Hey, Colorado, Is it 'In' Orchard Mesa or 'On' Orchard Mesa?

This is the most pressing question you'll be asked all day. Do you say, "on Orchard Mesa" or "in Orchard Mesa"?

If you're not familiar with Orchard Mesa --we're sure you know, but for those who don't-- it's an unincorporated community adjacent to Grand Junction. If you've driven south through Grand Junction, you've definitely passed through it.

How Those Who Live 'In' (or on) Orchard Mesa, Colorado Refer to It

We have employees who live in Orchard Mesa, and they always refer to anything there "on Orchard Mesa." But isn't it a place? Like, you wouldn't say, "on Grand Junction," would you.

The definition of a mesa is, "a land formation, less extensive than a plateau, having steep walls and a relatively flat top and common in arid and semiarid parts of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico."

According to the folks that live there, Orchard Mesa is a mesa due to the steep wall overlooking the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. Not quite a mesa, but for our purposes, why not.

How the Local Community Refer to Orchard Mesa, Colorado

Now, if we take a look at what a community is, "a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage." Wouldn't you live in a community?

Not having answered my own question, I'm going to leave it up to you. How do you refer to Orchard Mesa?

To be honest, there really isn't a correct answer, is there?

11 Grand Junction Businesses Everyone Misses

I've only been in Grand Junction for 18 years, but I've seen plenty of businesses come and go during that time. It's a long list. In fact, the list of businesses I have forgotten about may be longer than the list of ones I remember. But, I came up with a list of 11 businesses that have closed down since I came to Grand Junction - some more recent and others from years ago.

Gallery Credit: Zane Mathews

10 Reasons NOT to Move to Grand Junction

I was born and raised in Grand Junction, but let me say, you'd be wise not to move here. These are my 10 reasons why you should avoid the place at all costs.

My family has lived in Grand Junction for generations. My grandparents were born here. While we love the valley, there are difficulties associated with living here. As a native, I've learned to deal with them. In your case, you have a choice as to whether or not you want to face these challenges.

These are my top 10 reasons why you should seriously consider not moving to Grand Junction.

Gallery Credit: Waylon Jordan

The Worst Intersections in Grand Junction According to You

Which intersection is the worst one in Grand Junction? Hard to say. Scroll through the answers below and see if your least favorite intersection made the list. If it did not reach out with our station app and tell us your suggestion so we can add it to the list.

Filed Under: Orchard Mesa Colorado