Mount Evans Scenic Byway offers visitors breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. The byway is the highest paved road in North America, reaching an elevation of 14,130 feet at the summit of Mount Evans. The road is open seasonally, usually from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
One of the main attractions along the byway is the Mount Evans Summit Lake Park, which sits at an elevation of 12,830 feet. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and alpine tundra. Visitors can also take a short walk to the nearby Summit Lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Another popular stop along the byway is the Mount Goliath Natural Area, which features a nature trail that winds through a forest of ancient bristlecone pine trees. These trees can live for thousands of years and are some of the oldest living organisms on earth. The trail also provides visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
As visitors travel higher up the byway, they will encounter the unique landscape of the alpine tundra. This fragile ecosystem is home to a variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh conditions at high elevations. Visitors can take short hikes on the tundra to see wildflowers, marmots, and other wildlife, but they are reminded to stay on the designated trails to protect the delicate ecosystem.
At the summit of Mount Evans, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There is a small visitor center at the top that offers exhibits on the area’s geology and history, as well as a gift shop and restroom facilities. Visitors are also welcome to hike to the summit of Mount Evans, which requires a steep 0.5-mile climb from the parking lot.
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is also a popular destination for photographers, with opportunities to capture stunning landscapes at every turn. Sunrise and sunset are particularly beautiful times to visit, as the changing light creates dramatic colors and shadows on the mountains.
Visitors should be aware that the Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a high-altitude road that can be challenging to drive for some people. The road is narrow and winding, with steep drop-offs in some places, and there are no guardrails along much of the route. Visitors should also be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as storms can roll in quickly at high elevations.
Fruita is a small town located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, and is known for its excellent mountain biking trails, as well as other outdoor recreational activities. Fruita is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. The area boasts over 100 miles of trails, ranging from easy beginner trails to challenging expert-level rides. Trails include 18 Road, Kokopelli Loops, and the famous Horsethief Bench. The trails are well maintained and offer a variety of terrain, including slickrock, technical climbs, and fast descents.
Fruita and the surrounding areas offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, and fishing. There are also several nearby state parks, including Highline Lake State Park and James M. Robb Colorado River State Park.
The Dinosaur National Monument is located just over an hour’s drive from Fruita and offers a unique opportunity to view dinosaur fossils and other prehistoric artifacts. Visitors can explore the park on their own or join a guided tour.
Located about 30 minutes east of Fruita, the Colorado National Monument offers stunning views of red rock formations and canyons. Visitors can drive or bike the scenic Rim Rock Drive, hike one of the many trails, or enjoy a picnic in the park.
The town of Fruita itself is small but charming, with several local shops and restaurants. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Fruita Fall Festival and the Fat Tire Festival.
Fruita and the surrounding areas are home to several wineries and breweries. Visitors can sample local wines at wineries like Carlson Vineyards and Whitewater Hill Vineyards, or try a craft beer at breweries like Copper Club Brewing Company and Kannah Creek Brewing Company.
Fruita is located near several scenic drives, including the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway and the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway. These drives offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Grand Junction, located in western Colorado, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, wine lovers, and history buffs
Grand Junction is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, river rafting, golfing, fishing, and skiing. The Colorado National Monument is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing, while the Grand Mesa National Forest offers scenic drives, fishing, and camping opportunities. The Kokopelli Trail and Lunch Loops are well-known mountain biking trails in the area.
The Grand Valley is known for its wine production, and there are over 20 wineries and vineyards in the area. Visitors can take wine tours and tastings, and many wineries also have outdoor seating areas with views of the vineyards.
The Museum of the West in downtown Grand Junction showcases the history of the American West, including exhibits on Native American culture, mining, and ranching. The Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial is also located in Grand Junction and honors the soldiers from Colorado’s Western Slope who served in the Vietnam War.
The downtown area of Grand Junction is filled with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. The Main Street area has been revitalized in recent years and hosts a farmers’ market, street festivals, and outdoor concerts.
The Colorado River runs through Grand Junction, and visitors can take guided river rafting trips or rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore the river on their own.
In addition to the Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa National Forest, there are several parks and recreation areas in the Grand Junction area. These include the James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park, Highline Lake State Park, and the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area.
Grand Junction hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Colorado Mountain Winefest, Palisade Peach Festival, and the Grand Junction Off-Road mountain bike race.
Grand Junction offers a variety of dining options, including farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, and cafes. Some popular restaurants in the area include Bin 707 Foodbar, Il Bistro Italiano, and the Rockslide Brewery.
There are many lodging options in Grand Junction, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Some popular places to stay include the Historic Melrose Hotel, Wine Country Inn, and the Hampton Inn.
Grand Junction is also close to several other popular destinations, including the resort town of Telluride, the ski slopes of Crested Butte, and the scenic drives of the San Juan Skyway.
