Looking for a relaxing, scenic, class I-II stretch of river? Look no further than 15 miles west of Grand Junction. Starting in Loma, Colorado, Ruby Horsethief Canyon is the perfect stretch of river for an easy over night trip for all levels of boaters! The stretch can be done in one long day but most favor at least one night camping. Before you take off, make sure you get your camping permit through the BLM!
This stretch is great for rafts, kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and stand up paddle boards! There are a few pieces of gear required by the BLM to camp on this stretch, check the rules and regulations to ensure you don't get ticketed by a ranger!
Grand Mesa offers over 250 lakes, making it the perfect area for canoeing, fishing, and paddleboarding! Maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, Grand Mesa provides hundreds of miles of maintained forest, water features, and beaches. Some of the best lakes for recreation include Island Lake, Leon Lake, Cobbett Lake, Waterdog Reservoir, and Mesa Lake. The drive up the Mesa is usually around 1.5 hours, but the stunning views and broad natural access makes the trip worthwhile.
For more information on specific lakes, check out Visit Grand Junction's Top Grand Mesa Lakes webpage.