Colorado Getaways: Grand Junction & Delta

Colorado AvidGolfer

Golf // Where to Play

National Recognition

Award-winning course architect Jim Engh’s masterpiece at Redlands Mesa put the Grand Junction region on the world’s golf radar, drawing attention to a stunning high-desert landscape that incorporates large rock outcroppings and multiple elevation changes (nine of the holes play downhill from elevated tees). In 2001, the year after Golf Digest voted Redlands Mesa No. 1 Best New Affordable Public Golf Course in America, Devil’s Thumb Golf Course, a dynamite Rick Phelps design in the Adobe hills near Delta, copped No. 2 in the same category.

The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa ranks No. 99 in Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses. Surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Bookcliffs and, most notably, the pink and red sandstone of the Colorado National Monument, “it’s like playing golf in the Gar-den of the Gods or at the bot-tom of the Grand Canyon.”

Local Knowledge

Dick Phelps wove Rifle Creek Golf Course into a narrow valley at the foot of the Grand Hogback Range, only a few yards from RIfle Gap, where in 1972 the artist Christo draped his famous Valley Curtain.

The 75th Annual Enstrom’s Rocky Mountain Open will take place August 16-18 in Grand Junction at Tiara Rado Golf Course and Bookcliff Country Club.

In case you need clarification, the sign over the desk in the Tiara Rado pro shop says, “No work boots and no cowboy boots.”

Tip from a Pro

Since Cedaredge sits on the south side of the Grand Mesa, all putts go toward Delta—that is, they break downvalley, particularly on the back nine. Also, don’t always hit driver here. Hit-ting  distinct landing areas is more crucial to scoring than bombing it down the fair-way.” – Larry Murphy, PGA Cedaredge Golf Course

Featured Courses:
Adobe Creek National Golf Course
876 18 1/2 Rd., Fruita
970-858-0521
adobecreekgolf.com

Battlement Mesa Golf Club
3930 N. Battlement Pkwy, Parachute
970-285-7274;
battlementmesagolf.com

Bookcliff Country Club
2730 G Rd., Grand Junction
970-242-9053
bookcliffcc.com

Cedaredge Golf Course
500 SE Jay Ave., Cedaredge
970-856-7781
cedaredgegolf.com

Devil’s Thumb Golf Club
9900 Devils Thumb Rd., Delta;
970-874-6262; 
devilsthumbgolfclub.com 

Golf Club at Redlands Mesa
2299 West Ridges Boulevard, Grand Junction; 
970-263-9270; 
redlandsmesa.com 

Rifle Creek Golf Course
3004 Colorado 325, Rifle;
970-625-1093
riflecreekgc.com

Tiara Rado Golf Course
2057 S. Broadway, Grand Junction 
970-254-3830 
golfgrandjunction.net

Lodging // Where to Stay

Grand Junction Wine Country

The Palisade area east of Grand Junction hosts 75 percent of Colorado’s premium wine grape vineyards—Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc. Discover Colorado Wine Country at the Palisade Wine Valley Inn, which offers the amenities of an upscale hotel in a cozy, romantic setting.
970-464-1498;  winevalleyinnpalisade.com

Grand Hotel
The Grand Junction area features no shortage of well-known hotel chains. Among the best is the Marriott-Down-town Fairfield Inn & Suites in historic downtown Grand Junction. It’s adjacent to Two Rivers Convention Center and more than 100 restaurants, theaters and boutique shops. 225 Main St., Grand Junction; 970-242-2525; marriott.com

R&R @ B&Bs
Los Altos, perched above Redlands Mesa, treats guests to views of Grand Mesa and Colorado National Monument, as well as to gourmet meals and luxury accommodations. 375 Hill View Drive, Grand Junction; 888-774-0982; losaltosgrandjunction.com

Fairlamb House, a beautifully appointed b & b in small-town Delta, offers gracious hosts and delicious food in a Victorian home. 700 Leon St., Delta; 970-874-5158 fairlambbb.com

Featured Properties:
Melrose Hotel
337 Colorado Ave., Grand Junction
970-242-9636
historicmelrosehouse.com

Monument Inn
1600 North Ave., Grand Junction 
970-245-5770
visitgrandjunction.com/monument-inn  .

Activities // What to Do

For the last two decades, Colorado Mountain Winefest has been the premier wine celebration in the state, with 50 local wineries in attendance to celebrate their award-winning wines and growing industry. 970-464-0111; winecolorado.org

Just Peachy

The Palisade Peach Festival, one of Colorado’s original agricultural festivals, takes place every August at Riverbend Park. It celebrates the town’s world-famous peaches—no fewer than 15 varieties, including Redhavens and Coral Stars, grow here—with a peach-eating contest, live music, activities for kids, great food and more. 970-464-7458 palisadepeachfest.com

Check it Out
Fish Story: Fly-fishing is at its best in Delta County. Cast your line to try and hook a big one on the Gunnison and North Fork Rivers, or find your own fishing hole on Grand Mesa’s 300-plus lakes. 970-874-9532

Fruita Roll-Up
The area around Fruita and Grand Junction boasts a latticework of exhilarating mountain-biking terrain. The trails at 18 Road, Bang’s Canyon and Tabegauache rival anything in Moab. 970-241-0141 for rentals.
For more on Grand Junction visit: www.grandjunction.org

Featured Dining:

The Ale House in Grand Junction

Part of the Breckenridge Brewery chain, offering their assortment of beers and ales and good food.
2531 N 12th St., Grand Junction;
970- 242-7253
breckbrew.com/food/the-ale-house-grand-junction

The Winery Restaurant
A Grand Junction institution, located in a 90-year-old building with romantic ambience, a superb wine list and top-notch steak, seafood, chicken and pork.
642 Main Street, Grand Junction;
970-242-4100
winery-restaurant.com

Il Bistro Italiano
Inspired cuisine from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region.
400 Main St, Grand Junction
(970) 243-8622;
ilbistroitaliano.com

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