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What to do on all sides-North, East, West, South-of the
City
Written By Christina Ovalle
DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT
Check out the largest quarry of dinosaur bones from the Jurassic
Period at Dinosaur National Monument. Just two hours northwest of
Grand Junction, this place provides a fascinating way to spend a
day. Watch paleontologists expose fossilized dinosaur bones. Go
for a hike along the Harpers Corner Trail, Gates of Lodore Trail
and Red Rock Trail. The area also offers boating, fishing and whitewater
rafting along the Green and Yampa rivers.
Dinosaur National Monument
P.O. Box 4545, Hwy 40
Dinosaur, CO 81610 •
(970) 374-3000
GLENWOOD SPRINGS
Located 87 miles east of Grand Junction is the
world's largest hot springs pool. Enjoy healing and
relaxing all year long at the Glenwood Springs Hot
Springs Pool and Spa where the water's natural
medicinal qualities soothe and rejuvenate the body.
The pool has two slides (with 600 feet of turns and
twists), bubble chairs, a wading pool, and a daily
flow of three-and-a-half million gallons of water. In
2001, the Travel Channel named the Hot Springs
Pool and Spa, "The Hottest Place to Cool Off."
Hot Springs Pool and Spa
401 North River Road •
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
www.hotspringspool.com
•
(970) 945-6571 • (800) 537-7946
PALISADE
Just 12 miles east of Grand Junction, Palisade is home to some of
the finest wine vineyards in the United States. Some wineries offer
wine sampling, others offer picnic sites and event facilities for
weddings and parties. September draws the largest crowd with the
annual Wine Fest. Also, enjoy Palisade's juicy and utterly delicious
peaches at the Palisade Peach Festival in August. The Daily Sentinel
readers voted Palisade's peaches, "Best of the West 2003."
Palisade Chamber of Commerce •
319 Main St. •
Palisade, CO 81526
(970) 464-7458 •
(970) 464-4757 Fax
THE GRAND MESA
For an all-day adventure, visit the Grand Mesa, located 40 minutes
east of Grand Junction. With a summit elevation at 11,000 feet above
sea level, the Grand Mesa is the world's largest flattop mountain
with spectacular views and over 200 lakes. Enjoy year-round recreation;
trout fishing, backcountry roads, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
and snowmobiling on the Mesa's 378,000 acres of recreational lands.
Grand Valley Ranger District •
218 High St. •
Collbran, CO 81624
(970) 487-3534 •
(970) 242-8211
OURAY
Commonly referred to as the, "Switzerland of America,"
Ouray, located in the stunning San Juan Mountains, is just over
two hours south of Grand Junction. Spend a day or a weekend exploring
Ouray; ;a small town with big adventures. Enjoy ghost town explorations,
the natural hot springs pool, the incredibly scenic San Juan Skyway,
hiking, Nordic skiing, horseback riding and jeeping tours.
Ouray Chamber Resort Association •
(970) 325-4746
(800) 228-1876 •
www.ouraycolorado.com
BLACK CANYON OF THE
GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK
Located 116 miles south of Grand Junction is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a steep, dark canyon with walls of volcanic schist carved from the mighty Gunnison River. Before the three dams were built (making the park part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area), the canyon was more than 50 miles long. With camping, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, snowshoeing and wildlife viewing, it's hard to know where to begin the day.
Visitor Information
(970) 641-2337 ext. 205
Headquarters
(970) 641-2337
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