Las Colonias Park at a glance
Las Colonias Park covers 130 acres (about 52.6 hectares) beside the Colorado River, right next to downtown. The river park has a water channel, standing waves, beach and wading areas and a boat ramp. The ponds in the park are quiet water, used by kayaks and paddleboards.
The water here comes with rules. Swimming and tubes are not allowed in the ponds. In the river park, what you can do depends on the flow of the river and on the warning flag. Read the section on water before you pack a tube.
Water rules and warning flags
What the flags mean and where the limits are.
| Situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Ponds, including Butterfly Pond | Kayaks and paddleboards are fine. Swimming and tubes are not allowed. |
| Yellow flag at the river park | Use caution. Tubes are allowed. |
| Red flag at the river park | Extreme caution, high water. For experts only. |
| Flow below 810 cfs | The inflow from the main river is blocked with sandbags. The park stays open, but the water experience changes. |
| Boat ramp | Keep it clear for launching. |
For most visitors the safe plan is simple: walk the paths, look at the river and use the ponds for paddling. The beach and wading areas in the river park are not a general permission to swim, so follow the flag on the day.
Colorado River and Grand Junction tours
Canyon, river and scenic trips from Grand Junction with live prices and availability.
Riverfront Trail
The Riverfront Trail is a paved path for walkers and cyclists that runs between Palisade and Fruita. Dogs on a leash are welcome. ATVs and motorized vehicles are not allowed.
Do not count on a trail that is free of construction from end to end. If you plan a long ride, check the section you want to use first. For shorter walks, a loop around the park and along the water is plenty.
The Colorado River near Grand Junction
Where the river fits into your visit.
The name of the town
Grand Junction is named for the meeting of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers.
A short stop
The park suits a short stop between downtown and a trip to the monument or Palisade.
Water levels
The flow of the river decides how the river park feels, so check conditions on the day.
How to use the park
Use Las Colonias Park as an easy stop with water in view. Walk the paths along the river, watch the channel and the standing waves in the river park, and take a kayak or a paddleboard to the ponds. Keep the boat ramp clear so others can launch.
Before you bring a tube or plan to wade, look at the flag and think about the flow of the river. A park that stays open with sandbags in place is still a different place from one at higher flow. If a red flag is up, stay out of the water unless you are an expert.
The park is next to downtown, so it is easy to pair with a walk on Main Street, where Art on the Corner has shown outdoor sculptures since 1984. If you have more time, walk a stretch of the Riverfront Trail, which links Palisade and Fruita.
Las Colonias Park: frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Las Colonias Park?
Not in the ponds. Swimming and tubes are not allowed there. In the river park, use depends on the flag and the flow of the river.
What do the yellow and red flags mean?
Yellow means caution, and tubes are allowed. Red means extreme caution and high water, for experts only.
Can I paddle in the park?
Yes, kayaks and paddleboards are fine on the ponds, including Butterfly Pond.
Are dogs allowed on the Riverfront Trail?
Yes, on a leash. Motorized vehicles and ATVs are not allowed on the trail.