Grand Junction Is Closer to Colorado Parks Than You Think

My favorite part of living in Grand Junction is that we are positioned in one of the best road trip hubs in the West. We’re within 75 miles of one of the deepest canyons in North America, and within a day of multiple national parks and monuments across Colorado and even Utah.

From the Colorado National Monument to Rocky Mountain National Park, how far is the drive to each of the parks and monuments in the Centennial State? Let’s find out.

LOOK: How Far Is Grand Junction From Colorado's Best Parks?

Colorado is home to four national parks and nine national monuments. If you are planning a summer road trip in the Centennial State, you should consider visiting one of these sites, especially if you have never been before. Check out how far the drive is to each spot from Grand Junction in the gallery below.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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The Closest National Park Is Just 90 Minutes Away

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The Black Canyon is Colorado’s closest national park to Grand Junction. It’s about 74 miles down Highway 50, just outside of Montrose. One of two national parks on the Western Slope, the Black Canyon is known for vertical drops and narrow canyon walls. The park’s Painted Wall Overlook offers a great view of the tallest cliff in Colorado. From river to rim, the Painted Wall is 2,250 feet tall.

Rocky Mountain National Park Is a Commitment—But Worth It

Feel like going for the gold this summer? From Grand Junction, Rocky Mountain National Park is a full-day drive that feels like it’s right on the edge of a road trip. The payoff is a unique Colorado experience that is breathtaking. Alpine tundra, towering peaks, and a drive down Trail Ridge Road are all the things you came here for.

Why Grand Junction Works as the Perfect Adventure Basecamp

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How many places can you think of with access to multiple national parks, monuments, and conservation areas that are all within a half-day drive? Life on the edge of the Colorado Plateau makes it a great basecamp for both Colorado and Utah adventures, without needing to go anywhere near Denver.

UP NEXT: These are Colorado National Monument’s Most Famous Rocks

The formations at Colorado National Monument — established in 1911 — were named to reflect patriotism, local inspiration, and even rock shapes that reminded early settlers of familiar objects.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams