Take a walk through Grand Junction and CMU’s campus and enjoy everything the Western Slope of Colorado has to offer
Grand Junction and its surrounding area are known for outdoor recreation, a lively community and access to some of western Colorado’s most recognizable landscapes. Colorado Mesa University sits in the heart of the city, nestled between the Colorado National Monument, Mount Garfield, the Grand Mesa and the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers.
Join CMU’s admissions team for a campus tour at the next Mesa Experience on Oct. 17. While you're in town, check out these on-campus and Grand Valley activities.
On Campus
Students and families come from near and far to explore CMU’s campus, learn about academic programs and envision what college life could look like as a Maverick. There is plenty to explore before and after a campus tour.
A simple walk around campus showcases the university's growth and new facilities. Hotel Maverick is a convenient place to stay on campus, which puts visitors within walking distance of everything CMU has to offer. Located on the hotel’s fourth floor is Devil’s Kitchen, a rooftop restaurant offering elevated dining and panoramic views of campus and the Grand Valley.
Visitors can see the new Centennial Apartments, a modern apartment building that opened to students this fall. Right next door is Ember Eatery, a new food hall that features restaurants like Panera, Jamba, Fire Ramen, Unbranded Grill, Eat Market and even Tilt Tap Wall, where guests 21 and older can enjoy a local Colorado brew in a relaxed space.
Outside of Ember is the site of a new parking garage that will provide more space for students and visitors. The parking garage will become available in early 2027. A short walk from there is a new 150-foot flagpole, gifted by the Davis family with installation sponsored by Timberline Bank, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Colorado’s 150th anniversary and CMU’s 100th anniversary.
You can also visit CMU’s state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including The Diamond at Hamilton Ballpark, Community Hospital Unity Field, Brownson Arena, El Pomar Natatorium and Ralph Stocker Stadium. Ralph Stocker Stadium is undergoing renovations to enhance the football experience for CMU student-athletes, fans and community members. Next to the football stadium is Suplizio Field, where fans can watch the professional Grand Junction Razorback Suckers during baseball season.
Campus features also include Foster Field House, where students and visitors can play basketball or climb the rock wall. Connected to it is the Hamilton Recreation Center, which features multiple weight rooms and other recreational equipment.
Art lovers can take a self-guided tour of the Jac Kephart Campus Collection or stroll the campus art walk located between Moss Performing Arts Center and Asteria Theatre. Visitors can find plenty of entertainment at the Asteria Theatre, which hosts CMU productions, touring Broadway shows and other live performances throughout the year.
Families can swing by the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum in Confluence Hall. The interactive museum features exhibits and activities focused on science, technology, engineering and math for visitors of all ages.
From campus recreation to athletics, arts and entertainment, there is plenty to explore at CMU. For an official tour and a closer look at campus life, contact the Admissions Office at 970.248.1875 or go to coloradomesa.edu/visit.
Off Campus
Grand Junction and the surrounding area offer breathtaking views and experiences, with plenty of things to do all year. From exploring downtown to hiking the Grand Mesa, visitors can find their next adventure here.
Just outside Grand Junction is the Colorado National Monument, a western Colorado treasure that offers magnificent views and thrilling hiking trails. Embark on the Devil’s Kitchen Trail, Serpents Trail, or even the Monument Canyon Loop Trail to fully experience what the Monument offers.
On the other side of town sits the Grand Mesa, which features a scenic byway, multiple lakes for fishing and kayaking and campsites for a night in nature. The Grand Mesa also has high-elevation ridge trails for stunning hikes that lead to incredible views of the Grand Valley. The surrounding area also offers mountain, road and gravel biking opportunities, with multiple races hosted in the area each year.
The Colorado River flows through the Grand Valley, inviting visitors to float, paddleboard or fish on a sunny afternoon.
Along the river sits the Amphitheater at Los Colonias Park, where you can catch a concert during the warmer months.
Seasonal farmers markets in downtown Grand Junction and Palisade offer homemade treats, handmade decorations and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Palisade, a 15-minute drive east of Grand Junction, is home to several Colorado wineries, many of which offer tours and tastings throughout the year.
The Grand Junction Regional Airport offers flights to several major airports, providing easy access for out-of-state travelers. Once in town, visitors are about 90 minutes to two hours by car from popular destinations such as the hot springs in Glenwood Springs and Arches National Park near Moab, Utah.
CMU, Grand Junction and the Grand Valley all offer their own unique experiences and encourage travelers to experience the beauty of Colorado’s Western Slope. From restaurants and green spaces on campus to alpine adventures and desert drives, visitors can explore CMU and the community it calls home.