Explore the Colorado River from Grand Junction, CO.
More than 40 million people in the United States depend on the Colorado River for water, food, and energy. Here in Grand Junction, we also depend on the Colorado River as a crucial source of fun, relaxation, and discovery.
As a cornerstone of Grand Junction’s charm, the wide and slow waters of the Colorado make for a perfect entry point for a variety of outdoor activities including paddleboarding, rafting, fishing, and hiking. In this article, we’ll give you all the information you need to get your feet wet as you explore the Colorado River in Grand Junction.
Colorado River Rafting
The unhurried pace of the Colorado River in Grand Junction makes it a perfect setting for a relaxing float. Whether you opt for a sturdy raft, a paddleboard, or a kayak, the gentle current of the river will pull along at a leisurely pace, allowing you to soak in the sun, the grandeur, and beauty of the surrounding area.
Paddleboard, Kayak, and Raft Rentals in Grand Junction, Colorado.
If you’re eager to spend an afternoon letting the river pull you along for a few hours, we recommend starting at the Corn Lake section of James M. Robb State Park then floating downriver for five miles until you reach Las Colonias Park. This could take anywhere between one and three hours.
Because floating the Colorado River is such a popular activity among locals and tourists alike, you have a lot of different options when it comes to equipment rentals. Here are a few of our favorite local outfitters.
Wet Dreams River Supply
- Address: 418 S 7th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
- Hours: Open daily 9 AM-6 PM
- Distance from us: 2.4 miles
At Wet Dreams River Supply, you’ll be able to rent a variety of river equipment from standup paddleboards to rafts, kayaks, and inner tubes.
Grand Junction Adventures
- Address: 1695 Las Colonias Landing, Grand Junction, CO 81501
- Hours: Friday-Monday 9 AM-6 PM
- Distance from us: 4.2 miles
Grand Junction Adventures offers everything you need for a great day on the river, including shuttle services to drop you off and pick you up when your time on the river is over.
Rafting Tours
For a more immersive experience on the Colorado, we recommend a guided tour down the river. Grand Junction is full of expert guides capable of providing you with a safe, exhilarating, and unforgettable river experience that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Here are some of our favorite guided river tours of the Colorado River.
Grand Junction Adventures
- Address: 1695 Las Colonias Landing, Grand Junction, CO 81501
- Hours: Friday-Monday 9 AM-6 PM
- Distance from us: 4.2 miles
Deja Vu, right? We know we just talked about Grand Junction Adventures for their daily and hourly rental options, but they also offer some incredible guided tours that cater to adventurers of all ages and skill levels. From two hour paddleboarding tours, to multi-day rafting trips into Ruby and Horsethief canyons, Grand Junction Adventures has an experience perfect for you and your family.
Grand Junction Adventures Tours
Rimrock Adventures
- Address: 927 CO-340, Fruita, CO 81521
- Hours: Open daily 8 AM-5 PM
- Distance from us: 13.3 miles
Rimrock Adventures is owned and operated by locals with a deep passion and connection to the Colorado River. Rimrock Adventures offers a variety of rafting tours that range from 1.5 hours to full day adventures. No matter who you have as your guide, you can rest assured that you’re in for an adventure that is as fun as it is safe.
Fishing Near You in Grand Junction, Colorado
Another major benefit of Grand Junction’s calm and serene stretch of the Colorado River is the excellent fishing. Anglers from all over the region flock to Grand Junction for its favorable conditions. With plenty of boat launches and fishing spots to choose from, it’s easy to find a quiet place on the river to cast your line and reel in some fish.
Some of the fish you can expect to find in the Colorado include:
- Rainbow trout
- Cutthroat trout
- Largemouth bass
- Catfish
- Walleyes
- Pike
- Black crappie
- Blue gill
Colorado Fishing License and Regulations
Before casting your lines, make sure you familiarize yourself with Colorado’s fishing laws and regulations and that you have a valid Colorado fishing license.
Places to Fish in Grand Junction Colorado
If you like fishing from a boat, Grand Junction has five different places you can take off for a day of fishing:
- Palisade Rim Trailhead
- Riverbend Park
- Corn Lake
- James M Robb Colorado River State Park
- Loma Boat Launch
If you prefer to keep your feet dry while you fish, there are plenty of places along the Colorado Riverfront Trail that runs along the riverbanks through the city of Grand Junction that are perfect for fishing.
Hiking Along the Colorado River
Hiking along the Colorado River is the perfect way to see some of the most stunning scenery in the American West, especially in Grand Junction. A network of well-maintained trails run alongside the banks of the Colorado River, giving you ample opportunities for scenic hikes. From leisurely strolls to strenuous hikes, here are our favorite hiking trails along the Colorado River in Grand Junction.
Connected Lakes Trail
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 13 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance from us: 5.1 miles
This easy two and half mile loop in Grand Junction Colorado is perfect for a morning jog, a casual stroll with the family, or a peaceful afternoon retreat. The Connected Lakes sit right next to the Colorado River, and the trail runs between the bodies of water, giving you great views on all sides. With plenty of shade and calm waters, this hike is perfect for hot summer days.
Riverfront Trail
- Length: 10.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 62 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance from us: 8.5 miles
The Riverfront Trail cuts right through the middle of Grand Junction along the shores of the Colorado River. Don’t let the trail’s length fool you, this is an easy, paved trail that is mostly flat the entire time. It’s a popular spot for biking, fishing, running, and hiking, which means there are a lot of ways to enjoy the Riverfront Trail.
Old Spanish Trail
- Length: 12.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,315
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance from us: 10.6 miles
The Old Spanish Trails gives you a taste of Western Colorado’s best natural landscapes and some truly stunning stretches of the Colorado River. You’ll be surprised by how scenic this trail is while being so close to the city. With views of both the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, the Old Spanish Trail has a lot to offer.
Start at Castle Creek Manor
Exploring the Colorado River’s captivating beauty and endless activities requires the perfect home base. Located less than 20 minutes from the river’s edge, Castle Creek Manor offers an ideal sanctuary for adventurers seeking to maximize their riverside experience. After a day of thrilling activities on the Colorado River, our spacious and inviting rooms provide the perfect place for some well-earned rest and relaxation.
Wake up to a hearty, homemade breakfast that will fuel you for another day of riverside adventures. Plan your unforgettable Colorado River getaway and book your stay at Castle Creek Manor today!
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