When winter weather hits Colorado, it is understandable to imagine months of snow and cold temperatures. For many people, the "ski season" is the best time of the year.

However, in Grand Junction, the winter temperature usually hovered over 50 degrees, and by March, the daffodils were in full bloom and the vest was back. Therefore, anyone who has experienced soil erosion symptoms will be relieved to know the opportunity to hike, bike, and even camp in the western Colorado desert throughout the winter.

The annual average snowfall in Grand Junction is less than 16 inches-while Denver's average snowfall is more than 56 inches-so even if the weather in January is 40 degrees, you will find exploring trails and outdoor opportunities similar to summer repair.

Here are some ideas for planning your mid-winter warm weather trip:

Without a doubt, some of the most compelling hikes are located within the Colorado National Monument ($25 entry per vehicle), which is located between Grand Junction and Fruita. Colorado's most unknown geological treasure, if not in this country, this ethereal maze of natural sandstone masterpieces (named after kissing couples, balance rocks and coke ovens) has nearly 50 miles of trails.

This roundtrip hike is a short drive from the Fruita entrance of the Colorado National Monument and is less than 2 miles away. It starts from a relatively flat, and then climbs a series of about 400 feet of vertical sandstone slabs until it rewards hikers with a terminal plateau, where there are red and white rock formations the size of buildings that really make you feel like a troll kitchen The mouse in the house.

Another round-trip trail, Monument Canyon becomes steeper as you progress, climbing the canyon wall steadily and then steeply, 1,800 feet vertically. There is an optional 0.5 mile spur line at the top, which is worth a visit. The front row sees a coke oven. The huge cone-shaped column resembles the furnace used to convert coal into a fuel source in the 19th century.

Starting from the Pollock Bench Trailhead outside the monument, this hidden gem will take you into the remote Rattlesnake Canyon. Not only is there very little chance of encountering rattlesnakes here in winter, but this canyon has the second highest natural rock arch in North America outside of Utah. A layer of snow on the top makes them even more magical. Most of this hike was loose and technical, but the entire round trip only involved more than 1,300 feet of vertical gain.

Starting from the Grand Junction outside the monument at the beginning of the Wildwood Trail, the trail begins with a loud noise, and the steepest part winds through the canyon for the first few miles. From here, the trail becomes more gentle, meandering through pine trees and juniper shrubs, and then finished high above the monument (the rocks here may be covered in ice and slippery in winter). The majestic Liberty Cap is a 160 million-year-old solidified sand dune that ends before returning and descending 7 miles and 2,000 feet of vertical height along the original road.

Located in the Rabbit Valley west of Fruita, during the winter months, you are likely to enjoy this less frequent trail exclusively. The lollipop-shaped route will take you through the sandstone slits, and then steadily climb (but the total height is still less than 1,000 feet) to the terrace, below you can enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the Colorado River, and the majestic LaSalle Mountains in the distance .

The Little Book Cliffs area north of Palisade is one of only three protected wild horse reserves in the country. The rugged rocky terrain covers more than 36,000 acres and is home to 100 wild wild horses. In the warmer months, horses usually seek higher elevations to graze, but they move down into narrow canyons in winter. This is the best time to view them from dozens of miles of trails winding through the canyon.

It costs $15 to enter the Colorado National Monument by bike, and road cyclists should not miss the opportunity to step on Rim Rock Drive, the 23-mile paved road that winds through its length. This route is almost empty in winter (note that there may be black ice in the shaded area) and involves approximately 2,000 feet of climbing, thrilling hairpin turns, descents, and views of every rock formation in the canyon.

Mary's and other trails in the network are located near the Loma exit west of Fruita and consist of dirt roads and monorails. In the colder months, you can usually enjoy this popular trail alone. Breathtaking in every way, it starts with climbing the edge of the canyon. Here, you will want to pay close attention to the trail through a few exposed sections, but the rotating rock ledge below and the unobstructed view of the Colorado River are worth a few more stops. With a one-way climb of 650 feet, Mary's can be used as a round trip ride, or it can be turned into a lollipop ring by connecting with Wrangler's.

