weekender.
Weekend trips from Colorado Mesa University
Hidden spots near Grand Junction, day trips and weekend road trips from Colorado Mesa University in November, scored 1–10 on price, timing and what's happening, with gas, park fees, a campsite or room and food included.
Plan your own trip from Colorado Mesa University →Local finds near campus
Colorado National Monument
Red rock towers and canyons on Rim Rock Drive, right above Grand Junction.
Day trips
Arches & Moab
Over 2,000 stone arches (Delicate Arch at sunset), with Moab's mountain biking and jeep trails.
Canyonlands
Mesa Arch framing the sunrise over a maze of canyons the Colorado River carved.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
A canyon so deep and narrow that parts get 33 minutes of sun a day; the Painted Wall is 2,250 feet.
Glenwood Springs
The world's largest hot springs pool, and Hanging Lake's turquoise water up a canyon (permit).
Maroon Bells & Aspen
Colorado's most photographed peaks over a lake (shuttle reservation), and Aspen's free gondola rides in summer.
Crested Butte
Colorado's wildflower capital: an old mining town with painted storefronts.
Weekend trips
Arches & Moab
Over 2,000 stone arches (Delicate Arch at sunset), with Moab's mountain biking and jeep trails.
Canyonlands
Mesa Arch framing the sunrise over a maze of canyons the Colorado River carved.
Dinosaur National Monument
A rock wall with 1,500 dinosaur bones still in it, plus petroglyphs and river canyons.
Great Sand Dunes
The tallest dunes in North America under snowy peaks, with a beach creek in spring.
Goblin Valley
A valley of thousands of mushroom-shaped goblins you can wander among freely (Galaxy Quest's alien planet).
Mesa Verde
Whole villages built into cliff alcoves 800 years ago; climb ladders into them on ranger tours.
Long weekends
Great Sand Dunes
The tallest dunes in North America under snowy peaks, with a beach creek in spring.
Zion
Wade up the Narrows slot canyon and hike Angels Landing (permit lottery).
Grand Canyon South Rim
The Rim Trail at sunset and a few switchbacks into the canyon (going down is optional, up is not).
Goblin Valley
A valley of thousands of mushroom-shaped goblins you can wander among freely (Galaxy Quest's alien planet).
Petrified Forest
Rainbow logs of stone and the Painted Desert's badlands along old Route 66.
Mesa Verde
Whole villages built into cliff alcoves 800 years ago; climb ladders into them on ranger tours.
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