"Agricultural Town on the Upper Colorado River" Top 5 Page for this destination Grand Junction by atufft

Grand Junction Travel Guide: 75 reviews and 164 photos

Farmer's Market In Grand Junction, CO - Grand Junction
Farmer's Market In Grand Junction, CO
The Grand River

Until the House of Representatives officially changed its name in 1921, what is now known as the upper Colorado River had been refered to as the Grand River. Until that time, the Colorado River began at the confluence of the Green (see Green River, WY) and Grand Rivers. However, the name Grand Junction was not for this confluence, but for the confluence of the Grand and Gunnison Rivers. In any case, Grand Junction is the largest town on the western slope of the the Colorado Rockies, and is set within a wide agricultural region also known as the Grand Valley. The town is set along the river, and on the opposite bank from the town, there is a back drop of flat topped mountains or mesas. While the city is mostly engaged in agricultural commerce, it is also a center for mountaineering because it is very close to Mesa Verde and Arches National Parks. The once trashed and polluted Colorado River bank and quiet business district have been cleaned up and revitalized with an orientation toward cycling and pedestrian pleasures. At the time I arrived recently, a farmers market was the excitement of the city, with live music and local vendors selling their crafts.

Downtown Art in Grand Junction
A Statue of the Buffalo in Grand Junction - Grand Junction

A Statue of the Buffalo in Grand Junction

Downtown Grand Junction is gifted by some venerable old brick buildings similar to that of any self-respecting town in the west, but in recent years the town has boasted having the largest collection of street art. My tips include images of many of these.

  • Intro Updated Aug 18, 2008
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Reviews (9)

Mountaineering Store in Grand Junction, CO - Grand Junction Outdoor Sport Supples Available Here Sports & Outdoors (1)

I learned during my delivery to the Grand Junction Sam's Club, that this store had an excellent selection of canoes and... more travel advice

Street Art in Grand Junction, CO - Grand Junction Even More Street Art Things to Do (7)

The collection of street art downtown truely is impressive, so any visitor should come prepared to really appreciate... more travel advice

Grand Junction Botanical Gardens - Grand Junction Botanical Gardens and Riverwalk Things to Do (7)

Until a few years ago, the Colorado River was a dumping ground for old cars and trash. Now, volunteer organizations have... more travel advice

Rockslide Brew Pub, Grand Junction, CO - Grand Junction Most Popular Brew Restaurant in Town Restaurants (1)

Rockslide is at 401 Main, right in the middle of downtown and is clearly the liveliest restaurant in this part of town.... more travel advice

Comments (6)

  • Reply
    SLLiew's Profile Photo
    May 2, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    Interesting small monuments in this town. SL :)

  • Reply
    ATXtraveler's Profile Photo
    Dec 2, 2008 at 12:29 PM

    We are planning a trip this way next fall, and the restaurant sounds like a good diversion... as long as I don't have to drive far afterwards!

  • Reply
    glabah's Profile Photo
    Oct 23, 2008 at 12:33 PM

    Great public arts program(s) here.

  • Reply
    SteveOSF's Profile Photo
    Aug 13, 2008 at 2:38 PM

    I spent one night in Grant Junction back in 2004 on my last leg of a Utah and Colorado trip. I just had enough time to catch a meal and relax a little before hoping on a plane the next morning. It looks like I missed quite a bit. Nice tips! - Steve

  • Reply
    calcaf38's Profile Photo
    Aug 10, 2008 at 5:40 PM

    Looks like an enterprising little town. Thank you for sharing.

  • Reply
    Lhenne1's Profile Photo
    Aug 7, 2008 at 9:00 PM

    What a great little town! I love all the outdoor art. It's great when towns do that and just let everyone enjoy!

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