Why the Grand Valley is quickly becoming the next must-see destination in Colorado

Colorado is known for its iconic spots like Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge, alongside Denver, which has grown exponentially in the last decade.

For those seeking something fresh, a trip further west takes you to the Grand Valley, an up-and-coming gem in Colorado that's becoming a must-visit location.

Nestled on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, four hours from Denver, the Grand Valley is home to three vibrant cities: Palisade, Grand Junction, and Fruita.

These three towns, each offering their own unique charm, provide a variety of experiences from relaxing wine and fruit tours to outdoor adventures like river sports, hiking, biking, and scenic drives through a blend of mountains and desert landscapes.

Join us as we dive into and explore this rapidly emerging region of Colorado.

Palisade: A paradise of fruit, wine, and agritourism

A horse-drawn carriage clatters down Palisade's charming streets, lined with roses, passing vibrant farm stands and wine-tasting rooms. The scenery is dominated by sprawling peach orchards, vineyards, and, in every direction, a stunning mix of mountain peaks and desert canyon cliffs.

James Sanders, a longtime peach grower, waves to neighbors relaxing on their porches as he drives a yellow and blue forklift loaded with freshly harvested fruit from his orchards to his farm market, the Palisade Peach Shack, right at the town's entrance.

Moments later, he returns on a tractor, pulling a trailer of cheerful visitors on a u-pick tour through his thriving peach orchards.

In Palisade, a small farming town of just under 3,000 residents, it’s another peaceful summer day, where visitors escape the hustle and bustle of city life to enjoy local produce, fresh fields, and fine wine.

“There’s something special about this place,” Sanders reflected. “Sitting back on a porch, savoring a glass of wine, getting your hands sticky after biting into a peach, and knowing all the farmers and locals are friendly and approachable... that’s the life we have here.”

Palisade's reputation began in the late 1800s when the first peach trees were planted, and today, the Palisade Peach is arguably Colorado's most iconic crop, featured in products like Breckenridge Brewery's Palisade Peach Wheat beer, which can be found nationwide.

In addition to peaches, apples, apricots, plums, lavender, and a wide variety of vegetables now flourish in abundance. This year, Palisade’s Sunday farmer’s market earned third place in USA Today’s 2022 Best Farmers Market Readers’ Choice awards, despite being the smallest market nominated.

Both motorists and cyclists can enjoy the bounty of Palisade by taking a scenic route along the Fruit & Wine Byway, which meanders through the area’s orchards and vineyards.

Summer is peak season for fresh produce, with peaches ripening in July, August, and September. Visit the Peach Shack, Talbott Farms, Clark Family Orchards, or McLean Farms for peaches, or stop by Field to Fork and Blaine’s Farm Store for a variety of other locally grown goods.

You can also savor the harvest at Palisade’s local restaurants, where it’s incorporated into dishes at Pêche, the weekend burger nights at Maison La Belle Vie, cocktails at Fidel’s, fresh bread and sandwiches at Slice O Life Bakery, and sweet treats at Palisade Pies.

Colorado's wine country is being dubbed 'the new Sonoma'

Last year, Food & Wine magazine named Colorado’s Western Slope as 'the new Sonoma,' with Palisade’s orchards and nearly 30 wineries at the heart of this comparison.

This recognition sparked a buzz among locals, who have witnessed the region evolve from a group of 'pioneer hobby growers' to a thriving community of professional winemakers.

“Twenty or thirty years ago, when winemaking first began in Palisade, it was mostly farmers growing fruit with just a small vineyard,” said Joe Flynn, a winemaker at Plum Creek Winery, who is launching his own brand, Periphery Cellars, this fall. “These hobbyist growers put Palisade on the map as a budding wine region, though it was still under the radar.”

“As Palisade has grown, we’ve gained more recognition,” Flynn shared. “More people are discovering that the wine here rivals – if not exceeds – that of the regions to the west, and Palisade’s distinctive landscape and terroir are attracting people from out of state to continue the legacy of the early pioneers, refine what they started, and become part of this blossoming wine scene.”

Join Pali Tours for an open-air, safari-style wine tasting adventure, or hop between wineries with the ever-ready Palisade Pedicab (which also serves as a charming taxi service for happy hour or dinner trips from your accommodation). Alternatively, rent a bike from Rapid Creek Cycles in downtown Palisade and explore at your own pace, using the Fruit & Wine Byway map.

Must-visit wineries include Restoration Vineyards, Sauvage Spectrum, Colterris, and Carlson Vineyards, among many others.

Grand Junction and Fruita

Located just 20 minutes southwest of Palisade, Grand Junction is the largest city in the Grand Valley.

To understand the name Grand Junction, a bit of history is needed. The Gunnison River meets the mighty Colorado River in this valley, much to the delight of rafters and river enthusiasts.

