Colorado Outdoors, Things of Interest in Western Colorado Mountains and DesertsThe Grand Junction area has some of the best of Colorado Outdoors. Located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains and only 30 miles from the Utah state line makes it ideal as a starting point for exploring. Grand Junction received its name in 1881 from its earlier name of Grand River (later called the Colorado), joining the Gunnison river that flows through this valley. Grand Junction itself is located in a high desert valley at 4,600 ft. that stretches from east to west for over 30 miles. Other small towns in this same Wind and water contributed much to the look of this entire area. An ocean covered much of western Colorado and eastern Utah in the past and when it receded it left behind a truly amazing landscape of sandstone canyons and rock formations. Sort of like a wonderland of shapes and colors that have to be seen to be believed. There is a stark contrast of terrain from alpine tundra to slickrock desert that resides close together here. Bordered by the Book Cliff range on the north, Uncompahgre Plateau to the south, Grand Mesa to east, and the Colorado National Monument, (part of the Uncompahgre Plateau) that wraps around to the west end of the valley and the Utah state line. The Grand Mesa on the east end of the Grand Valley is the largest mesa ( flat top mountain) in the world with an area of 500 square miles and over 200 lakes. Much of this extinct volcano rises to an elevation of 10,000 ft. with Crater Peak at 11,327 ft.and can be very steep and rocky in several areas. There are many things for visitors to do like hunting, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, alpine-skiing and fishing. The Colorado National Monument is comprised mostly of large sandstone canyons and prominent spires from the Grand Valley floor. Looking down into the valley below one can easily see how an ocean was once here. The top is covered in juniper trees and pinyon pines where the road winds along the rim, a great place to bicycle or motorcycle ride. There are many good hiking trails and view points along this route. Uncompahgre Plateau is part of the Colorado Plateau that covers 130,000 sq. miles of the four corners region. The Uncompahgre Plateau rises to 10,000 ft. and has many pretty sandstone canyons. There is much evidence left behind from Native Americans that used to live on the Uncompahgre. Mostly forested with ponderosa pines, aspen, juniper and pinyon this area is excellent example of Colorado outdoors for dirt road travel and exploring. A person can truly get lost in this huge area. The Book Cliffs Mountain range stretches from Palisade to Green River Utah bordering the Grand Vally and is another great area for hunting, bicycling, hiking, and off road adventure in the Colorado outdoors. Terrain changes from desert to redrock cliffs to forested slopes and above tree line, to 14,000 ft. peaks all are within easy driving distance, all excellent examples of Colorado outdoors. Dinosaur digs and museums are found throughout Western Colorado as many important discoveries have been made in this area. It is not at all difficult to find petrified wood or fossils if you know where to look. This area has grown steadily as a tourist destination for rock climbing, bicycling, fishing, four wheeling, hunting, rafting, camping, hiking, motorcycling,etc. Because of this incredible landscape, people come from around the world to enjoy and play. Some of the towns in this area include Moab, Montrose, Rifle, Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, Craig, Glenwood Springs, Gunnison, Delta, Rangley, Meeker, Aspen, and Leadville all have very interesting histories and ties to this area. Some started as cattle towns while others were from mining for gold and silver during the late 1800's. There have been many books written about these towns and the problems that these early settlers went through because of the difficult terrain and altitude. Outdoors Survival Ideas for Your Vehicle and Backpack
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Grand Valley include Palisade, Fruita, Loma, and Mack. 
This area is also home to wild horses. 
