Colorado Overlook Points Out 7 Great Grand Junction Attractions

Need to brainstorm a few fun places to visit near Grand Junction this summer? An overlook at Eagle Rim Park in Orchard Mesa may have a few ideas that work for you.

A stone marker above the Colorado River points out seven attractions around the Grand Valley. From hiking in the Colorado National Monument to riding your mountain bike down the Palsiade Plunge, let's take a look at all seven suggestions found at the Eagle Rim overlook.

Grand Junction Overlook at Eagle Rim Park

Underneath the American Flag that waves over the Eagle Rim Park overlook, you can find a marker that suggests the following seven must-see attractions that surround Grand Junction. The distance indicates how far each feature is from the overlook in Orchard Mesa. Let's go left to right across the Grand Valley to look at each one.

Get our free mobile app

Ute Canyon: Colorado National Monument

Just 7 miles Southwest of Eagle Rim Park, you'll find Ute Canyon at the Colorado National Monument. The hike is about 6.5 miles each way and a great way to see many of the wildflowers found in the high desert.

Read More: Find the Best Wildflowers In the Colorado National Monument

Black Ridge Wilderness Area

Eagle Rim Park is 12 miles away from Black Ridge, above the Colorado National Monument. Several hiking trails cross portions of the Black Ridge Wilderness Area, such as the Rattlesnake Arches, Mee Canyon Trail, and the Knowels Canyon Loop.

Douglas Pass/Dinosaur Diamond Byway

The Douglas Pass, North of Grand Junction, is located at 8,205 feet along CO 139. The Pass is 39 miles from the Eagle Rim Park overlook and is part of the 486-mile Dinosaur Diamond Scenic Byway.

Read More: Legend of Pat Lynch: The Hermit of Dinosaur National Monument

Hunter Canyon/Little BookCliffs Area

Hunter Canyon is 15 miles North of Eagle Rim Park and located within the Little Bookcliffs Area. This rugged canyon is great for AVTs, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Both bears and mountain lions have been spotted in Hunter Canyon, so take precautions and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Mount Garfield in Mesa County

Just 9 miles from the Eagle Rim Park overlook is one of Mesa County's most recognizable features, Mount Garfield. The summit sits at 6,765 feet above the Grand Valley, with an incredible view of Grand Junction. The hiking trail to the top is about 3.5 miles (round-trip) with almost 2000 feet of elevation gain.

Read More: Hiking Colorado's Mount Garfield: 26 Pro Tips for First Timers

Mount Lincoln in Mesa County

Mount Lincoln is 9 miles from the overlook at Eagle Rim Park. One of the best places to view the mountain is to take the short drive up I-70 to Cameo, to the Coal Canyon Trail (take the Kokopelli Market exit). The hiking trail takes you right underneath the mountain into the Little Bookcliff Wildhorse Area.

Read More: How To Explore Colorado's Little Bookcliff Wild Horse Range Trail

The Palisade Point on the Grand Mesa

The final arrow at Eagle Rim Park points 17 miles to Palisade Point high up on the Grand Mesa. The Palisade Point marks the beginning of the Palisade Plunge biking trail, which splits away from the Mesa Top Trail at about 10,719 feet. The ride takes experienced riders 32 miles down a 6000 foot descent ending near the Colorado River in the town of Palisade.

Read More: Palisade Plunge: What Colorado Mountain Bikers Must Know In 2025 |