Colorado's extraordinary pedigree for natural beauty rightfully steals headlines. The Rocky Mountains are widely regarded for having the best ski slopes in the U.S. and a national park that's a hidden gem for outdoor adventures. Once the snow melts, the mountains transform into a picturesque hiking landscape teeming with wildlife and natural wonders. Yet, from the same soil that produces black diamond runs and stunning hiking trails exists a valley of vineyards and produce. Westward of the peaks
in the arid Colorado Plateau, Grand Junction is Colorado's last stop before the Utah border, and nearby lies the Orchard Mesa neighborhood. This quiet escape embodies the state's agricultural history by exploring the duality of the Wild West and the calm nature of top-end wineries.
Orchard Mesa lies at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, just south of downtown Grand Junction. The easiest way to get to Orchard Mesa is to fly into the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT). Daily flights come in and out of Denver through United Airlines, Salt Lake City through Delta Airlines, and both Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix through American Airlines. However, a mountain road trip is a journey in itself, and a drive from Denver or Salt Lake City takes about four hours. The seclusion beyond the summits offers a taste of relaxation, but Orchard Mesa offers plenty of excitement that makes a trip here worthwhile.
Read more: 15 Underrated Vineyards To Visit In California
Experiencing The Wild West In Orchard Mesa
The shores of the Colorado River invite visitors to explore the collection of parks that line the waterside border of Orchard Mesa. Just north of the 5th Street Bridge are the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, which boast six signature gardens and a population of natural butterflies, koi fish, turtles, and tortoises. For travelers who fantasize about adrenaline rushes over feelings of tranquility, just east of the gardens is the ziplining company Riverfront Zip Adventures in Las Colonias Park. A 30-minute zipline session allows participants to zip over the Colorado River and bask in the beauty of the open landscape.
Orchard Mesa is also home to the Mesa County Fairgrounds. Since 1925, the grounds have held various community events and shows, ranging from baseball games to monster truck shows. Most notably, from April to October, the grounds host weekend rodeos, horse shows, and races. It all culminates in the annual five-day county fair hosted at the grounds in the third week of July. The fair kicks off on Tuesday and runs through the weekend, featuring a morning-to-night schedule of events. For over 120 years, the Mesa County Fair has preserved the traditions, history, and customs that define this region. Offerings from local fruit vendors, paired with rodeo shows, are staples of what the county fair week has to offer travelers looking to experience the Western lifestyle.
Exploring Local Vineyards And Fruit Stands
The old saying goes, "nothing pairs with a rodeo quite like a glass of sauvignon blanc." While that mantra hasn't garnered a lot of traction (yet), Orchard Mesa embodies this juxtaposing culture. East of the town rests the charming Palisade wine country, hosting over 30 wineries tucked in the mountains. The closest vineyard option, Whitewater Hill, is about a 10-minute drive from Orchard Mesa and offers tastings of their diverse selection of whites, reds, semi-sweets, and desserts. Wine enthusiasts also have the option to tour from site to site, immersing themselves in Colorado's wine culture.
What may be the defining attribute of the Palisade wine region is the infusion of secondary fruits. Most notably, the peach is prominently grown and infused into the wine. Fruit stands line Orchard Mesa and the valley, offering cherries and apricots in the spring, peaches in the summer, and apples and pears in the fall. A particular spot to visit for fresh produce is Okagawa Farms. Further east of Orchard Mesa, visitors can pick their own fruit at the Fruit Basket Orchard. The fluctuation from hot days to cold nights in the summer is ideal for peach growth and is a defining reason for their reputation of excellence. In August, there's even an annual Palisade Peach Festival to celebrate.
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