10 Tips for Thriving & Surviving Life in Western Colorado

Life on the Western slope differs from the way people live on Colorado's Front Range. This is something many of us are very thankful for as the communities of Western Colorado still bear a resemblance to generations who came before us and the things many loved about life on this side of the Rockies.

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People who visit Denver and Colorado Springs are often surprised by how different the climate is on the far side of the state. This is the case during both winter and summer. Keep reading to take a look at ten essential things that everyone should know who plans on living on Colorado's west slope/best slope.

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Things to Know About Western Colorado Weather

Snow days, what snow days? Don't expect things to grind to a halt around Grand Junction due to snowfall. There's plenty of it in the higher elevations and near the ski resorts, but little of the overall winter snowfall piles up the Grand Valley. Things are a bit more extreme during the summer months though. While temps do reach the 90s around the mile-high city, the Grand Valley has felt more like Death Valley the last few summers. with July temps averaging near triple digits almost every day.

Explore the National Monument....Or Else...

If you have never explored the Colorado National Monument or the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, best keep it to yourself. The folk on the Western Slope love these places, and if we find out you haven't been there you can expect a funny and annoying lecture from us.

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Getting Around the Grand Valley

You’ll learn fast the difference between "dirt roads" “gravel roads” and “really, really rough roads.” Just embrace the dust, and pick out a couple of favorite car washes because you'll be visiting them a lot.