Our next stop, the city of Grand Junction, was welcomed relief. The warm sun and moderate temperatures were what we had in mind. We found a lot to explore here too. The shaded city center lined with shops, restaurants and art, Colorado National Monument, Fruita, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway and the wine country of Palisade were all on our list to check out. Of course we needed more than a week's stay to see all we wanted. This is Part One: exploring Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument.
The city center of Grand Junction is a wonderful place to view outdoor art. With over 100 different sculptures scattered about, one can be found on almost every street corner.
The city center of Grand Junction is a wonderful place to view outdoor art. With over 100 different sculptures scattered about, one can be found on almost every street corner.
Grand Junction's downtown sculpture collection, called Art On The Corner, was initiated in 1984 by a local sculptor Dave Davis. Consisting of permanent and temporary outdoor art exhibits, this 35 year old program was one of the first in the country.
A trip to the Colorado National Monument was first on the list when we arrived to Grand Junction. Established in 1911, this area of high counrty rises over 2,000 feet above Grand Junction. Amazingly, the Rim Rock Drive was completed in 1932 by the Civilian Conversation Corps. Stopping by the Visitor Center, we saw interesting old photographs of the road's construction.
We began our 23 mile climb on the eastern side of the Park. The red rock formations reminded me a lot of Sedona's landscape.
We made the drive twice. Once we arrived to the western side, we just turned around and drove the road in the opposite direction. You get a different perspective each way.
The highway goes right through this split in the rock!
There are lots of overlooks with views of the marvelous rock formations and grand valleys below.
I think these formations were called the "Coke Ovens" because of their appearance.
Monument Canyon View
Independence Monument View
This particular rock formation, the Independence Monument, is a highlight of the Park. It stands 450 feet high.
Wait, do we see rock climbers on the top??
Yes..What a feat to climb to the top of that rock!
Due to all the spring rains, this area was filled with a variety of wildflowers.
The Grand View Overlook offers a spectacular view of the immense valley and the city of Grand Junction.
If you look closely, you can see Interstate 70.
There were a couple cloudy days where the views were not as clear. We decided to make the Rim Rock Drive a third time since the National Monument wasn't as crowed. As we continued on westward towards Fruita, we passed by the Dinosaur Hill Trail head. We pulled in and made this one hour easy walk which traveled through a barren, hilly landscape. The information plaques tell us this is also called "Riggs Hill". In 1901, paleontologist Elmer Riggs found the fossiled bones of a giant Brachiosaurus. The trail lead us to the cave used for the excavation of the bones and a bronze plaque signifying the event.
More later
from our time in Grand Junction.
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