The Grand Views of Grand Junction

The natural beauty of the landscape around Grand Junction is the main draw to the city. You are just minutes away from endless miles of hiking trails along amazing canyons and mesas. For us, exploring these outdoor attractions was our main focus while in the area (along with a few brewery stops of course!).

To walk into nature is to witness a thousand miracles.

One of the main places to visit just outside of the city is the Colorado National Monument. This 31 square mile area consists of countless red rock expanses, deep canyons, and sandstone towers. Dogs are not allowed to hike within the monument area, but they are allowed to go along on a scenic drive called Rim Rock Drive. This slow moving route is 23 miles long and gives you an up close and personal view of the landscape and also provides many overlook areas that dogs are allowed in. It also does provide access to hiking trails within the monument. For us, this was a perfect way to take in the beauty of the area in a timely manner while staying comfortable for the most part in our air conditioning! Note that it does cost $15 per vehicle to go on this drive, but for us it was included in our national parks pass.

Just outside of the Colorado National Monument area are many hiking options that dogs are allowed on – we chose to hike the Mica Mines trail which is in Bangs Canyon. This is a 2.6 mile out and back trail that had easy terrain for the most part and just a few more challenging sections over rocks and sandstone banks. This was very scenic the entire way and an easy to follow trail. The Corgis got tired quickly in the heat, but the enjoyed a ride for most of the way in their K9 Sport Sacks!