Denver to Grand Junction

[Kiwi]

Hi All, if my plans work out then I'll be driving west from Denver on my Sept 2018 deer hunting adventure. I'm thinking I'll take a couple of days to drive to Grand Junction and am very keen to hear recommendations of places to see, eat and stay along the way. Particularly interested in wildlife viewing. I've already booked by tickets and get into Denver late so will probably stay in Denver the first night and then head off early the next morning and maybe stay a second night on route. Looking forward to some local advice. Thanks All.

 

[marksjeep]

Glenwood Springs combines a tourist trap of a town with bighorn sheep that frequently come down to the walking trail along the river. It's smack between Denver and GJ. Might be a nice place to relax and see some sheep?

Once in GJ, the Colorado National Monument out in Fruita has a good size resident herd of desert bighorns and some spectacular geology. Well worth the cost of admission. Take a few hours and go on some day hikes.
https://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm

Feel free to PM any questions. Hopefully others will chime in with suggestions as well.

 

[HighDesertSage]

Marksjeep has some good recommendations. If you stop in Glenwood Springs check out Doc Holiday's grave site. If your up for a little detour, McClure pass, the town of Marble, and the Crystal River are stunning in September.

Once in GJ, definitely see the monument. If you feel like getting in a prehunt workout, the Mt. Garfield trail will definitely give you one. The Palisade Rim trail is more mild, but work the hike. These may be hot in Sept, so go early.

 

[Bigjay73]

Mt Evans isnt too far of a detour from I70. Stop at summit lake to see some awesome views and bighorns. Along the way to the top you'll see elk, marmots, ptarmagin and mountain goats.

 

[Hunting Wife]

It’s about an hour south of GJ, but the Gunnison gorge (below Black Canyon of the Gunnison national park) is awesome. Can be accessed by a couple of trails for day hiking, though some of the trails can include some pretty steep rock scrambling....but you’re a Kiwi so can probably handle it . We used to do a lot of fish work in there....chukars, bighorns, elk and mule deer were frequent sightings.

 

[Cody Lightfoot]

What unit are you looking at for deer? The black canyon, as Hunting Wife mentioned, is pretty incredible and everything south of there is worth the drive! I live just south of Montrose.

 

[jcneng]

Hanging Lake is a beautiful site, lots of hikers though. It is just east of Grand Junction.

 

[JLDemo]

If you've got time, fish the Frying Pan river. It's an incredible River with some outstanding fish, especially beneath the dam. It's really beautiful country and if I can catch fish on a fly rod there, anyone can. Well worth a look!

 

[elkduds]

Rocky Mountain National Park in Sept, herds of elk bugling, rutting. Stay in Estes Park, see elk in the evening and next morning, then drive over Trail Ridge Road, 11 paved miles above timberline. Then to Kremmling, Yampa, Ripple Creek Pass, Trappers Lake for afternoon fishing, Meeker, Rifle, GJ. That is a long day of driving, but better scenery than I-70. Shorter version would be Kremmling to Wolcott-I70, then west through Glenwood Canyon to GJ.

Rocky Mtn NP is about 2 hr northwest of DIA.

 

[squirrel]

East to west- Mount Evans dead end trip but worth it
Georgetown sheep if you are early
Take Loveland pass not the stupid tunnel
From Silverthorne north on HWY9
West on GCR #1 to scenic trip following CO river
a. inspiration point
b.State Bridge (for a beer)
c. Christmas tree canyon (below Burns)
d. at dotsero back on I-70 for Glenwood Canyon (don't miss this one, not that you can even if you wanted too.)


If you really want to see wildlife interject this between HWY 9 and GCR #1 leg
Take #9 a couple more miles hit #40 go east then north on #34 stay in Granby or Grand Lake and hit Rocky mtn Nat park at dark thirty the next morning.
You need to be IN THE PARK waiting on daylight to hit. The first pull over is fine, as soon as you can see proceed on to the top, and be ready to be amazed! You will have the park to yourself until about 8 when the hordes hit and the critters disappear fifteen minutes earlier (they aint stupid just tame)

Now the horrible part you get in free. Stay as long as you wish, rumor is it is rather pretty. Oh did I mention get there IN THE DARK?

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a worthy side trip as well as mentioned by others, similar to Glenwood canyon but seen from above instead of below

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll do some research on all of these places. Thanks again!

 

[LuketheDog]

Go fishing! You'll be near the Colorado, Eagle, and the Frying Pan Rivers. Book a float for half a day, its a good way to see some of that country...

 

[Wild Bill]

Hanging lake is very pretty, just try to get there early to fight the crowds. Glenwood hot springs are always a good time if you're looking to relax and wind down. Plenty of wineries in Palisade area if you're into wine tasting. Crag Crest trail on the Grand Mesa is a great hike and very pretty in the fall. Colorado National Monument is pretty interesting and has some fun hikes.
If you need some places to grab some food GJ has some great eats. Taco Party in downtown GJ is very good. Ale house has a very nice selection of craft beers. The Hot Tomato in Fruita is some of the best pizza you can get your hands on. Bin 707 is a good american cuisine restaurant.

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks lukethedog and wild bill. Great info.

 

[teamhoyt]

If your hungry in gj, try the stuffed mushrooms at ww peppers. Their almost worth the flight from New Zealand just to eat em!

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks teamhoyt! I will try the mushrooms for sure.

 

[Matty B]

Hanging Lake is a beautiful site, lots of hikers though. It is just east of Grand Junction.

Skip Hanging Lake, too many people and now you have to pay as well as have a reservation. It is gorgeous but not worth the crowds and $$. Rocky Mountain National Park is worth the $$ especially in September. Since you are planning on spending your first night in Denver I would suggest hitting RMNP first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. Colorado National Monument in Fruita (near GJ) is awesome especially if you can locate some of the Desert Bighorns.
Welcome to the western slope and good luck!