Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WESTERN SLOPE & GRAND JUNCTION
With bluebird skies, dusty byways and red- rock formations on a grand scale, it's easy to
sense the great American West in Grand Junction. Minus the pavement, it's just like the
backdrop of an old cowboy movie. The Western Slope is all of Colorado west of the
Continental Divide, but Grand Junction is the population hub of the whole region, merging
interstate traffic from Utah and the Front Range.
Beyond the hub, this is small-town Colorado or just plain wilderness, so travel long dis-
tances well supplied. Visitors to the region will find truly enchanting drives, like Hwy 141
south along the twisting Dolores River canyon.
But there's also adventure: Fruita boasts some of the best singletrack around and then
there's the underrated Colorado National Monument, a huge red-rock mesa standing sen-
tinel over the Grand Junction metropolis. If you are not a jock, or if it's your day off, don't
despair. There's always the rolled-up shirtsleeve charm of Palisade's wine country.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Colorado National Monument
The crown jewel of the Western Slope, here the setting sun seems to kindle otherworldly
red-rock formations. Hike its starkly beautiful landscape or watch from camp as lightning
storms roll across the distant plains.
These canyons rise from the Uncompahgre Uplift of the Colorado Plateau, 2000ft above
the Grand Valley of the Colorado River to reveal a stunning view. The twinkling lights of
Grand Junction, the green strip of the Colorado River, the black ribbon of I-70, the tree-
lined farm fields of the Grand Valley - these are all far below, together a memorable juxta-
position of Colorado's ancient geological past and modern present.
Once dinosaur country, this 32-sq-mile scenic wonder is one of the most rewarding side
trips possible from an interstate highway, well worth a detour by car but even better for
backcountry exploration. Open all year, the Colorado National Monument is an exceptional
area for hiking, camping and road biking.
Activities
