9 Things to Do in Winter in Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction shines brightest when frost kisses the air, revealing a side of the city that summer visitors miss. Snowy peaks beckon adventurers, while downtown streets twinkle with festive lights.
Join us as we unwrap the top hidden gems and local favorites that showcase the best of Grand Junction’s winter charm!
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1. Carve Fresh Powder at Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Get ready for some serious shredding at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, just 45 minutes from Grand Junction. With 1,600 acres of pristine terrain and an average snowfall of 250 inches, the mountain’s unique microclimate ensures light, fluffy powder.
Plus, with shorter lift lines than other Colorado resorts, you’ll spend more time on the slopes and less time waiting around. Don’t miss the tree skiing – it’s some of the best in the Rockies!
Insider Tip: Head to the West End for some epic ungroomed runs. The Thunderbird Glade is a local favorite that’ll give you a taste of backcountry skiing without leaving the resort boundaries.
2. Snowmobile the Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail
Rev up your engines for an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail. This 120-mile journey across the Grand Mesa is a snowmobiler’s dream come true.
You’ll zip through frosty forests and climb to sky-high vistas, drinking in jaw-dropping views of Colorado’s Western Slope. The trail typically opens in December, so you’ve got plenty of time to plan your winter escape.
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3. Ice Fish on Island Lake
Channel your inner ice fisherman on Island Lake, high atop the Grand Mesa. This is a prime spot for catching rainbow trout, cutthroat, and even the occasional kokanee salmon.
Drill your hole, set up your portable shelter, and settle in for a day of peaceful solitude surrounded by snow-capped pines.
Insider Tip: Bring a small camping stove and fry up your catch right on the ice. There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh trout cooked in the great outdoors.
4. Snowshoe to Crag Crest
Strap on those snowshoes and conquer Crag Crest, the highest point on the Grand Mesa. This 10-mile round trip trek will have you huffing and puffing, but the reward is worth it.
As you reach the summit at 11,237 feet, you’ll be treated to a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape that’ll make your jaw drop. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the La Sal Mountains in Utah!
Insider Tip: Pack a lightweight kite in your backpack. The open ridge at the top of Crag Crest often has perfect wind conditions for a little high-altitude kite flying.
5. Ice Skate at Mack Mesa Lake
For a quintessential winter activity with a Western Colorado twist, head to Mack Mesa Lake in Highline Lake State Park.
When conditions are right (usually January and February), the lake freezes over, creating a natural ice rink surrounded by stunning desert scenery.
Bring your own skates or rent them from outdoor shops in Grand Junction. It’s a surreal experience to glide across the ice with red rock mesas in the background.
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6. Winter Wildlife Tour in Colorado National Monument
Experience the rugged beauty of Colorado National Monument in its winter coat on a guided wildlife tour. Local outfitters offer small group excursions that combine scenic drives with short walks to viewpoints.
You’ll learn about the area’s geology and ecology while keeping an eye out for mule deer, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles.
Insider Tip: Ask your guide about the “Coke Ovens” formation. There’s a great story behind the name, and it’s one of the best spots for sunset photos in the park.
7. Stargaze at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Take advantage of the long winter nights with a stargazing trip to nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the best celestial views in the country.
Bundle up and head to the South Rim Visitor Center, where rangers often set up telescopes for public viewing. The sight of the Milky Way arching over the snow-covered canyon is truly awe-inspiring.
Insider Tip: Download a stargazing app like Star Walk 2 before you go. It’ll help you identify constellations and planets, turning you into an amateur astronomer in no time.
8. Sip Your Way Through the Winter Wine Trail
Why wait for summer to indulge in wine tasting? Grand Junction’s wineries are open all year, and winter might be the best time to visit. The tasting rooms are quieter, giving you more time to chat with the winemakers.
Create your own winter wine trail by visiting spots like Two Rivers Winery, Carlson Vineyards, and Whitewater Hill Vineyards. Many offer cozy fireplaces and winter-specific tastings featuring bold reds and mulled wines.
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