Happy TravellerWelcome to Grand Junction, Colorado, the largest city in western Colorado and a hub for commercial and transportation activities. Located 247 miles west-southwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver, Grand Junction is a major city in Colorado outside of the Front Range Corridor. The city has a council-manager form of government and a population of 65,560 as of the 2020 United States Census.
Grand Junction is situated along the Colorado River, at its confluence with the Gunnison River, which comes in from the south. The city’s name refers to the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, and it has been nicknamed River City. The area is surrounded by federal public lands managed by the US Bureau of Land Management, and the Colorado National Monument, a unique series of canyons and mesas, overlooks the city on the west.
The city has a rich history, having been long occupied by the Ute people and earlier indigenous cultures. It was not settled by European-American farmers until the 1880s, and since the late 19th century, it has been a major fruit-growing region. The valley was named the Grand Valley after the historical Grand River, which was renamed the Upper Colorado River in 1921. Since the late 20th century, several wineries have been established in the area, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.
Grand Junction has a cold semi-arid climate, with winters being cold and dry and summers being hot and dry. The area receives little precipitation year-round, averaging 9.05 inches (229.9 mm), with no real seasonal spike. Sunshine hours are abundant, even in winter, and total just over 3,200 hours per year, or 73% of the possible total.
The economy of Grand Junction has been diverse and stable, with major contributors being health care, tourism, agriculture, livestock, and energy mining (gas and oil). Major energy companies have invested large amounts of money due to increases in oil and natural gas prices, making it a popular destination for private jet travel.
Grand Junction is also a sports destination, with the JUCO World Series being played at Suplizio Field since 1958. The city also has a professional Minor League Baseball team, the Grand Junction Rockies, who play in the Pioneer Baseball League. Both Suplizio Field and Stocker Stadium also host Colorado Mesa University as well as School District 51 sporting events.
The Grand Junction area has developed as a mountain biking destination, with many bikers coming from the Front Range of Colorado, the Salt Lake City area, and as far away as California to enjoy the area’s abundant single-track trails. Two prominent trails are the Kokopelli Trail and the Tabeguache Trail.
In conclusion, Grand Junction, Colorado, is a hidden gem that boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a sports fan, or a mountain biker, Grand Junction has something for everyone. Come and discover the many treasures of this enchanting destination and add it to your travel bucket list today!
