5 Easy Colorado Drives With Epic Views Near Grand Junction

The Western Slope is one of the best places to be in Colorado if you love scenic drives. In fact, there are so many cool scenic byways and historic roads, you can pick a different route for each day of the week.

From canyon rims to the Grand Valley’s vineyards, keep scrolling to check out five easy-to-drive scenic routes you can explore year-round near Grand Junction.

Scenic Byways on the Western Slope

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In Western Colorado, we are spoiled to have some of the most photogenic roads in the state. In Mesa County, we get to jump in the car almost any time for a look at Rim Rock Drive inside the Colorado National Monument, the Fruit & Wine Byway loops through Palisade’s orchards, the Grand Mesa and Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway, and the scenic ride along the Colorado River following the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park.

A Route For Every Season

• During the spring, both Rim Rock Drive and the parkway drive along the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park are perfect following the spring blooms, before the summer crowds arrive.
• During the summer, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway is a fun ride and a great place to escape the heat. The early summer blooms in Palisade make the Fruit and Wine Byway a great summer ride, too. This is a great ride in the early fall as well.
• In the fall, colors line the Grand Mesa and the Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byways as the Aspens and Cottonwoods glow golden and yellow along these routes. The Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway to Moab (U-128) is a great bonus route for even more fall color.

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