Grand Juntion Destination for Retirees
For active retirees looking to move, Grand Junction has the most to offer. A small town with a high quality of life and a good economy. Small towns allow you to escape the crowds and traffic of large metro areas but still retain the stores, services and health care options that make life in retirement easier. The pleasantly mild and dry four-season climate in the Grand Valley, and impressive landscape, make it a paradise for outdoor activities. The opportunities include year-round golf, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, camping and rafting. Grand Junction is in a little pocket between the mountains and the desert, with the Colorado River running through the middle of it. As a result, there are outdoor recreation options in every direction and most are a short drive or literally right outside the back door. Each of Colorado's 4 distinct seasons offers unique outdoor opportunities.
You don't need to be a retiree to move here and enjoy what the Grand Valley has to offer!
In June of 2022, Kiplinger Magazine named Grand Junction one of the Best Places to Retire.
Enjoying the outdoors is one of the best attributes of living in the Grand Valley
Colorado National Monument
The Colorado National Monument is just six miles from downtown Grand Junction. It consists of more than 20,000 acres of spectacular canyonlands waiting for you to explore. As you drive through the Monument on Rimrock Drive, you will be seeing the tremendous forces of erosion that exposed intricate layers that run through the rocks over a million years ago. Rimrock Drive's hairpin turns provide spectacular views of towering monoliths in a vast plateau and canyon panorama. Do take time to stop at the many overlooks and short trails for the views, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles. Fourteen trails lead you to the most famous sites throughout the Colorado Nation Monument. Trails range from short, easy out-and-back and all day challenging treks. Cyclists love the Monument for the most stimulating road ride. Colorado National Monument preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West.
Living in the Grand Valley is Grand
Grand Mesa
Dominating the eastern skyline is the Grand Mesa. The Grand Mesa is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. Over 350,000 acres and over 300 lakes, provides abundant outdoor recreation. The park is a popular destination for fishing, camping and hiking. Summer brings brilliant wildflowers and golden Aspen trees in the fall. From the roughly 5,000 foot elevation of the Grand Valley, the Grand Mesa rises to an elevation of about 11,000 feet. The sheer contrast between the Mesa and the Grand Valley in geography and climate provides for a welcome wooded escape in the hot summer months and high quality winter recreation for snow lovers.
The charming communities of Mesa and Cedaredge lie along the Mesa Scenic Byway and winds through 65 miles of the national forest. Pass through desert sandstone and high-walled canyons to thick groves of aspen and evergreen forests. Things to do in the Grand Mesa: Fish in one of 300 lakes, Mountain bike on designated trails, Cross-country ski, Snowmobile, Camp, Hike Crag Crest National Recreation Trail and enjoy a picnic.
Bicycling the Grand Valley
The Grand Junction area is a cycling hotspot! Mountain biking in the Fruita and Grand Mesa area, road biking the Riverfront Trail or just riding around town. You can bike the Palisade Fruit-and Wine Byway and visit the wineries, orchards and Lavender farms.
With so many mountains in the region, it is certain that mountain biking would be popular. There are approximately 230 miles of trails in the Grand Junction area, ranging from calm beginner routes to technical tracks for the experts.
Riverfront Trail
The Riverfront trail system is comprised of trails that run through city parks, state parks, wildlife areas and open space. The trails have a soft' surface that can be used for trail running. Most people either walk or ride their bicycle. There are seven parks long the trail system: Palisade, Island Acres, Corn Lake, Connected Lakes, Las Colonias, Colorado River Wildlife area, and Fruita Park. The trail now also connects with Lunch Loops mountain biking area, the Colorado National Monument and Loma, Colorado. Maps are available online that show trailheads, wildlife viewing areas, and picnic areas. The Riverfront Trail provides access to the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, and boat ramp access. The trail if over 68 miles long.
Tabeguache -Lunch Loops Mountain Biking
The bike park is part of the Tabeguache/Lunch Loop Trail System in Grand Junction between Monument Road and Little Park Road. Though the bike park offers easy trails, the full trail system consists primarily of trails rated "more difficult" to "very difficult", and also offers two trails: Free Lunch and Pucker-Up designated for downhill mountain biking only (one-way, no hiking). Adjacent to the Colorado National Monument and Bangs Canyon allow the Lunch Loops Trail System to provide spectacular views on challenging terrain. The trails are open to mountain biking and hiking, and receive high use from both mountain bikers and trail runners, and dogs are a frequent occurrence in the area.
The Riverfront Trail system now connects with the Lunch Loop Bike Park. This bike park is great for families who want to accommodate different bike skill levels.
Las Colonias Park
Riverfront at Las Colinas Park is a 140 acre park and the latest development on the Colorado River along the Colorado RiverFront Trail. The park includes a water channel, standing wave water feature, beach and wading areas. At the Butterfly Pond you can kayak or paddleboard. There are changing areas, restrooms, playground, picnic pavilions, and a dog park. Next to Butterfly Pond you can rent equipment to float down the river or paddleboard. The outdoor amphitheater seats several thousand and has a 40x60 foot stage with incredible sound system and top concerts. Las Colonias is next door to Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and just a few blocks from downtown Grand Junction to get something to eat and shop.
