Colorado Slang: How To Talk Like You’re from Grand Junction

During the earliest days of Grand Junction, the settlement was a part of Gunnison County. Colorado took a big step forward in 1883 when Mesa, Delta, and Montrose counties were all carved out of Gunnison County to establish the Western Slope.

Today, Grand Junction isn’t just the largest metro in Western Colorado—we’ve also come up with our own way of talking. Scroll down to explore some unique phrases you’ll hear around town, and where they actually came from.

You’re Definitely From Grand Junction If You Say These 7 Things

You can usually tell right away when someone’s from Mesa County. Just like every region, the Western Slope has its way of talking—and a few phrases you won’t hear anywhere else in Colorado.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Get our free mobile app

Grand Junction Slang

Google Street

Just like every hometown, Grand Junction has its own slang, references, and ways of talking. Just as "it's over the hill" is a geographic reference to the Continental Divide, the phrase ‘west slope, best slope’ is a proud local motto—especially in comparison to Denver or Boulder. “Keep your city traffic. West Slope, Best Slope!”

More Mesa County Slang

Google Street

When someone says “Out Fruita way”, they mean in the general vicinity of the town of Fruita. “I work out Fruita way, near the bike trails.”
“Up on the Mesa” refers to most locations on Colorado's Grand Mesa. “Let’s head up on the Mesa for the weekend.”
“It’s a four-season day” is a reference to Grand Junction's weather forecast. Days that start sunny, turn windy, include a hailstorm, then get sunny and hot again by late afternoon are four-season days.

LOOK: 24 Reasons We Love Calling Grand Junction, Colorado Home

Grand Junction, Colorado, is the largest city on the state's Western Slope. There isn't another large city for 200 miles in any direction, making it one of the most unique places you can live in Colorado. In the gallery below, we asked you to tell us one reason you love calling Grand Junction home.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

NEXT: Best Parks for Family Picnics in Western Colorado

Spring is the perfect time for a picnic on the Western Slope. Scroll on to learn more about some of the best parks in the area that include sheltered picnic areas, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: Grand Junction's Sterling T Smith Educational Tower

The Sterling T. Smith Educational Tower is located in downtown Grand Junction as part of the Museum of the West/ Museums of Western Colorado at 462 Ute Avenue. Keep scrolling to find out how to access the tower and take in some of the best views of the city and the Grand Valley.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams