A Guide To The Western Colorado Riverfront Trail Experience

How long do you think it might take you to walk from one end of the Grand Valley to the other? Do you think you could do it? Crossing in a single day means a 28-mile journey that shows off all there is to see between two Western Slope towns.

From the cottonwoods at Riverbend Park to the red cliffs near the Kokopelli Trailhead, crossing the Grand Valley is more than a fitness challenge; it’s a love letter to Mesa County, where river trails, farm roads, and lots of Colorado blue sky guide you west.

The Best Route on Foot

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According to Traillink.com, the easiest way to walk from Palisade to Fruita is to make use of the scenic path on the Colorado Riverfront Trail. The route connects Palisade to the James M Robb Colorado River State Park, connecting Palisade, Grand Junction, and Fruita, while following the Colorado River.

This route will keep you on paved paths most of the way with a couple of short connectors. The good news is that the path is manageable, with flat terrain. While it will take most people 10-12 hours to walk from end to end, you’ll find restrooms and rest areas in Grand Junction at Las Colonias Park and at Connected Lakes.

The Best Route by Bike

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Gravel or hybrid bikes are perfect for getting back and forth between Palisade and Fruita via the same Riverfront Trail corridor we mentioned walking on.

According to RailstoTrails.org, riding a bike along the route gives you the option of short detours through Corn Lake, Blue Heron, and even Redlands Parkway, finishing at Fruita’s Kokopelli Trailhead. To ride the route will take most people 2.5 to 3 hours. The ride features minimal traffic exposure and river views almost the entire way.

Good Stops Along the Way

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Before you start the trip, fuel up at Pêche Restaurant & Café in Palisade. Coffee and pastries will last you all the way to Grand Junction, where the trail takes you close to Kannah Creek Brewing Company at Las Colonias. Kannah Creek offers burgers by the riverside, or you might hold out until you roll into Fruita so you can celebrate at the Hot Tomato Café. Step by step, or pedal by pedal, crossing the valley is the perfect blend of endurance, discovery, and Western Colorado charm.

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Source: Could You Walk Across Colorado’s Grand Valley In One Day?

Filed Under: Grand Junction Colorado, Grand Junction Outdoors

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Could You Walk Across Colorado’s Grand Valley In One Day?