Labor Day weekend is always a little bittersweet. The excitement of an extended weekend, mixed with the melancholy that inevitably comes with the unofficial end of summer (for me anyway). As a teacher I’ve usually been back to work for a month or so by the time the long weekend rolls around — and it couldn’t come at a better time. It’s the perfect time for a relaxing break. The last few years I’ve started. a tradition of traveling somewhere a few hours away for a weekend centered around relaxation. This year was no different. I booked a place on the Western Slope at the last minute and decided to have my own solo writers retreat.

I didn’t do much writing, but I gained a lot of inspiration. So much, actually. I’ve spent time in the Grand Valley area before, but usually just passing through. I’m so glad I spent more time there. Hopefully this post will inspire you to as well.

Where is Grand Valley?

Grand Valley isn’t a town, first of all — rather a land area. I guess? It includes part of Colorado and Utah primarily along the Colorado River in Mesa and Grand County. The towns you might have heard of in the Valley include Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade.

I spent time in all of those towns and more. The great thing about this area is that there is a lot to do in a smallish area. I had a lot of different and unique experiences, but didn’t have to drive super long distances to get to any of them.

Saturday - Rifle Falls and Rifle Gap State Park

I spent a leisurely morning at home Saturday before heading out onto the road. I was hoping to miss some of the holiday traffic on I-70 (which proved to be an impossibility). But the weather was great and a drive through the mountains is never wasted.

I stopped at Rifle Falls State Park and Rifle Gap State Park first — about an hour or so outside of Palisade and not really part of the Grand Valley — but close enough if you’re in the area. I had seen photos of this magical triple waterfall in the past and always wanted to detour to it, but never had the time. This trip I had nothing but time — so I went for it.

Rifle Falls State Park is north of the town of Rifle, and boasts not only the impressive 70ft triple waterfall, but also trails and caves. The falls are VERY accessible — but it’s in a remote enough location that it wasn’t too crowded even on a holiday Saturday. There are picnic areas and camping along with the trails and, of course, the falls.

After staring at the falls for a while I drove over to Rifle Gap State Park. It’s a 350 acre reservoir nearby with camping, boating, fishing, and swimming. It’s super beautiful and I can’ t wait to go back and spend more time.

Palisade, CO

After lounging in the sun for a bit in Rifle I headed into Palisade for some dinner and, of course, wine. You may not know but Palisade is the Colorado peach AND wine capital. With only a population of around 2,700 it has around 20 wineries. This area is great for wine and fruit orchards due to it’s 182-day growing season and sunshine 78% of the time. You’ll start to see orchards and vineyards off I-70, you can’t miss it.

I stopped at Maison La Belle Vie Winery for a wine tasting. There was a wedding happening at the same time, a packed (but distant) patio, and great service. The views were amazing and the wines were as well. I definitely recommend it.

After dinner I headed off to Mesa to find my airbnb. I got a little distracted on the road there when I saw this beautiful canyon. I stopped to watch the sunset and it was so serene.

Mesa CO Retreat Center

I decided on an Airbnb just a few days before my trip. I wanted to camp, but there had been a lot of fires in the area and I didn’t want to settle on anything that might be too smoky. I’m glad I waited! I found a room in a retreat center that included all of my meals, had a yoga room, meditation, a labyrinth, hiking trails, and beautiful views. It is right at the base of Grand Mesa — the largest flattop mountain in the world.

Right as I arrived I was treated to a vegetarian taco bar and had a great conversation with other travelers. We took precautions, but were luckily still able to have time in community.

Sunday — Colorado National Monument

On Saturday morning I took my time. Hung around my room, watched the sunrise, drank lots of coffee on the deck and had a great breakfast. Then I headed out to drive the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway. I actually did not take any photos, but trust me when I say it was great. Grand Mesa National Forest boasts 300 different lakes, Powderhorn Ski Resort, and all kinds of other recreation opportunities. And views. So many views.

After driving the byway I decided to make a stop at Colorado National Monument. I had been there several other times, but like a lot of things on this trip it was usually just a drive through on the way to someplace else. This time I spent more time, and it was so worth it.

Again, surprisingly, it was not that crowded for a holiday weekend. Somehow this park still feels like a hidden gem. Actually, I think it is a hidden gem. It’s right outside Grand Junction, I think technically in Fruita. It was designated a National Monument in 1911, but has continually been named as a possible National Park. (Naming of National Park sites is kind of confusing — there are only 62 parks with the name “National Park“ while there are over 400 National Park sites. Read more here.)

It’s a great place to hike, drive, and take in the views.

Two Rivers Winery

It was a hot day so I needed some refreshment after leaving the Monument. Luckily, in the Grand Valley, you’re never far from a winery. Two Rivers Winery and Chateau is a family run vineyard just outside of Colorado National Monument. It is an event center, with a wedding taking place in one part of the grounds.

I did a tasting flight of nine different wines, then bought a bottle of my fav — Tulip. It was a great way to wind down after an adventure. (wine down? :))

Colterris Winery

After some rest I decided to go back to Palisade to visit another winery. I’d love to go back and stay in town so I could bike to several in a day. It is such a beautiful place to relax alone or with friends. I visited Colterris Winery and absolutely loved it. Everything about it. The location, the wine, the patio, the vibe, the people, and the owner who was working and mingling (safely). They have trail rides available through the vineyard and down to the Colorado River that I would love to do on my next visit. I tasted four different wines and read my book on the patio surrounded by the most beautiful views. Highly recommend this place.

After the tasting I just drove around to explore. The beauty in this area is truly amazing and unexpected. Totally under the radar. The light was so beautiful and my jaw dropped around every corner.

I enjoyed my last night at the retreat center with a wonderful dinner (and rum cake!), wine on the deck, followed by a restful nights sleep.

I woke up to smoky skies before I headed back towards home. I am so happy I spent this time in this place. Colorado has a reputation as being very crowded everywhere, but in this area it is truly still possible to find solitude. I can’t wait to go back!

Have you visited the Grand Valley? What was your favorite part?