Grand Junction CVB Offers Three Tips for Enjoying Fall Foliage on Colorado’s Western Slope
Grand Junction, Colo. (PRWEB) July 30, 2013 -- Today the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau (GJVCB) announced three tips for uncommon ways to experience the famed fall foliage on Colorado’s Western Slope. Grand Junction, which is situated in a valley (where colors pop later) but surrounded by peaks (where higher elevations urge early color change), is a colorful place to plant oneself for a full fall foliage experience.
Here are just three of the most scenic ways to soak up the season. For more on planning a trip to Grand Junction visit the website.
1. Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Powderhorn Mountain Resort in nearby Mesa is known for some of the best powder in the winter, and some of the most fabulous foliage in fall. Experience vibrant scrub oak set in contrast against golden shimmering aspens traversing along Highway 65, which is part of the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway. There are a number of pullouts along the road, offering great photo opportunities. Fall Fest at Powderhorn, Sept. 21-22, offers chairlift rides up and down so hikers, bikers and gawkers can get a birds’ eye view of the colors. Other activities include crafts for the kids, live music on the Sunset Deck, and free disc golf.
2. James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park
Road biking, mountain biking, hiking and picnicking are just a few of the best ways to experience fall colors in James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park. For hiking and biking, there are trails that circle around the lakes of the park, both paved and hard-packed. The Fruita section of the park is near several great mountain bike trails including the North Fruita Desert and Kokopelli Trailhead, which connects to Moab, Utah.
3. Tiara Rado & Redlands Golf Courses
The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa, designed by Jim Engh, is high desert panorama at its best. In the fall pink, red and tawny tints of the desert landscape stand in stark contrast to the mountain terrain blanketed in golden and scarlet hues. Tiara Rado Golf Course offers stunning views of the Colorado National Monument. There is also a bird sanctuary within the golf course, offering golfers the chance to see a sampling of bird species and other wildlife – including owls, hawks, herons, quail and pheasant – frolicking in the native foliage.
Grand Junction (http://www.visitgrandjunction.com)
Nestled near 11,000-foot Grand Mesa and the 7,500-foot Book Cliffs, Grand Junction is the largest city in western Colorado. At an altitude of 4,586 feet, warm summers and moderate spring, fall and winter seasons allow for year-round golf, hiking and biking. Boasting more than 275 days of sunshine annually, Grand Junction recently was named one of the eight sunniest cities in the United States by TourismReview.com. Among Grand Junction's spectacular red cliffs and winding canyons are the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-topped mountain, the Colorado National Monument, Bookcliff Wild Horse Area, two national scenic byways and five golf courses. Grand Junction lies in the heart of the Colorado-Utah Dinosaur Diamond. The area also is home to Colorado's wine country, with nearly 30 vineyards and wineries. full fall foliage experience.
Gaylene Ore, Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau, http://www.visitgrandjunction.com, 970-531-2336, [email protected]
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