River and Water Sports
Grand Junction is a getaway to an assortment of lakes and reservoirs in Western Colorado, offering plenty of activities year-round. Some choices are vast reservoirs with outstanding boating, waterskiing, and camping. Tranquil Mesa Lakes has incredible kayaking, hiking and and views and is located partway up the Grand Mesa. You don't have to drive far to enjoy 9 nearby lakes, they are all within 1 hour 15 minutes drive.
Ruby-Horsetheif Canyon
The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area is a wonderland of sandstone canyons, natural arches, and hidden alcoves. It is also home to monumental land forms, world renowned paleontological resources and the Colorado River. The Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River from Loma, Colorado to Westwater, Utah is a 25-mile stretch of mostly flat-water with sections of Class 1 and II rapids. This part of the Colorado flows through beautiful red rock canyons and has many day hike opportunities offering both solitude and exploration. Eamping is allowed, but you will need to secure a permit.
Highline Lake
Highline Lake is located 30 minutes from Grand Junction and is an oasis in the high desert. Highline is actually two beautiful lakes surrounded by hiking trails, places to picnic and enjoy the water. You can paddle board, swim, fish, hike, bike and more. There is a boat ramp, fishing is year-round and you can buy your license at the Visitor Center. There is a large picnic area, and you can can camp there, but have to do yore reservation online due to demand. Bring your binoculars as there are over 200 bird species.
Snow ski in the morning, ride your bike, golf, or hike in the afternoon!
Skiing the Grand Mesa and Powderhorn
During the winter, the Grand Mesa offers three networks of trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The heavy snowfall and flat top mountain terrain make it a perfect spot for cross-country skiing.
Powderhorn is an affordable, family-friendly ski and snowboard resort on the Mesa's steep north flank. Over half of Powerhorn's terrain is geared to beginners and intermediates. The expert terrain expanded a few years ago. There are 4 lifts, 10 miles of snowshoe trails two restaurants, full-service ski and snowboard school, and a rental shop.
Year-Round Golf Courses in Grand Junction, CO
The Grand Valley has 5 golf courses and is home to some of the most scenic golf courses in the state. From challenging 18-hole championship courses to an informal 9-hole. Mild winters with over 260 sunny days a year, gives you more time to play golf! The four courses are Tiara Rado, The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa, Lincoln Park and Chipeta Golf Course. There is also a private-membership only course at the Bookcliff Country Club.
Tiara Rado
Tiara Rado is a public golf course in the Redlands. It is bordered on one side by the Colorado National Monument and also views of the Bookcliff Mountains. Tiara Rado is also a bird sanctuary that hosts more than 90 bird species a year. Tiara Rado's wide-open back nine is newly renovated. Holes: 18, Par: 71; Slope: 127; Length: 6442 yards U.S.G.A. Rating 70.5
The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa
The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa was ranked the top public golf course in Colorado in 2017 by Golfweek. Called "The Rock" by locals, this course is known for its natural beauty, difficulty, elevated trees and dramatic elevation changes. Designed by award-winning golf architect Jim Engh, nearly every hole has a stunning view. Holes: 18, Par: 72; Slope 137; Length: 7007 yards U.S.G.A. Rating 72.7
Moab is Just 90 Minutes Away
Arches National Park is the primary attraction with more than 2,000 stone arches located within the park boundaries. Canyonlands underscore the land's beauty and offer multiple opportunities for Dead Horse Point State Park is an underappreciated treasure that overlooks the Colorado River and offers spectacular vistas that stretch to the horizon. Sandy Flats is the the home of the famous Slickrock Bike Trail and has many four-wheel trails. In Moab you can hike, bike, camp, do rock climbing and jeeping. The land around Moab is rich in dinosaur fossils and tracks. Humans have enjoyed the Moab area for thousands of years. Evidence of their existence includes ruins, artifacts and extensive rock art.
1,559,551 acres of public lands in Mesa County
Grand Junction's Public Lanes
981,360 acres of Bureau of Land Management lands:
- McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
- Bangs Canyon Recreation Area
- Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
- Grand Valley OHV Area
20,500 Acres of National Park Service Lands:
- Colorado National Monument
400,000+ Acres of National Forests
- Grand Mesa & Uncompahgree National Forest's
36 Grand Junction City Parks
- Canyon View Park,
- Las Colonias Park
- Cottonwood Meadows
- Lincoln Park and more
Take a closer look at Grand Junction, and let me show you all the wonderful things it has to offer. Relocation is my specialty, I know the areas both as a RE/MAX agent and a resident. My specialized education as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist SRES® and an Accredited Buyer's Representative ABR®, offers you a higher level of service and trust.
