Originally the Ute Native Americans inhabited the area. In 1881 the area underwent a land rush and the town was originally established. This town was originally called Ute, then West Denver and was finally named Grand Junction due to its location at the meeting point of the Gunnison and Colorado rivers.

Grand Junction offers a pleasantly mild and dry climate. Nestled in the Grand Valley, it is rather sheltered from adverse weather. Throughout the summer there are clear and dry days with temperatures averaging in the 80s to mid 90s. The evenings are comfortable in the 60-degree range. Snow in the winter is occasional and tends to melt quickly. The mild weather makes outdoor recreation possible all year long.

It is often said that Grand Junction provides access to more outdoor recreation opportunities within a 100-mile radius than any other western city. Grand Junction is home of the famous Colorado National Monument (shown in the above photo). The Monument contains breathtaking cliffs, sandstone monoliths, caves, sandstone arches, bighorn sheep, eagles and much more for visitors to see. There are numerous hiking trails located throughout the Grand Valley and the area is known as a mecca for mountain biking enthusiasts. Situated almost equidistantly between Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah, Grand Junction truly is a gateway to the West.

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Additional Links:
Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau
Colorado National Monument site
Colorado National Monument Information
City of Grand Junction site
Powderhorn Ski Resort site