One of the best parts about living in Grand Junction is having close access to so many other incredible areas. It’s one of the big reasons I decided to move here! From world renowned ski resorts to iconic national parks, the day trips from Grand Junction are seemingly endless, especially if you’re looking for outdoor adventures.
This guide shares 10 of my favorite day trips from Grand Junction broken down to areas within a 1, 2, and 3 hour drive. I provide recommendations for things to do in each area, including some of my favorite hiking trails. All of these day trip destinations also make for great weekend trips if you have a bit more time to explore.
Day Trips Within 1 Hour of Grand Junction
1. Palisade
Drive Time From Grand Junction: 20 minutes
If you’re looking for a quick day trip from Grand Junction, then just head down the road to Palisade. While it’s a popular destination for locals, especially on the weekend, it’s often considered one of the most underrated areas in Colorado (at least according to my Front Range friends).
Famous for its peaches and wine, Palisade serves as the Grand Valley’s agricultural center. The best way to get around town is via bike along the Fruit and Wine Byway, which provides views of the Colorado River, Mt. Garfield, and access to many of the area’s wineries.
What to Do in Palisade:
- Hike the Palisade Rim Trail (one of the best hikes near Grand Junction!)
- Visit a local winery (or two!). My favorites include Colterris Winery, Maison La Belle Vie, and Carboy Winery.
- Go for a horse-drawn carriage ride with JRs Carriage Service.
- Take a scenic drive around the vineyards to see the peach blossoms in the spring (April).
- Attend a festival. Popular festivals include the Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival (June), the Palisade Peach Festival (August), and Colorado Mountain Winefest (September).
2. The Grand Mesa
Drive Time From Grand Junction: <1 hour
One of the most prominent natural features that is visible from pretty much anywhere in Grand Junction is the Grand Mesa. Not only is it the largest flat top mountain in the world, it’s also home to more than 300 lakes and reservoirs. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat in the summer, catch the aspens changing colors in the fall, or ski at one of the most affordable resorts in Colorado in the winter (Powderhorn), the Grand Mesa makes for a great day trip destination anytime of year.
What to Do on the Grand Mesa:
- Hike Crags Crest Trail, a National Recreation Trail!
- Go leaf peeping during the fall. The Grand Mesa is one of the best (and most underrated) places to see fall colors in Colorado!
- Drive Lands End Road and check out the Lands End Observatory.
- Go fishing or paddleboarding on one of the hundreds of lakes on the Grand Mesa.
- Go cross-country skiing on trails maintained by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council during the winter (County Line has my favorite trails, which are great for beginners).
Day Trips Within 2 Hours of Grand Junction
3. Moab
Drive Time From Grand Junction: 1 ½-2 hours depending on your route (I recommend getting off I70 at Exit 200 and taking the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway U-128 into Moab.)
Moab is easily my favorite place to visit for a day trip from Grand Junction because there are so many things to see and do in the area. You can find pretty much any outdoor activity in Moab (even backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the La Sal mountains), which is why it’s often regarded as one of the top outdoor recreation meccas in the United States.
While Moab is most famous for its two national parks, it’s also home to plenty of dog-friendly hiking on BLM land. I’ve spent a ton of time exploring Moab with my dog, Becket, and put together a comprehensive guide to visiting the area with your dog, along with an interactive map, which is available on Rexby.
What to Do in Moab:
- Visit Arches and Canyonlands National Park (check out the best hikes in Arches!)
- Float the Moab Daily section of the Colorado River. If you don’t have your own watercraft you can rent one locally (either in GJ or Moab) or hire a guide.
- Watch the sunset from Dead Horse Point State Park.
- Go mountain biking on world class trails, including Navajo Rocks and Captain Ahab Trail (for advanced riders only!).
- Explore the area’s 4×4 roads, either in your own vehicle or on a private Jeep tour.
More Moab Adventures!
4. Glenwood Springs
Drive Time From Grand Junction: 90 minutes
Glenwood Springs is easy to get to from Grand Junction because it’s located right along I-70, which makes it a convenient day trip destination. While hot springs are the area’s claim to fame (as the town’s name suggests), there are plenty of other things to do in this cute Colorado mountain town. A lot of the activities in Glenwood Springs are geared towards tourists, but you can also find nearby hiking and mountain biking trails in the surrounding area.
What to Do in Glenwood Springs:
- Soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs or Glenwood Hot Springs.
- Visit Glenwood Adventure Park and ride all of the thrill rides.
- Hike to Hanging Lakes (permit required).
- Relax at the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves.
- Ride your bike along the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path.
5. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Drive Time From Grand Junction: 90 minutes to South Rim; 1 hour & 45 minutes to North Rim
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is arguably one of the most underrated national parks, and if you live in Grand Junction you’re fortunate to be able to access it with just a short drive. The Black Canyon is visually striking and one of the deepest canyons in the United States. You can hike to the bottom with a permit or just take in the view from the rim.
Be aware, there was a massive wildfire along the South Rim during the summer of 2024, so many hiking trails and the campground are currently closed. While the park saw significant damage, the canyon itself was largely unaffected and it’s still worth the trip to see.
