Things to Do

Winter Fun

Parachute is an affordable place to stay while experiencing the best outdoor recreation on the Western Slope of the Rockies.

Skiing & Snowboarding

About 35 minutes from Parachute is Powderhorn Resort, a great family friendly resort on the edge of the Grand Mesa that boasts 1,600 skiable acres for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels. Powderhorn is known to have the best tree-skiing in the state and offers lift tickets that are significantly less expensive compared to the mountains in neighboring resort towns.

Additional ski resorts within a 60-90 minute drive from Parachute are Sunlight, Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, Beaver Creek, and Vail.

Snowmobiling

Parachute sits at the doorstep to the largest Flat Top Top mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa. At over 500 square miles, the Grand Mesa is a winter destination for snowmobilers who love to explore untracked and beautiful terrain. The town is about 40 minutes to the top of the Grand Mesa and there are many local outfitters who provide guided snowmobile tours.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The Grand Mesa cross country ski and snowshoe trails are located about 30 minutes from Parachute on Colorado Highway 65. The groomed trails run through the wilderness of Grand Mesa National Forest at three locations- Skyway, County Line and Ward. These trails are considered some of the “Best in the West” and are a must experience for those who visit the area throughout the winter season!

View Grand Mesa Cross Country Skiing Trail Maps »

Ice Fishing

Harvey Gap Reservoir & Rifle Gap Reservoirs are located about 30 minutes from Parachute and are two of the most popular locations in Western Colorado to go ice fishing. Harvey Gap is 190 acres large and has catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, rainbow trout and northern pike. Rifle Gap, anglers can catch rainbow and German brown trout, walleye, pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and yellow perch in the 350 acre reservoir.

Ice Climbing

About 35 minutes from Parachute is Rifle Mountain Park, just north of the town of Rifle. With it’s 80-foot canyon walls, Rifle Mountain Park is considered the best location in the country for limestone sport climbing throughout the warm months and a great location to ice climb in the winter.

Raft. Kayak. Paddleboard. Tube.Parachute is your destination for fun on the Colorado River.

Parachute Adventures is now Grand Junction Adventures, offering equipment rentals for your outdoor adventures!

Parachute Ponds State Wildlife Area

Coldwater stream pond with a fishing pier. This is a 26 acre facility that is managed by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Visitors must have a current fishing license to fish at this facility. There are two places to get a license locally: ME2 (located in Napa Auto Parts) 314 E 1st ST & Clark’s Market 71 Sipperelle Dr.

Directions:

From I-70, take exit 75 and go southeast on North Battlement Parkway. Turn right at the stoplight on the frontage road (Cardinal Way). Continue on frontage road to Colorado Ave., turn left on Colorado Ave and continue southbound. Colorado Ave will become Yampa Ave, turn left onto La Plata circle and parking area will be at the end of the circle.

Battlement Reservoirs

The Battlement Reservoirs are a chain of seven reservoirs, located in a pristine high mountain setting, south of Parachute, Colorado. The reservoirs were constructed with horse drawn equipment in the late 1800’s, and some of the old equipment remains on site, which is of historical value.

Grand Valley Recreation Center

Residents of Parachute and the surrounding area can enjoy a multitude of activities at the Grand Valley Recreation Center. Our 53,000 sq. ft center offers a diverse selection of indoor recreational and community activities complemented by some outdoor activities.

  • •   Racquetball
  • •   Sauna
  • •   Tennis
  • •   Meeting Rooms
  • •   Caterer’s Kitchen
  • •   Group Fitness Rooms
  • •   Informal Meeting Area
  • •   Indoor Running Track
  • •   Swimming Pool
  • •   Game Room
  • •   Basketball Court
  • •   Cardio Area
  • •   Hot Tub

Battlement Mesa Golf Club

Battlement Mesa Golf Club opened in 1987 and has been ranked as one of the “Best Courses in America You Can Play” by Golf Digest. The routing takes full advantage of our one-of-a-kind setting: a high plains plateau overlooking the Colorado River.