Colorado River Trails "Something For Everyone!"

About The Trails...

Each of the "loops" listed below make up only a part of our local trail system that is accessible in the Grand Valley. It is hoped that some day there will be a statewide trail system that will link communities via rivers and historic transportation routes. Additional maps and information on other trails in the area can be obtained by contacting state, federal, and local agencies.

The Redlands Loop

The Redlands Loop actually includes four trail sections: Riverside Park, the Audubon Trail, the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park/Connected Lakes Trail, and the Blue Heron Trail Phase 1 and 2. This 8 mile loop of trail, located just to the west of downtown Grand Junction can be completed from any of the many access points along the trail. This loop is ideal for a family bike trip on a leisurely Sunday afternoon to enjoy some nature at it's best or for the more serious jogger to get in some early morning or late afternoon distance training. Any portion of the loop can be shortened with an out and back to meet your personal needs.

Download a map

Riverside Park

Riverside Park, located on the east bank of the Colorado river at West Street, south of Highway 340 (Grand Avenue), provides parking and access to both the Audubon Trial on the west side of the river and the Blue Heron Trail on the east side of the river. Pass under the Highway 340 bridge and head north on the Blue Heron Trail or turn left, cross the river and head west .57 miles to connect with the Audubon Trail. Riverside Park provides beautiful shade trees to cool a weary trail trekker as well as playground equipment for the young or the young at heart.

Audubon Trail

The Audubon trailhead is located north of Highway 340 at the west end of Albertsons Shopping Center. This section of trail extends 1.53 miles to connect with the Connected Lakes Trail. Although this section of the trail follows along the Redland Power Company Canal, it provides many near natural riparian habitat communities.

Connected Lakes Trails, the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Connected Lakes

The Connected Lakes Trail can be accessed by traveling north and west on Dike Road off Highway 340. This segment of the trail passes through the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park/Connected Lakes and parallels the Redlands Canal for approximately one mile to Promontory Point where the canal joins the Colorado River.

The State Park provides a network of trails that traverse a series of reclaimed gravel pits giving visitors a wide variety of recreational choices, including some fine fishing opportunities. A boat launch site, picnic facilities and rest rooms are also available. Vehicular access to this park is through the purchase of a State Park pass either b the day or by the year. The annual pass is good at all Colorado State Parks. There is no charge for bicycle/pedestrian access to the park.

Junior Service League Park

A covered picnic area and parking for trail access at Junior Service League Park, located at River Road and the Redlands Parkway, makes for an excellent starting spot or just a place to catch your breath while enjoying the view. A fishing pier that is handicap accessible is located adjacent to this park.

Blue Heron Trail

The Blue Heron Trail Phase 1 follows the north side of the Colorado River for 1.85 miles along the Redlands Parkway and River Road. This trail section can be accessed from several locations along River Road and the Redlands Parkway. The trailhead north of the river off the Parkway provides river access with a boat ramp and trailer and car parking. The Blue Heron Trail Phase 2 completed in 1994, completes the Redlands Loop and adds approximately.

James M. Robb Colorado River State Park, Corn Lake

Corn Lake, located at 32 Road and the Colorado River, serves as headquarters for the State Park Offices, (970.434.6862) in Grand Junction. It is d Junction. It is the first in a series of planned land acquisitions that will link parks and trails from Island Acres to Loma. Corn Lake furnishes boat access to the Colorado River via a boat ramp. It offers excellent fishing in a stocked lake accessible from an improved trail around the lake, which also provides easy access for handicapped visitors. Picnic tables and rest rooms are also available. Approximately 1.5 miles of trail, extending to the west of the lake, were completed in 1995. This trail connects Corn Lake to the Colorado River Wildlife Area located at 30

Palisade Trail

The Palisade trailhead is located at the south end of Brentwood Drive in Palisade. From the trail, which crosses the Grand Valley Irrigation Canal and follows the Colorado River westward, the Grand Mesa is clearly visible (elevation 11,000 feet) as are Mt. Garfield, Mt. Lincoln and the orchards of Palisade and East Orchard Mesa. This .75-mile section of trail will someday connect to the James M. Robb Colorado State Park at Connected Lakes, but for now, it is a scenic out and back experience. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it at the kiosk near the end of the trail or at Palisade Park after your trek.

Watson Island

The trailhead for Watson Island is located at the intersection of South 7th and Struthers Avenue just east of Highway 50. Watson Island, formerly a dumping site for all sorts of trash and waste, now stands as a wonderful example of what can happen when people unite to rectify environmental abuses of the past.

Watson Island's concrete trail provides two short loops as well as a 1.02-mile long loop around Watson Island where trail users can get an up close and personal look at the Colorado River.

The extension of the Watson Island Trail to the east and west of 7th Street was finally completed in 1997 after construction of a levee was completed. This section of the Colorado River Trail is adjacent to the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and provides the connection to Orchard Mesa via the bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River.

round Watson Island where trail users can get an up close and personal look at the Colorado River.

The extension of the Watson Island Trail to the east and west of 7th Street was finally completed in 1997 after construction of a levee was completed. This section of the Colorado River Trail is adjacent to the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and provides the connection to Orchard Mesa via the bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River.