5 Reasons to Visit Grand Junction, Colorado

The Devil’s Kitchen Terrace at The Maverick. Courtesy photo from Visit Grand Junction.

Where can a visitor hike in the morning, drive a Slingshot by natural stone arches at midday, shop at a farmers market in the afternoon, and dine on steak and lamb in the evening?

Grand Junction provides a guest with all these experiences and more.

Here are five reasons it should be on your travel bucket list. 

1. The Maverick Hotel

The Hotel Maverick. Courtesy photo from Visit Grand Junction.

The Maverick has that chill, laid back vibe of Grand Junction with a bit of sophistication folded in. This contemporary hotel on the campus of Colorado Mesa University has been welcoming guests since June 2020. 

The Maverick Hotel provides respite from local adventures in a comfortable environment that features a top-rated restaurant, Devil’s Kitchen. The views from the restaurant’s fourth floor patio are worth a visit but the deviled eggs with peppered bacon and radish make it totally worth a visit.

The Hotel Maverick. Courtesy photo from Visit Grand Junction.

A dog-friendly property, The Maverick also boasts complementary cruiser bicycles, a fitness room, a conference room, gym, an outdoor terrace, and coffee shop. The locals favorite is a bagel with Betty’s Gourmet Coffee spicy cream cheese. Plus, guests of the hotel can pick up free coffee here.Located within just a few blocks of downtown it’s perfectly situated for all of Grand Junctions adventures.

2. Adrenaline Driven Adventures

Courtesy photo from Visit Grand Junction.

RZRs, dirt bikes and Slingshots are rented by Adrenaline Driven Adventures to those who enjoy getting off the main road. Whether a person is an experienced RZR operator or brand new to the sport of off-roading, Adrenaline has a tour for any level. In fact, they even provide a Wine Tour. With a professional drive behind the wheel, passengers spend their time sipping and tasting the bounty of Mesa County. 

Colorado National Monument. Courtesy photo from Visit Grand Junction.

Guests can rent a Slingshot for a one-of-a-kind drive through the Colorado National Monument, a place that leaves many in awe. At Adrenaline, the guest can do the driving, or she can ride along with a professional driver and take in the breathtaking landscape.

3. Hikes, hikes, hike

Lunch Loops with mountain bikers in the distance. Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer.

Look at a map app like Colorado Trail Explorer (COTrex), and it becomes obvious that Grand Junction is home to many, many trails. The Lunch Loops have been named thusly because the loops are just 8 minutes from town.  

The Lunch Loops with Fritzi. Photo By Ryan Schlaefer for Heiditown.com.

This is a convenient place to mountain bike or hike with or without the dog. It provides stunning views of downtown Grand Junction and wildlife in the form of little lizards that sun themselves on the rocks. If birds are more interesting than lizards, try the paved Blue Heron Audubon Loop. Located minutes from town, in the wetlands formed by the Colorado River, this area not only provides a paved walking trail but also offers birdsong in surround sound.  

4. Brewery Hop

Ramblebine Brewing Co. Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer for The Heidi Guide.

Although it is often referred to as wine country, Grand Junction is home to five breweries, as well as tap houses like the Handlebar that serve up lots of Colorado beer. Ramblebine Brewing Company is in downtown Grand Junction, next door to The Zesty Moose Gourmet Marketplace. It’s worth checking out The Zesty Moose for wine tasting, and sips of fancy olive oils, balsamic vinegar, and tastes of spice. 

Ramblebine is an airy brewery with outdoor seating that’s preferable for those with dogs and patrons looking for a drink al fresco. Their beers have fun names like Soul Flow, a New England IPA at 7.5% abvs and Living Easy, Living Free, a Kolsch at just 5.5% abv. They even have an Easily Amused Seltzer for those non beer drinkers.

5. The Winery 

Photo by Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer

For a memorable meal featuring local wine and a cozy atmosphere, enjoy a meal at The Winery. This restaurant has been serving up delicious steaks and items like the garlic mushrooms for 48 years. The tiny bar, with its stained-glass windows, is a destination unto itself.

Located in a downtown alley, The Winery feels a little like a secret known only to the patrons who grace its doors. There is an intimate outdoor patio as well. Reservations can be made online and are strongly recommended. This eatery is as popular with locals as it is with Grand Junction visitors, especially on the weekends.