306-9558  (locally based in Grand Junction) if you are coming into town and want to connect. I’d be happy to show you around Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade. Learn more on my Get Started page.

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

Photo from our day trip to Crawford State Park

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

Move to Grand Junction, we’ve been waiting for you!

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

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Things to Do in Grand Junction CO: Easy Hikes

Things to Do in Grand Junction CO: Easy Hikes

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

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

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

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

Paul posts short videos and notifications of new website posts on our Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

Walk Around Town

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

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

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

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

Adventure Sign and USA map

Hiking for Beginners

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

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

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

    Dominguez Canyon hike Gunnison River

    Dominguez Canyon (BLM Dominguez Canyon Wilderness) – This is south of Grand Junction near Whitewater off Hwy 50. A great drive and hike. We saw some old cow cabins and dipped our toes in the Gunnison River.

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

    Dinosaur Bones near Fruita

    Dinosaur Hill (near CNM entrance in Fruita) – It’s good to learn about the history of the area, dinosaurs include. This was good, no bones to see, just informative signs.

  6. Fruita Paleontological Area (McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area) – We saw dinosaur bones here, a great hike with many more trails in this area, like to an old cabin. Seeing the cabin is still on our list. There are lots of bones to see in nature in Moab too.
  7. Trail Through Time (BLM Rabbit Valley) – It was very windy the day we went but still great to see actual dinosaur bones “in the wild” still stuck in the rock. There’s a cool campground up high that overlooks Rabbit Valley, and you can see all the way to the La Sal Mountains in Utah. This trail is near the Utah border.
  8. Coal Canyon Trail (BLM Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range) – We drove this one during the time of year when driving is allowed. We didn’t get out and hike. This is where you can see wild horses. It was cool to see ribbons of coal in the rock as we drove by. The wall with coal is so close you can touch it as you slowly drive by. The gates into Coal Canyon Road are closed to vehicles from December 1 through May 31 during the foaling season and for wildlife protection.
  9. Mesa Lakes Lodge Lake Loop

    Mesa Lakes Lodge Lake Loop

    Mesa Lakes Area Trails (Grand Mesa National Forest) – We have done this a few times with friends and visitors. Trails go through the woods and around small lakes. Mesa Lakes Lodge is there, that’s where we park and get some appetizers inside when we are done. We went snowshoeing here in the winter. You can ice fish too. Bring bug spray in the summer months.

  10. Colorado Riverfront Trail (Colorado River) – This is one of our favorite walks. We usually park in Las Colonias near the bridge and Camp Eddy campground. We had family stay at Camp Eddy for a month, two thumbs up! We cross the Colorado River or just walk down the trail towards the boat launch, beach, and lazy river. The zipline is here too that goes over the river. This trail can take you all the way to Palisade or Fruita too! Good for walking or biking.

If you’d like to live near trails like this, Get Started!

To wrap it up, there are a lot of great things to do in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade and the surrounding communities. These are just a few. You can read a post about each city to learn more. You might enjoy Paul’s post about which water bottles we have, why we chose them, and where to get them locally.

If you are considering a trip to the Grand Valley and maybe moving here, Paul would like to show you around the area and maybe schedule a few properties to show you in person while you are here. Connect with Paul.

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

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

Golf Courses in Grand Junction

Why Move to Fruita

Why Move to Palisade

Follow us on Facebook: Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction
Follow us on Instagram: @liveyourvacationingj

Guest post written by Michelle Aspelin

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

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