Over time, geological events shaped the Valley into what we see today, although at one time it was vastly different. Large seas that dried up over time, mountains that uplifted (formed) and eroded away, lava flows, and climate changes are responsible for the unique landscape of today. During the late Jurassic Period, the valley was a large flood plain with lush conifers and cycads (palm-like plants) over an understory of ferns. This was the time of dinosaurs like Bracchiosaurus, Apatosaurus, Allosaurus, and Stegosaurus (the Colorado State Fossil). Remains of these large creatures can now be found throughout the valley, generally in the Morrison formation. Their bones have been carefully preserved throughout the ages because of mud and volcanic activity which quickly covered and buried their bodies soon after death. Many locations in the Valley have yielded wonderful samples of dinosaur skeletons that were probably deposited into ancient lakebeds by rivers.

Long after the dinosaurs, the area was home to Fremont Indians who were most likely the area's first inhabitants. They are speculated to have occupied the land from about 250 AD to 1300 AD, when they mysteriously disappeared. Evidence of their existence can be found in the form of petroglyphs (rock art carvings) and pictographs (paintings).  After the Fremont left, Ute Indians were the next to call the Valley their home. They were nomadic hunters who migrated into this land sometime between 1300 AD and 1500 AD. Quickly after Spaniards introduced horses to the Native Americans, the Utes became excellent horsemen and were feared as mighty warriors.

The Domiguez-Escalante expedition explored this region in 1776 and became probably the first Europeans to set foot in this beautiful desert and mountain land. In 1876, Colorado gained statehood and soon settlers began moving into the valley. Clashes between the settlers and Native Americans sprang up causing more and more tension between the Ute Tribe and the government. The most famous conflicts happened in 1879, the Meeker Massacre and the Battle of Milk Creek. Although both were small battles, they were very violent, and in 1880 another treaty was signed by the Ute Tribe with the U.S. Government. This time, the Utes were forced off their land onto reservations in northeast Utah and southwest Colorado. September 4,1881, was the last day of Indian removal from this area and already pioneers had gathered in Gunnison waiting to settle the Valley. After the last Utes had left, settlers began pouring into the area.

Wine Country

Grand Junctions Wine Country and wineries are making a name for themselves across the country. Our lush Colorado vineyards are home to over a dozen wineries offering tours, tastings and lazy picnics in the vineyards throughout the year. Ride your bike between vineyards or have a limousine chauffeur you for a Colorado wine tour you'll always remember.

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Colorado National Monument

Grand Junction. is surrounded in most directions by impressive multi-coloured rocks; the orange/brown layered Book Cliffs dominate the town from the north, and extend westwards for nearly 200 miles to the Manti-la-Sal mountains of central Utah. Immediately southwest of the town, tributaries of the Colorado river have carved through the edge of the high Uncompahgre Plateau. 23,000 acres of rock formations, arches, windows, canyons and exposed layers of earth. The sandstone artistry of nature plays backdrop to the entire Grand Valley. Hikers enjoy the trails and spectacular overlooks accessible from the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive. Sites at Saddlehorn Campground, near the Visitor Center, are available on a first-come first-served basis. The Monument is pleasantly scenic and well worth visiting for a few hours.

The Visitor Center is open daily throughout the year, except Christmas Day, offering museum exhibits and slide shows about the natural history of the area. National Park fees and admission to the Monument is $5 per car; camping fee is $10 per night.

Museum of Western Colorado - Grand Junction, Colorado

Grand Junction is part of the Dinosaur Diamond, and here is why! In their day, dinosaur's loved the area around Grand Junction, Colorado and now their legend is yours to explore.

A unique Colorado family vacation starts at the Dinosaur Journey Museum of Western Colorado where dinosaur digs are offered two days a week in June, July and August. Spend an unforgettable day with a paleontologist to discover fossil treasures on a dinosaur dig.

The Museums hands-on, interactive displays is the perfect place to learn about our favorite subject - dinosaurs! Here you will find robotic displays of Dilophosaurus, Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus, Triceratops, Utahraptor, T-Rex and many other displays including real bones plus cast skeletons of Camarasaurus, Camptosaurus, Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Velociraptor, Othnielia and the rare Mymoorapelta. Get your hands on real dinosaur bones!  Learn about the great diversity of dinosaurs including the largest and smallest that have been found right here in western Colorado. The Museum also houses a paleontology laboratory.

Hours ... Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ... Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.
Admission: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for children, and immediate family groups, $20. Free to members. Combination tickets for Cross Orchards, the Museum of Western Colorado and Dinosaur Journey: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children

Hiking & Biking

Colorado hiking is plentiful and diverse in and around Grand Junction, Colorado. Fifty miles of hiking trails on the Colorado National Monument offer a wide range of options for all ability levels. Choose from easy, paved trails to rugged descents several hundred feet into the canyons. Excellent Colorado hiking trails wind through the Grand Mesa, McInnis Canyon and Black Lands Ridge. Mountain bikers and road cyclists have plenty of options for all ages and endurance levels. Ride 18 miles of paved scenic pathway on the Colorado River Trail around Grand Junction. Take a leisurely ride through Colorado's Wine Country or pedal the 23-mile loop around the Colorado National Monument.

River Rafting, Canoeing or Kayaking

The Colorado River has long stretches of gentle terrain that make it perfect for a Colorado family adventure or a group that wants nothing more than a leisurely day on the water. For the adventurous, experienced guides will take you on an exhilarating ride through the rapids. In either case, you'll get a perfect view of some of Western Colorado's most spectacular scenery.

Grand Mesa Scenic Byway

Apart from being part of the Dinosaur Diamond, Grand Junction is only a short distance from the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, a 63-mile route rising through the narrow canyon of Plateau Creek to the cool evergreen forests of the mesa top, called Thunder Mountain by the Utes. Poised atop Land's End Overlook, you'll see the Grand Valley unfolding more than a mile below in splashes of golden rubble and vibrant foliage. Visitors can hike through dense alpine forests, ski spotless wintry slopes, or fish sparkling streams pouring into 300 lakes adjacent to the Byway. Rise above the world and learn why the Grand Mesa is called "the alpine oasis in the sapphire sky."

Every season has its own glory along the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway. Enjoy a roadside picnic with family or friends in cool spring fields alive with a full spectrum of wildflowers. Fall brings crimson splashes and splatters of saffron to the valleys and mountains, while the mild climate encourages a variety of wildlife to wander in the dense forests of the Byway. Lose yourself in the nostalgia of summertime - why not show your children the same kind of fishing, canoeing, hiking, and sport that you loved as a kid?

For photos see ... 'Side trips and Day trips'

Dinosaur Diamond Partnership