Copyright: National Park Service
Ute Canyon, Colorado National Monument
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Description
- Most visitors to the Grand Junction area are drawn there because of the limitless outdoor activities. This small city (population 30,000) also harbors a variety of cultural attractions. The Museum of Western Colorado incorporates geological, cultural and natural history into its exhibits. Additional cultural attractions include the Devil's Canyon Science and Learning Center and the Western Colorado Center for the Arts. Visitors interested in geology will enjoy the redrock formations of the Book Cliffs, that dominate the northeastern landscape of Grand Junction. Southeast of the city is Grand Mesa the largest flat-topped mountain in the world.
Recreation - Grand Junction lies at the junction of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers. (During the settlement period of this region the upper Colorado River was called the Grand River, hence the name of the community.) The junction of these rivers and the sandstone formations created by them provide varied recreation opportunities. Biking, hiking, fishing, rafting, kayaking, camping, horseback riding and motorcycling may be enjoyed in the Grand Valley. Climate - Grand Junctions climate is balmy compared to the mountainous central regions of the state. The low elevation, 4,590 feet, allows for warm air temperatures, which combined with the dry climate, create mostly sunny and warm days throughout the year. The summer temperatures can be brutal; reaching the mid-nineties frequently. Winter temperatures are usually mild, but occasional cold weather and snowstorms do occur. Location -
Grand Junction lies a short distance east of the Utah/Colorado border in the southern half of Colorado. Highway 70, the major transportation route in the area, leads east to Denver and west to Utah from the area. Highway 50 comes into the city from the east and connects Grand Junction with Montrose, Delta and Gunnison.
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