Visitors to the city of Grand Junction, Colorado have various opportunities to participate in a number of sports and activists.  Colorado is one of the most outdoor oriented and athletic states in the entire country, and the city of Grand Junction has plenty of things to do outside year round. 

            The Colorado National Monument is an amazing national resource, which is located just minutes outside of Grand Junction and Fruita.  The Monument is not an isolated marker but rather 32 square miles of canyons and mesas.  The CO National Monument has a 23 mile scenic drive with 19 pullouts leading to overlooks of the canyons below.  Camping in the monument is an option, but make sure to do so only in designated areas.  The Saddlehorn Campground has 80 sites that are available on a first-come first-serve basis.  There are 14 hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more difficult slick rock hikes.  Be sure to take plenty of water along, it is a dry area.  

            The Colorado River is famous for many reasons, but in Grand Junction and Fruita area, many visitors go river rafting down the cool waters of this river every year.  There are numerous rafting companies that offer guided rafting services in the city, a partial list of which can be seen at the following link - http://www.visitgrandjunction.com/gui... - or you can do it yourself if you have proper equipment and experience.  Be aware that the most famous rafting area, Ruby Horsethief Canyon which is just west of Grand Junction and Fruita, is managed by the BLM and requires a permit.  Permits can be obtained at the BLM office at 2915 H Rd in Grand Junction or by calling them at 970- 244-3050. Camping on the river in that area also has a fee based on the size of the group.