The ride is located in the Lunch Loops (Tabeguache) trail system and can be easily ridden from downtown Grand Junction (approximately 3 miles on the sidewalk). The ride combines a series of short trails, most of which are rugged, technical and loose. But it has been very rewarding. There is only more than 1,300 feet of climbing distance in this loop. As you walk through rock gardens and exposed ridges, you will feel that you have worked hard for each pedal rotation.

This trail system is located on Road 18 and is beautifully landscaped because it allows mountain bikers to walk up and down the smooth mud of the majestic Bookcliffs. Fun and smooth, every short, grunting climb (total 640 feet) on this loop will bring an exhilarating descent. By adding some interconnected trails, you can easily expand the ride.

As of the fall of 2021, this popular BLM area has launched a paid reservation system, but there are still some free websites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Open year-round, winter camping is particularly satisfying here because it is sparsely populated. Located in the middle of the 18 Road mountain bike trail system, in spring and fall you will see crowds of people coming in on Wednesdays, just for the weekend campsites, but if you go from mid-November to early March, you should get one The main choice. However, don't forget your zero-degree sleeping bag, because the temperature will drop at night.

Saddlehorn's A Loop is located in the Colorado National Monument (US$25 admission fee per car, plus US$22 per night for campsites). It is open year-round and offers primitive ruins on the monument plateau, with views of Shuke Cliff in the distance. No reservation is required from mid-October to mid-March, and the site has restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits.

Even campers who pretend to be summer during the day will be coldly reminded of the season when the sun goes down very early, and they must retreat to the tent to keep warm. Many accommodations in the area offer lower prices in the colder months and are worth the splurge on warm beds, hot showers and a more luxurious weekend getaway.

Hotel Maverick is adjacent to the University of Mesa and the new Dos Rios Bike Park-a pump track designed to ride without pedaling-is the newest member of the Grand Junction accommodation service. This independently owned hotel has elegant modern rooms and free cruiser bikes to explore the town. It also has a great restaurant-Devil's Kitchen-with stunning views from the roof terrace.

This stylish hotel is located in Palisade, about 1 mile from the town of Orchard Mesa. Every corner is full of personality. Its breakfast comes from nearby peach trees and chicken eggs hovering in the surrounding garden.

As the most classic B&B converted from a local vineyard in the area, Two Rivers offers daily opportunities to taste the best adult grape juice of West Slope, as well as beautiful views of the Colorado National Monument.

This former 1950s roadside motel is located in Palisade. It may still be this part from the outside, but the interior has been completely renovated, chic, and it feels more like a high-end boutique.

Springhill is one of the many chain options in the heart of Grand Junction. It is clean, comfortable and convenient-within walking distance of the many restaurants, breweries, shops and galleries on Main Street.

As a must-visit place in Fruita, Hot Tomato was launched by a pair of lovely mountain bikers. Its New York-style pizza may be the most delicious in Centennial State, if not across the West.

Bin 707, located in the heart of Grand Junction, offers a series of creative seasonal fresh gourmet small plates and cocktails.

Also located in the city center, TacoParty, curated by Bin 707 chef Josh Niernberg, is a simple off-counter operation that serves delicious complex tacos and beer.

The lively brunch spot on Grand Junction Main Street, the mimosa and bloody mary varieties of Dream Café may delay your outdoor plans, but after eating a giant cinnamon roll or oozing Benedict, you will have Motivation consumes some calories.

This top gourmet selection in Western Slope ranks among Palisade's list, and each dish serves seasonal fresh produce and locally sourced products.

Grand Valley has 27 wineries and its tasting rooms are open all year round. There are many clearly marked routes in Palisade, where you can step on several of them. Outside the city, Restoration is worth a visit, as are Colterris and Maison Le Belle Vie.

Also, just like anywhere in Colorado, you don't have to travel far to find great beer. There are eight craft breweries between Palisade and Fruita. Ramblebine in the heart of Grand Junction is a must-try place, especially for connoisseurs who prefer IPA and sourness.

Cocktail lovers can sample locally acclaimed liquid fruit at Peach Street Distillers in Palisade. There is also a new Highland Distillery in Grand Junction, which offers creativity and spirits, and has a beautiful outdoor seating area surrounded by Belli Fiori lavender fields (part of the family business).

That's all you need for a winter weekend with a stunning summer retreat in the low-altitude areas of Colorado.

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