Spring in Western Colorado

From Salt Lake, Denver, or Phoenix fly into Grand Junction. Reserve a room and rent a car. This dynamic high desert town will be your base of operations.

Day One: Drive to Moab (90 miles west on Interstate 70). Visit Arches National Park or take a 4-wheel-drive tour of the area's spectacular red rock canyons.

Day Two: Explore the badlands along Grand Junction's Tabguache Trail. From North Broadway, turn left on Monument Road and procede uphill about a mile to a dirt parking area on the left. If you have a mountain bike, even better!

Day Three: Drive up to the Grand Mesa. Powderhorn Ski Resort, 30 minutes from downtown Grand Junction, closed at the end of March, but there is still plenty of snow for sightseeing, snow play, and even crosscountry skiing, though the trails are icy.

Day Four: Visit Palisade at the eastern end of the Grand Valley and tour the area's wineries. In mid-April, peach, pear, cherry, and apple orchards burst into bloom. May brings a tour of local artist's studios.

Day Five: Drive to Ouray, the Switzerland of America (90 miles south on Highway 50). This beautiful mountain town is peaceful and spectacular in the spring. Eat at the restored Beaumont Hotel or at the St. Elmo. There are also restaurants in Delta, Montrose, and Ridgway.

Day Six: Explore the Colorado National Monument. If you have a racing or touring bike, this is a classic ride. It's also great in a car. Check out the park's website to find out more about hiking trails and spectacular overlooks. Great hikes include the Serpent's Trail, Corkscrew Trail, the Devil's Kitchen Trail, and the Ute Canyon Trail. The visitor's center has a great show about the human and natural history of the area.

Day Seven: Travel east on Interstate70 to Glenwood Springs. Try out the famed hot springs pool, the caves, and the historic town. Drive 30 miles up the road to see Aspen's shops and galleries.

Spring is a great season in western Colorado. Come and see us!