Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition

06/23/2026

Looking for an easy way to support local youth programs?
Stop by Trail Life Brewing on Monday, June 29, from 4:00–9:00 p.m. for a Grains for Good fundraiser benefiting Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN). During the event, 20% of all house beer sales will be donated to support FOYAN's work connecting young people with outdoor experiences and nature-based learning opportunities. Enjoy a local brew, connect with friends, and support a great cause.

06/22/2026

🚨 Volunteers Needed This Saturday at Powderhorn! 🚨

Our friends at No Barriers USA are hosting an incredible adaptive hiking experience this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Powderhorn Resort, and they need a few more helping hands.

Several participants will be using adaptive wheelchairs on the trail, and it takes a team of 4–5 volunteers to safely support each hiker throughout the experience. No special skills are required—just a willingness to lend a hand and help make the outdoors accessible to all.

If you've been looking for a meaningful way to give back, this is it. Know someone who might be interested? Please help us spread the word!

Register 👉 https://basecamp.nobarriersusa.org/events/167559

06/22/2026

Shout out to GJ's own, TJ Smith - of Smithbornstudio - for being one of the brilliant minds behind this initiative!

The Rural is Rad effort builds a pathway to keeping Colorado’s small-town creators in the places that inspired their inventions

06/21/2026

The latest GVORC Connector is out! This month's edition includes updates on True West: A Shared Vision for Outdoor Recreation in Mesa County, a business spotlight on Imondi Wake Zone, upcoming events, and more. We'd also like to extend a Happy Father's Day to all the dads and father figures who inspire the next generation to get outside and explore.

Read it here: https://bit.ly/3QUS5aL

06/20/2026

Happy Go Paddle Day ! Join paddlers across the country in honoring the sports we love - kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rafting. Hope to see you on the water!

06/19/2026

Looking for inspiration and adventure?

Join us at Colorado Discover Ability for No Barriers Live! featuring renowned adventurer Erik Weihenmayer. The weekend includes a screening of the award-winning film Soundscape and Q&A on Friday, June 26, followed by an all-abilities group hike at Powderhorn Resort on Saturday, June 27. Both events are free to attend and celebrate the power of outdoor recreation to connect, inspire, and break down barriers. Pre-registration is requested.

06/18/2026

Looking to build your backcountry safety skills this summer? Smooth Bore CPR is hosting a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course in Grand Junction, with the next in-person skills session taking place on July 12. This hybrid course combines self-paced online learning with a hands-on field day, making it a great fit for hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, hunters, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Members of Hike Grand Junction can save $25 with promo code HIKEGJ25. Stay safe and enjoy the trails!

👉 https://www.smoothborecpr.com/wfa

06/17/2026

Looking for a fun way to kick off your weekend?
Join One Riverfront and GJ Bike Night this Friday for a community ride along the Riverfront Trail. Stop by 544 Rood Ave at 6:45 p.m. to learn more about the trail system, explore route maps, and connect with fellow riders. The group will roll out around 7:00 p.m. Grab your bike and come enjoy an evening on one of the Grand Valley's premier recreation assets.

06/16/2026

Registration is now open for the Colorado Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit (COILS) 2026. This free three-day gathering brings together outdoor industry professionals from across Colorado to connect, collaborate, and tackle the opportunities and challenges facing our industry. This year's theme, Base Camp to Peak, focuses on turning ideas into action through meaningful conversations, creative problem-solving, and relationship-building. Space is limited, so register early and reserve your lodging. Learn more at
https://oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-outdoor-industry-leadership-summit.

06/15/2026

The wait is finally over. Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) released 3 drafts for national climbing management guidance that will provide direction for climbing management for The National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish & Wildlife Service. These three agencies together oversee roughly 30% of all climbing in the United States.

This public comment period comes 17 months after the Protecting America's Rock Climbing (PARC) Act was signed into law. The PARC Act requires federal agencies to create clear guidelines for managing climbing on federal lands, including in Wilderness areas. These guidelines will shape how climbers recreate on public lands for years to come.

Access Fund's policy team is currently reviewing the draft guidance. We’ll share our analysis soon and ask the climbing community to weigh in and make their voices heard. The future of climbing in America depends on climbing community engagement.

Stay tuned for more information and an Action Alert coming soon.

NOTE: The U.S. Forest Service will be issuing their draft national guidance for public comment soon.

📸: Chris Noble