No Thoroughfare Canyon

Known as the "crookedest road in the world" when it was built in the early 1900s, the Serpents Trail in Colorado National Monument is one of the most distinctive hikes near Grand Junction. The trail follows the route of the original road into the monument — a relentlessly switchbacking path carved into the red Wingate sandstone cliffs above the Grand Valley — delivering sweeping views of the ...

Driving through Colorado National Monument was very easy and gorgeous. Very scenic drive with many lookouts to stop at. Every lookout has a spot to park and you can just jump out and photograph the book cliffs and canyons. I stopped at almost all of the lookouts and they are all breathtaking. I definitely recommend checking this place out and bringing your camera along with.

Ute Canyon Trail is a mostly undeveloped 4.3 mile trail (8.6 round trip) in Colorado National Monument that offers technical descents, route finding, water crossings, and gorgeous red rock walls. The trailhead is just a few miles off I-70 from the town of Fruita—it's well worth the trip. Remember that there's no water, restrooms, or trash bins at the small trailhead so be sure to pack in and pa...

Alcove Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Grand Junction, Colorado.

Put simply, Rattlesnake Arches is home to some of the most beautiful views you'll ever experience in the United States. This portion of the Rattlesnake Arches Trail follows along the upper rim of the canyon and allows you to experience 9 total arches within about 2 miles of hiking once you reach the upper loop. Starting at the lower parking area, hike along the road approximately two miles (on...

If you're looking to backpack outside of the highly publicized areas of Colorado (aka the Rockies), head out to Western CO for some amazing experiences. Located 4 hours west of Denver along I-70 is the McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA). Overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), McInnis Canyon is home to over 120,000 acres of natural wilderness. Within this sprawling land is...