Grand Junction, Colorado

Mount Garfield near Grand Junction
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Near_Grand_junction,_CO.jpg
Author: Skez


Grand Junction is the biggest city in western Colorado. It is also the county seat and most populous city in Mesa County. The city covers 31.1 sq mi (80.5 sq km) and has a population of 59,000 (2011 estimate). It is in the Mountain Standard Time zone, 7 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-7) and six hours behind during Daylight Saving Time in summer. The phone area code is 970.

Grand Junction is located at the confluence of the Gunnison River with the Colorado River, which is why it was named "grand junction". The city is also nicknamed River City. It is within Grand Valley, at an elevation of 4,593 ft (1,397 m). The area was originally inhabited by the Ute tribe of Native Americans, and is today a major fruit producing part of Colorado. In the vicinity of Grand Junction is the Colorado National Monument.

Mesa County Courthouse, Grand Junction
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mesa_County_Court_House.jpg
Author: Wusel007


Grand Junction experiences a semi-arid climate. It is very dry, particularly in winter. Coldest month is January, with average temperature of just 37.9°F (3.3°C). On the other hand, summers are hot but equally dry, with July temperatures reaching 93°F (33.3°C). The high desert climate of Grand Junction translates to an annual total precipitation of just 9.06 in (230 mm) with no particularly wet month.

The Grand Junction area was first settled by Europeans in the 1880's involving in farming and cattle raising. For a time, uranium was mined in the area, particularly in the 1950's, but the plant has since been decommissioned. The land has petroleum deposits that went untapped for many years when oil prices were low. When ExxonMobil pulled out of the area, it led to an economic downturn for Grand Junction and the area surrounding it. It recovered somewhat between 2005 and 2008, but was hard hit again when natural gas prices fell in 2008.

Grand Junction City Hall
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grand_Junction_City_Hall.jpg
Author: Wusel007


Apart from petroleum, the economy of Grand Junction has in recent years turned to other form of activity. It is branding itself as a mountain biking destination, and has attracted enthusiasts from all over the country to its many trails, particularly Tabeguache and Kokopelli trails.

Visiting Grand Junction, Colorado

Interstate 70 links Grand Junction with the rest of the country. It runs east west, connecting the city with Denver in the east, and joining Interstate 15 in the west.

Places of Interest in Grand Junction, Colorado

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