When the area was first settled, the Colorado River was known as the Grand River. (It was officially renamed to the Colorado River in 1921.) This explains the names: Grand Junction, where the Grand and Gunnison rivers converge, and the Grand Valley.

You can witness the confluence of these rivers by bike on the Riverfront Trail. Start at Las Colonias Park and cruise downstream, finishing at Connected Lakes. For a closer experience, rent a paddleboard or raft from Grand Junction Adventures at Las Colonias Park and take to the water.

Afterwards, head to Main Street and explore the vibrant downtown area, filled with locally owned shops ranging from antique collectors like A Robin’s Nest, to outdoor-focused thrift stores like Gear Junction, to breweries such as Ramblevine, and a variety of eateries like The Hog and the Hen for charcuterie and market sandwiches, Bin 707 for seasonal Colorado fare, and Devil’s Kitchen for steaks and rooftop views.

If you're looking to embrace the local style, visit Grand Junction Western Wear or Boot Barn for cowboy hats, boots, and Western attire.

At night, check out the area's live music venues, such as Mesa Theater, Avalon Theater, or Las Colonias Amphitheater. The amphitheater, right on the Colorado River, regularly hosts major national acts like Snoop Dogg and 311 this year.

At the far western edge of the valley, just 19 miles (30.5 kilometers) from the Utah border, lies Fruita, a small town known for its world-class mountain biking, including the famous Zippity Loop in the North Fruita Desert. Hikers should check out the Devil’s Canyon Trail system, where they can explore rugged cliffs, canyons, and streams.

Families will enjoy the Dinosaur Journey in Fruita, home to over 15,000 fossil specimens, interactive exhibits, and a working paleontology lab. The museum also offers half- and full-day excursions with a professional paleontologist, where kids can dig for bones in an active quarry. Nearby, you'll find other dinosaur attractions, including the Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway and the family-friendly Dinosaur Hill hike.

Where the mountains meet the desert

The term 'grand junction' doesn’t only refer to the meeting of rivers—it also describes a natural convergence that’s a dream for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore varied terrain.

Positioned on the northeast edge of the Colorado Plateau, the Grand Valley is where the Rocky Mountains meet the desert canyons of the Southwest, offering adventurers easy access to dramatically different landscapes. You can start the day hiking through red-rock canyons, enjoy a pine forest trail after lunch, and wrap up with a river adventure in the afternoon.

Between Grand Junction and Fruita lies the Colorado National Monument, a striking high desert landscape filled with red rock canyons, towering buttes, and juniper trees.

Begin your adventure at the east gate in Grand Junction and drive west along Rim Rock Drive, stopping at scenic spots like Devil’s Kitchen, Ute Canyon, and the Independence Monument viewpoint for trails and breathtaking views.

As you exit the west gate in Fruita, enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Valley. Afterward, like the locals, grab a cold beer and the Grand Valley’s best pizza at Hot Tomato in downtown Fruita.

For a dramatic change of scenery, take Interstate 70 toward Grand Mesa National Forest. The entrance, located along the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, is just an hour's drive from Fruita and even closer from Grand Junction and Palisade.

This high-altitude recreation area, east of the Grand Valley, is home to thick pine forests, aspen groves, and over 300 lakes. It’s the largest flattop mountain in the world, offering a wide variety of campgrounds, cabins, and trails for hiking and biking.

For the quintessential Grand Mesa experience, hike the Crag Crest Trail for stunning panoramic views, explore the short but beautiful Land O’ Lakes trail to visit a series of backcountry lakes, and spend a night at either Alexander Lake Lodge or Mesa Lakes Lodge, where you can rent canoes, kayaks, or fishing gear.

On long summer days, cool off by floating down the Colorado River through Palisade, Grand Junction, or Fruita with a rafting, tubing, or paddleboarding trip from Paddleboard Adventure Company or Centennial Canoe. Wrap up your day with a drink at The Sneak Line in Palisade, sharing stories with fellow river-goers.

Where to stay and how to get there

Grand Junction’s Main Street features a variety of chain hotels for those collecting points, including two Marriott properties, and similar accommodations can be found in Fruita.

However, if you're after a more distinctive experience, Palisade offers the perfect local accommodations.

For a wine-country bed and breakfast feel, book a stay at the historic, antique-filled Wine Valley Inn (adults only), or enjoy a more resort-like experience at the nearby Wine Country Inn just up the road.

For bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Spoke & Vine Motel is the go-to spot, where locals gather for drinks every Monday. If you prefer camping, set up at Palisade Basecamp, with tent sites and cabins right next to the Colorado River.

To reach the region, fly into Grand Junction Airport (GJT), which was named Colorado’s Airport of the Year in 2021.

Even though it’s located in remote western Colorado, most travelers across the U.S. can reach the Grand Valley with just one connection. There are direct flights available from major cities like Denver, Dallas, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.