There is a side of Colorado you may not have experienced yet. We are here to tell you that the Western Slope has some pretty amazing hidden gems you’ll want to experience for yourself.
Here are our top four things you may not have known you can do in Colorado. Come play like a local in Fruita!
#1) Discover Colorado’s red sandstone arches at Rattlesnake Arches
One of Fruita’s best-hidden secrets is BLM’s Rattlesnake Arches. You’ll find this epic hike in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. It’s not the easiest to get to, but you’ll be glad you did!
To start, you’ll need an AWD vehicle with good clearance to make it to the trailhead. Once you make it there, you’ll likely have most of the trail to yourself. After a gorgeous moderate 8.4-mile hike, you won’t believe you’re still in Colorado as you gaze up at the second most extensive collection of natural arches in the U.S.
Rattlesnake Arches will make you forget about that other popular park!
#2) Learn to wakeboard in the desert at Imondi Wake Zone
Fruita is literally an oasis in the desert. Have you always wanted to try wakeboarding but aren’t lucky enough to have a friend with a boat? No boat? No board? No problem! At Imondi Wake Zone, you can try your hand at wakeboarding using their cable system; no boat required! They also offer an inflatable aqua park and standup paddleboarding for even more family fun.
Come make a splash in Fruita!
#3) Dig up real dinosaur bones with Dinosaur Journey
You’re gonna dig this! The Museum of Western Colorado offers a genuine dinosaur expedition alongside a real paleontologist. Dinosaurs use to play like a local in prehistoric Fruita, so fossils are common, and you’re basically guaranteed to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir that you dug up yourself.
This activity is perfect for learners of any age.
BONUS! Make a pitstop in Colorado’s Wine Country on Your Way
As a bonus, just down the road, you’ll find the Town of Palisade, where there’s no shortage of vineyards to tour. Treat yourself and stop in Palisade on your way to Fruita! Colorado’s wine country is just 30 minutes outside of Fruita. Try some local wine, pick some peaches, go for a stroll in the lavender fields, pet a llama or two and take in the fantastic views of the Grand Mesa before heading out to play in Fruita.
But make sure to drive responsibly!
