Day trips from Grand Junction
Four trips stand out. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is about 75 miles away. Moab and Arches are in Utah, about 115 miles away. Ouray lies about 98 miles away. The Grand Mesa is closer and has its own scenic byway. Drive time is not visit time, so plan the day around both.
The tours below cover day trips and scenic drives from Grand Junction with live prices and availability. If you drive yourself, the table further down compares the main trips.
Our picks: day trips to Moab
All three start in Moab, so allow about two hours each way. Choose the sightseeing tour if you want Arches with the entry included, the hiking day for trails, and the full day if you also want Canyonlands.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Arches 4x4 drive and hiking tour
- 4x4 drive and hikes
- Guide and air-conditioned vehicle
- Water refills, lemonade
A nine-hour guided day that combines a 4x4 drive with hikes in Arches. The park entry is extra, and the tour starts in Moab, about two hours from Grand Junction.
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Canyonlands and Arches full-day 4x4 tour
- Canyonlands and Arches
- Air-conditioned 4x4 and guide
- Lunch and cold drinks
A nine-hour guided day in an air-conditioned 4x4 that covers both parks, with lunch and cold drinks. National park fees are extra, and the tour starts in Moab, about two hours from Grand Junction.
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Arches National Park sightseeing tour from Moab
- Arches entry included
- Panoramic van, local guide
- Snacks and drinks
A four-hour guided tour by panoramic van through Arches, with the park entry, snacks, drinks and photo stops covered. It starts in Moab, roughly a two-hour drive from Grand Junction, so you get there yourself.
Check availability →Day trips and tours from Grand Junction
Canyon, mesa and scenic trips from Grand Junction with live prices and availability.
Day trips compared
Distances and fees in 2026. Drive times are guides without stops or winter delays.
| Trip | Distance | Drive time | Entry in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim | 75 mi (121 km) | Check locally | $30 per car |
| Moab, Utah | 115 mi | About 1 hour 45 minutes | See Arches |
| Arches National Park, Utah | Beyond Moab | Add time inside the park | $30 per car |
| Ouray | 98 mi | About 2 hours | Check locally |
| Grand Mesa Scenic Byway | 63 mi (101.4 km) drive | About 2 hours | No fee for the road |
Black Canyon, the Grand Mesa and Ouray each fill a long day. Moab and Arches suit a long day or an overnight stay.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The South Rim lies about 75 miles southeast of Grand Junction. The route runs on US-50 and CO-347. There is no public transport in the park, and no bridge links the two rims. By car, the way from one rim to the other takes 2 to 3 hours.
Entry in 2026 is $30 per car, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per person on foot or by bike from age 16. Younger visitors pay no personal fee, and the ticket is valid for 7 days. The South Rim is the only part of the park open all year. After the South Rim Fire in 2025, the Rim Rock and Uplands trails run through burned ground with uneven surfaces and blown ash, and they get wet and muddy after rain.
Moab and Arches in Utah
Moab is about 115 miles from Grand Junction, a drive of around 1 hour 45 minutes. That time takes you to town, not to Delicate Arch, so add the drive inside the park.
In 2026 Arches does not need a timed entry reservation for general entry. When the park is full, cars can still be turned away or redirected. Camping at Devils Garden and Fiery Furnace walks need a reservation. Entry is $30 per car, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per person on foot or by bike from age 16. The entrance station takes credit or debit cards only.
The $55 regional annual pass is limited to US citizens and residents. Visitors from abroad can use the America the Beautiful pass, which costs $250 in 2026. Colorado National Monument, Arches and Black Canyon are not on the list of parks with an extra $100 nonresident fee.
Ouray and the Grand Mesa
Two more ideas for a long day.
Ouray
The town is about 98 miles from Grand Junction, around 2 hours on US-50 and US-550. That figure leaves out stops and winter delays. It also does not cover the mountain passes beyond Ouray toward Silverton.
Grand Mesa
The scenic byway is 63 miles (101.4 km) long and takes about 2 hours, with 90 minutes on Highway 65 and about 30 minutes on the Lands End spur. The road has no fee. Camping is separate. See the Grand Mesa guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
Shorter trips closer to town.
Day trips from Grand Junction: frequently asked questions
Which day trip should I pick?
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the Grand Mesa and Ouray each fill a long day. Moab and Arches take longer and suit a long day or a night in Utah.
How far is Moab from Grand Junction?
About 115 miles, around 1 hour 45 minutes to town. Arches and Delicate Arch need extra time on top.
Do I need a reservation for Arches in 2026?
Not for general entry. Camping and Fiery Furnace walks need a reservation, and cars can be turned away when the park is full.
Is there public transport to Black Canyon?
No. There is no public transport in the park, so you need a car or a tour.
Can I do Black Canyon in winter?
The South Rim is the only part open all year, but not every road is open in winter. Check conditions first.