To the east is the Grand Mesa, with lakes and forests (and terrific fall color displays). To the west is the Colorado National Monument, a little Grand Canyon of rock formations, steep drop-offs, and high vantage points, including the 23-mile Rimrock Drive. To the south is the lush Western Slope agricultural oasis, fostering everything from sweet corn to cherries that feed local farmers' markets. To the north are the Little Bookcliffs, sheer rippled walls of stone that descend from the mesa top to the valley floor.

The great Colorado River flows from the Rocky Mountains down through the city and into Utah. Here, it's wide and slow enough for leisurely float trips. Nearby Rattlesnake Canyon is worth a trip to see the red sandstone arches that echo those not far west in Utah's Arches National Park.

Summer celebrations include the Country Jam USA Music Festival and Dinosaur Days

Map: Grand Junction

Region: Northwest Regional Information

County: Mesa

Proximity to other towns: Located 257 miles from Boulder, 6.5 miles from Clifton, 21.5 miles from Fruita, 14.2 miles from Palisade, 21 miles from Gateway

Population: 46,898

Elevation: 4597 feet

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