Landscape Arch in Utah against a blue sky

Best road trip destinations near Grand Junction CO

Grab some friends, load up the car, and take a trip every once in a while – our area certainly has enough natural beauty and hidden treasures to go around! The intrepid nature of residents of the western part of Colorado is well documented, which makes sense when you consider how much there is to do around here! If you’ve been planning an adventure with your friends for some time now, head out on the highway in search of some of the best road trip destinations near Grand Junction CO! 


Arches National Park | Moab, Utah 

Just across the Colorado-Utah border lies Moab, a town more familiar to rock climbers and 4Runner enthusiasts, but just to the north of the city lies Arches National Park, one of the most notable and famous in the country. Check out the Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, Landscape Arch and Devil’s Garden for a day of fun, excitement and breathtaking scenery!


Black Canyon National Park | Montrose 

For an insider look at what the Earth would’ve looked like in prehistoric times, Black Canyon National Park is a prime location. It’s carved into a steep, gorgeous gorge, complete with the famous Painted Wall cliff, Cerro Summit, and East Portal Road, the latter of which offers plenty of opportunities for camping and stargazing – equally incredible choices out here!


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Glenwood Springs 

Visiting hot springs in the summer might sound counterintuitive, but Glenwood Springs offers so much more to drivers. Hanging Lake offers beautiful, pristine waters, ancient underground caves can be found in Glenwood Caverns, and there’s also an amusement park in the town, complete with roller coasters and swings! All in all, Glenwood Springs is a true gem of the Rockies.

Gypsum Turtle Tubing 

About 90 minutes away from Grand Junction is Gypsum, a city of about 6,500 people located right on the Colorado River. This second fact makes it a prime location for tubing, and it’s not uncommon to see hundreds of people floating down the river each day! If you want to join in the fun, hit up Turtle Tubing, rent some tubes and get on the water!


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