Don't miss this one! When we first arrived in Fruita, Colorado. The Colorado National Monument was…read morenot on our list of things to visit. We would of totally missed it if it hadn't been for some people we met at a restaurant. Colorado National Monument is not a National Park; it is a National Monument managed by the National Park Service. It's name doesn't portray the beauty and magnitude of this gorgeous park. It is a 23 mile drive and is often called the mini-grand canyon. The towering red rock monoliths and the Canyon views were absolutely incredible.

What bliss this is…read more Colorado National Monument is basically the smaller in scale sandstone-stacked cousin of the Grand Canyon, but without all the horrific traffic and crowds upon crowds, especially at the start of summer. This place has miles of views with gorgeous towering cliffs, dramatic canyons and many trails for walking and hiking. You can also see the Grand Mesa (the world's largest flat-topped mountain) and the Book Cliffs from the monument. And it has that Grand Canyon feeling when you look at its depth -- as though you are looking directly into a painting. Along about a 20-mile highway (with an east and west entrance) you can enjoy the full views. There are plenty of places to pull over and park to take a look or to plan for a hike. And be very, very careful. The main drive is very deeply beloved by cyclists, so be sure to drive slow and keep eyes on the road. Do not miss Independence Monument. This is a glorious rock spire. also, the Kissing Couple is adorable. The Coke Ovens are these beautifully shaped domes -- some of my favorites in the area. Also, be aware of wildlife. I did not get lucky, but there are regular sights of bighorn sheep, coyotes, red-tailed hawks, eagles and many other animals. I did see a pretty spectacular aerial fight between a hawk and a raven during a recent visit, though. Also, be sure to check out the visitor center on the west side. It has some natural history exhibits and a gift shop. There is also the Saddlehorn Campground, which is very well maintained and has a good number of spots, but not all with sprawling city or canyon views. All told, there are three loops with nearly 80 sites. Some are small and best for a pair and others that are good for a couple of tents on one site. Overall, bring lots of water and snacks, because it is dry and sometimes feels desert like. And do not over rely on cell service, as there are a number of dead zones.

Stopped in here for info on the riverfront trail. The gentlemen at the center were knowledgeable…read moreand helpful and were enthusiastic about Grand Junction. For sure stop here for info if you are in the area

So we are on our way to Maine from Southern California and got stuck and couldn't go through the…read moreVail pass. We were directed to go back to Grand Junction and the north. We got lost so thought we'd try and stop and get an idea. Not only did we get assistance to get back on track but we also got maps and highlighted as to where to go! It was over the top help that was not expected but greatly appreciated.

We have been to Grand Junction many times but I've never been on top of the mesa. He wanted to show…read moreit to me so we headed to the top. The drive was beautiful with lovely views. The weather was perfect. Cool but sunny. We didn't go to the Land's End Observatory as we wanted to keep good time and not get to the hotel late. Stopped at Cobbett Lake. A gorgeous lake with trails and the visitor center nearby. We used the facilities and then continued the drive. The drive down afforded breathtaking views of the fall colors. Met a friendly couple who took our photos and we chatted for a bit. They were house hunting and I was jelly. What a fantastic place to move to. I look forward to driving this route again and spending time at the observatory.

Friendly visitor center. Highly recommend as a first stop when arrive at the city. Lots of…read morebrochures and again, a friendly visitor guide! Jacki K, thank you!

From the owner: Glenwood Springs, located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains between Aspen and Vail, is famous for…read moregeothermal amenities and outdoor adventures. You can fish the Gold Medal waters of the Roaring Fork or raft the epic Colorado River, ski, board or snowmobile at affordable Sunlight Mountain Resort, hike or bike dozens of trails, eat at world class restaurants, soak in more than 32 mineral hot springs pools, steam in a hot spring fed cave, or take in thrills at America’s only mountaintop theme park. Glenwood Springs appeals to all ages and abilities.

Closed for the season. Reopening in May. Luckily the restrooms were open so we headed in. There's a…read morewater bottle filler station which was handy. The women's restroom was fairly clean. Not stocked with toilet paper but they had hand soap so that was fine. Parking lot not large but enough. Also the start of the Discovery Trail is right there and Cobbett Lake.

Kind friendly owners who are willing to take the time to help you get what you need. And very…read morehelpful on what flys to use.

Trail & Experience: Hanging Lake Trail is absolutely…read morebeautiful! It's definitely an uphill challenge, but so worth it. The trail is easier to go down than up, but the workout is worth every step for the stunning views at the top. Atmosphere : Going around sunrise is perfect. The sun isn't beating down on you. Plus the whole area feels peaceful and refreshing. The lake itself is stunning and truly worth the hike. Service: Rangers were super nice and helpful. Parking is easy to find, and GPS takes you directly there. You do need a permit $12 per person and timeslots fill up quickly, especially early in the morning, so plan ahead. Tips : Dogs are not allowed. Go early for cooler temps and smaller crowds. Bring water and good shoes the uphill is a workout! If you're in Glenwood, this hike is a must!

Whether you go snow shoeing hiking like a normie. This trail has changed and evolved so much that…read moreevery time I hike it I find new features new things and more challenges. It's a strong standing testimony that nature is forever wild and we are just the visitors Mother Nature allow. Enjoy the photos. NO YOU CANT SWIM IN HANGING LAKE! Do not be a bum and touch the water or get into it it's to be respected and enjoyed.

rude CDOT emplyee, refused to allow me to use the dump facility for my tour bus. Not very…read moreaccomadating since it is no larger then a class a motor coach and I don't dump more then maybe 10 gallons. Colorado just sucks with this issue.

We love stopping here!…read more They have a wonderful park, and in the warmer months, it is a great place to enjoy their picnic tables for a nice lunch or snack after you have been driving all day. There are restrooms here, information about Butch Cassidy outside, and even a mini Welcome to Colorado sign welcoming you to this welcome center. You will also find the nicest volunteers here sharing information about Colorado.

The Grand Mesa Scenic Drive is a definite must esp during the fall. The aspen tress are bright…read moreyellow along the mountain and the air is fresh and so inviting. The lakes are beautiful and the wildlife are plenty. There are no cars on this road and it is just a spectacular easy drive for any car. No need for a 4x4 unless you would like to go down through Land End's. So pack a lunch and some snacks and spend the entire day there. You won't regret it. Fyi- don't forget to visit the observatory. You have a great view of grand junction and it's vicinities. Also lots of chipmunks that are not afraid of people so bring some nuts.

Came here to camp with a friend over the weekend. We did not get to explore much but from what i…read moresaw of the area, there was a lot of camping, a visitors center, lots of lakes for boating and fishing, so much hiking. The roads are dirt so be prepared for that. There is a fee for camping. Most ranged from $12 to $20 a night at the sites we checked out. They have a envelope to pay cash with at the entrance of each camping area.

Nice spot. A lot different than some neighboring communities, I like Eagle and its quaint number of…read moreshops. I've never met unfriendly chaps or lasses in Eagle. So there's that too.

Super friendly staff member was ready to help us with all of our questions and to load us up with…read moreall the tourism brochures and booklets we needed. She pointed us in the direction of the nearby free history museum and we did a quick spin through it. If we had more time we could have learned a lot more about the area.

Spectacular area with great trails. Lake is right next to visitor center…read more Rangers were very helpful in identifying different peaks and mmk lakes. Nice gift shop too. And the restrooms are very neat!