What to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park:
- Drive the South Rim Drive. Make sure to stop at all 12 overlooks along the way for different vantage points of the canyon (although if you only have time for one, don’t miss the Painted Wall).
- Hike the North Vista Trail on the North Rim.
- Visit at night to go stargazing at this International Dark Sky Park.
- Hike (or rather scramble) down to the Gunnison River via the Gunnison Route (very difficult and requires a permit).
6. Ouray
Drive Time From Grand Junction: just under 2 hours
If you’re looking for a day trip from Grand Junction that actually gets you into the mountains, then visiting Ouray is going to be the most convenient option. Ouray is an old mining town that serves as a gateway to the San Juan mountains, which are widely considered the most scenic mountains in Colorado. There are a lot of activities in the town of Ouray itself, including hot springs and waterfall hikes, or you can explore the surrounding area for some of the best views in Colorado.
What to Do in Ouray:
- Soak at Ouray Hot Springs.
- Hike the Ouray Perimeter Trail and see Cascade Falls (and other waterfalls) along the way.
- Drive the Million Dollar Highway (don’t forget to stop at the Switzerland of America sign and overlook!).
- Visit Box Cañon Falls ($7/adults; $5/kids; $6/seniors over 62).
- Take a 4×4 tour to Yankee Boy Basin (or drive your own Jeep or 4WD vehicle!).
Discover 15 of the top things to do in Ouray for more recommendations!
Day Trips Within 3 Hours of Grand Junction
7. Crested Butte
Drive Time From Grand Junction: 2 ½ hours (via Kebler Pass)-3 hours (via Montrose and Gunnison)
Crested Butte is my absolute favorite mountain town in Colorado. The town itself is colorful and has a very laidback, creative vibe, which sets it apart from other resort towns. During the summer the wildflowers completely take over the landscape, giving it the title of the wildflower capital of Colorado. During the fall the changing aspens provide some of the best fall colors in the state.
The best way to get to Crested Butte from Grand Junction is via Kebler Pass (closed during the winter and spring), or you can loop around through Montrose and Gunnison. There are a ton of outdoor activities to do year-round, including hiking some of the area’s most beautiful trails. Regardless of your adventure, make sure to stop in town afterwards and grab a bite at a local restaurant, like The Secret Stash or The Hideout (my personal faves).
What to Do in Crested Butte:
- Visit during the Wildflower Festival in July.
- Drive Kebler Pass in the fall (read my complete guide so you know what to expect!).
- Go paddleboarding on Lake Irwin.
- Mountain bike on the famous 401 Trail.
- Ski or snowboard at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
8. Aspen
Drive Time From Grand Junction: 2 hours & 15 minutes
Aspen is one of Colorado’s most popular (and bougiest) mountain towns. While traveling to and staying in Aspen can be quite expensive, you can actually take a pretty affordable day trip from Grand Junction. There are a lot of scenic hiking trails and backroads in the area to explore. If you’re looking to splurge, Aspen is the perfect place to go for high-end dining and shopping.
What to Do in Aspen:
- Visit the iconic Maroon Bells (learn how to visit at sunrise in this guide!).
- Ride the gondola in Snowmass Village (hot tip: during the summer and fall you can hike up to the top and take the gondola down for free).
- Hike to American Lake or Cathedral Lake.
- Take a scenic drive over Independence Pass.
- Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride up to the Pine Creek Cookhouse during the winter.
More Aspen Activities!
9. Telluride
Drive Time From Grand Junction: 2 ½ hours
Nestled in a box canyon, Telluride is easily one of the most scenic mountain towns in Colorado. The most popular time of year to visit is during the winter thanks to the world famous ski resort in town, but I personally prefer visiting during the summer and fall. Telluride is a long drive from the Front Range, so it’s usually not too crowded unless there’s a festival going on. While it’s also a bit of a drive from Grand Junction (get an early start!), you can still pack a lot into a short day trip.
What to Do in Telluride:
- Take a hike to Bridal Veil Falls or Bear Creek Falls, two of the best hikes in Telluride.
- Ride the free, dog-friendly Gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village.
- Visit during early October to see the aspens changing color.
- Browse the shops on Main Street.
- Go skiing or snowboarding at the Telluride Ski Resort.
10. Hanksville
Drive Time From Grand Junction: 2 hours & 15 minutes
If you’re looking for a desert adventure that gets you away from the crowds, then head out to Hanksville, Utah. While it’s geographically the farthest day trip destination from Grand Junction in this guide, the speed limit on I-70 in Utah is 80mph and it’s an easy drive out. The town of Hanksville itself is very small, but it’s surrounded by public lands and serves as a great basecamp for endless outdoor adventures. Cell service in the area can be limited, so do some research and download maps for the places you want to explore ahead of time.
What to Do in Hanksville:
- Hike among the hoodoos in Goblin Valley State Park.
- Explore a slot canyon, like Little Wildhorse Canyon or Crack Canyon (read up on slot canyon safety before you go!).
- Drive out to Monscape Overlook (but be careful near the edge, the rock here is very crumbly!).
- Check out Carl’s Critter Garden in town.
- Visit Capitol Reef National Park (a bit of a further drive, but still under 3 hours from Grand Junction).
Check out my complete guide to visiting Hanksville!
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