When the mercury climbs, Mesa County folks don’t just hide inside with the AC cranked up — plenty of them find clever ways to stay cool and enjoy every bit of sunshine Colorado has to offer. For some, that means wading into local rivers, grabbing a shady bench, or just parking the car a few blocks away for a leisurely stroll through town.
The trick? Embrace the warmth, but don’t let it fry your spirits.
Taking the Heat in Stride
Grand Junction resident Giselle Genova admits she’s no wilderness explorer, but she’s found her sweet spot when the temps spike. “Yeah, the weather’s been super, like, super great, just to be strolling around,” she said. “I’m not a super outdoorsy person but parking my car and actually taking the time to walk from business to business is something that I really value.”
One line: Small moments like that make the summer feel less stifling.
And she’s not the only one. The sidewalks through downtown are dotted with people carrying iced coffees, ducking into local shops, and waving at neighbors — it’s heat therapy with a splash of community spirit.
Water, Water, Everywhere
For Anthony Ball, another local who braves the blazing afternoons, the trick is mixing sweat with splash. “I don’t know about staying cool, but I think having an outdoor activity to do that’s fun in the heat. It definitely helps for sure,” he said.
He’s not wrong — water spots around Mesa County are packed this time of year.
Popular choices:
• River floats along the Colorado
• Splash pads in local parks
• Quick dips in neighborhood pools
Families pull out the tubes and the kayaks, while kids chase each other through fountains at Lincoln Park.
Shade and Snacks: Simple, Smart Moves
Not everyone has the energy for a river float. Some locals say the best way to survive triple digits is old-school: find shade and fuel up.
A retired couple sitting near downtown chuckled about their strategy: “We grab an umbrella, find a good bench under a tree, and treat ourselves to snow cones. Simple as that.”
One sentence: Ice cream never goes out of style when it’s pushing 100.
Staying Safe When It’s Sweltering
As fun as it is to wander about, health officials say a little caution goes a long way. Mesa County’s heat can sneak up on you — sunburns, heat exhaustion, and dehydration are all real risks.
A quick look at basic tips:
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Drink lots of water | Keeps you hydrated, avoids dizziness |
| Wear light clothing | Helps your body stay cooler |
| Take breaks in shade | Prevents overheating, gives you a breather |
| Watch for signs of heat illness | Dizziness, nausea? Find AC fast |
Nobody wants their summer fun to end in a hospital visit.
A Community That Knows How to Chill
One thing you notice about Grand Junction when it heats up — people get creative. Even folks with small yards rig up slip-n-slides, misting fans, and makeshift kiddie pools.
You’ll see lemonade stands pop up overnight. Kids run sprinklers under towering cottonwoods. Friends gather at dusk when the worst of the heat breaks to share a drink and swap stories.
One mom summed it up perfectly: “We don’t fight the heat — we outsmart it.”
Making the Most of Long, Hot Days
Sure, summer in Western Colorado can feel like stepping into an oven. But locals here know there’s no sense in wishing the season away.
They find joy in the sun’s glow, from farmers’ market strolls to river tubing with friends. It’s all about balance — soak up the warmth, stay hydrated, and never pass up a chance for a cold treat.
So the next time you see the forecast hit triple digits, remember: a little sweat never stopped Mesa County folks from living their best summer days.
