Outdoor
Playgrounds | Outdoor Recreation
Colorado National Monument
Drive the rim of Colorado National Monument to peer into deep, sheer-walled canyons punctuated by towering sandstone monoliths. Vistas of the Book Cliffs and Grand Mesa across the Grand Valley catch you by surprise. Hike the canyons to hear a message of solitude from the canyon wren's song, or join in a rock climbing adventure up a tower.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Wind and water continue carving steadily through hard Precambrian rock in this breathtaking canyon. The Gunnison River flows along its base, beckoning kayakers. Narrow openings, dizzying depths, and pristine, less-traveled trails invite you into places named Painted Wall and Chasm View.
Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument intrigues with both ancient history and modern adventure. Watch excavation of a prized cache of dinosaur remains in the quarry wall. At its heart, the Green and Yampa Rivers have carved the canyons of Lodore and Split Mountain - legendary scenery and river running.
McInnis Canyons National Conservative Area
Within flaming Colorado Plateau formations, the nation's second largest collection of natural arches presides over canyon walls lined with Native American cultural and paleontological sites. This area typifies the diversity of western Colorado - a wilderness area, mountain biking & four-wheeling sections, and a river corridor side by side.
Grand Mesa
Cast a line into one of more than 200 lakes atop this 11,000-foot flattop mountain. Roam through the pines in search of Chanterelle mushrooms to complement your trout dinner or meander on horseback through high, quiet meadows. In winter, trek on snowshoes or cross-country skis in the moonlight before settling in to a hot cup of cocoa in a warm-up hut.
Little Bookcliffes Wild Horse Area
Behind the rimrocks of the Bookcliffs, you might spot feral horses in this federally-protected wild horse area - one of only three in the United States. Most of the horses' ancestors escaped from or were abandoned by local ranchers, migrating farmers and miners. Some have been traced back to Indian ponies and Spanish herds.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests
Imagine pines against pristine blue skies, waterfalls plummeting hundreds of feet and dinosaur quarries - all in the third largest complex of national forests in the contiguous United States. The mountainous lands of Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, located on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies, are noted for their spectacular scenery and natural features, abundant wildlife and variety of outdoor opportunities.
State Parks
James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park
Take your kids for a walk on the banks of the Colorado to spot great blue heron, sandhill cranes and other riverway residents. Pause for a picnic, go boating, or just toss a frisbee on any of five sections along the Colorado River through the Grand Valley. Island Acres, Corn Lake, Wildlife Area, Connected Lakes, and Fruita offer relaxation just minutes from Grand Junction.
Highline Lake/Mack Mesa Lake
Looking for a picturesque site to establish base camp for mountain biking or river rafting? Highline or Mack Mesa Lakes are ideal, with plenty of acreage to avoid crowds. Highline Lake is perfect for motorboats pulling waterskiers, while Mack Mesa Lake is designated for wakeless boating. Both offer plentiful fishing. In winter, thousands of ducks and geese migrate here.
Vega State Park
Cool off in summer atop this high-mountain reservoir that sits in an alpine meadow on the easternmost edge of Grand Mesa. The park's 8,000-foot altitude offers several campgrounds and charming cabins, boating, waterskiing, and fishing. In winter, go ice fishing, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. Summer provides easy access to wildflower-lined trails on the Grand Mesa. Wake up to the quiet.
