Story by: Daniel Severyn, Tourism Editor
Photos by: Gemma Redeker & Poppy Williams
The bar offers a variety of in-house cocktails, and the beers on tap are only house-made from RockSlide Brewery’s brand. (Photo by Poppy Williams, May 2025)
(Grand Junction, CO) Grand Junction, Colorado, has a thriving craft beer industry, with notable establishments including Kannah Creek Brewery, Trail Life Brewing, and Rockslide Brewery. Each provides a distinct experience combining exceptional beverages, delectable food, and engaging atmospheres. Here’s a detailed look at these local favorites.
Located in Grand Junction, Colorado, Kannah Creek Brewery serves
specialty beers and cocktails. (Photo by Gemma Redeker, May 6th, 2025)
Let’s start with Kannah Creek. Kannah Creek Brewing Company, located at 1960 N 12th Street in Grand Junction, Colorado, has been a local craft beer market staple since it opened in 2005. It Is known for its welcoming atmosphere, extensive beer variety, and homemade food, providing the ideal Colorado brewpub experience.
Kannah Creek has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular gathering place for residents and tourists. The large patio is ideal for enjoying Grand Junction’s sunny days, and the snug interior provides a comfortable environment all year. The brewery’s commitment to the community is evident in its fundraising activities for local non-profit groups, representing its desire to give back to the Grand Valley.
The brewery provides a broad menu to complement its beer selections. Patrons can enjoy a wide range of food, including brick-oven pizzas and calzones, robust salads, and interesting appetizers such as Buffalo Chicken Bread with blue cheese. The beer menu offers a variety of genres, including the renowned Lands End Amber, Broken Oar IPA, and Highside Hefeweizen. These beers demonstrate the brewery’s commitment to quality and flavor, appealing to a diverse group of beer fans.
Branded with Kannah Creek Brewery’s logo, this
brew kettle sits right along 12th Street in Grand Junction, Colorado. (Photo by Gemma Redeker, May 6th, 2025)
Kannah Creek has received excellent feedback for its food, beer, and service.
One customer commented, “The dinner and drinks were amazing! I’d also like to comment on the employees, who are really kind and courteous.”
Another patron commented, “Wow, that’s an understatement! I’d rate this place 10 out of 10. The pizza was delicious, and my picky kids actually finished their food.”
Rockslide Brewery, a bar and grille, sits on the corner of 4th and Mainstreet. (Photo by Poppy Williams, May 2025)
Next on the chopping block is Rockslide Brewery. For almost 25 years, Rockslide Brewery has been a downtown Grand Junction staple, combining local history with a friendly and dynamic environment. Designed with families and nightlife in mind, the space wisely separates the bar and dining sections, resulting in a comfortable experience for all. The brewery frequently hosts live music, has a full-service bar, and offers tempting happy hour discounts, attracting a loyal following of residents and visitors alike.
Rockslide’s beer taps include beers from Lagers to hazy IPA, and even their home-brewed Seltzer, the Black Paw. (Photo by Poppy Williams, May 2025)
Brewer Zorba Proteau creates eight in-house microbrews, with standouts such as the Hef and Kolsch receiving accolades for their balance and flavor. These brews go nicely with heavy meals like the Triple Pig Mac & Cheese, a customer favorite.
Patrons frequently praise the restaurant for its consistent food and courteous service; one local, named Darren, said, “Really delicious meal and great service. Beers were also fantastic!”
Rockslide remains a beloved fixture in Grand Junction’s brewing community. It offers superb craft beer, flavorful meals, and lively downtown charm.
Photo via Colorado Brewery List
To wrap up, let’s examine the Trail Life Brewing. Located in the center of Main Street, Trail Life Brewing embraces the spirit of outdoor adventure and community connection via its rustic-modern aesthetic and welcoming atmosphere. The brewery combines space with Gear Junction, a local outdoor-related shop, resulting in a collaborative setting that appeals to Grand Junction’s active, outdoor-loving community.
Trail Life is dedicated to sustainability and community ideals, providing a setting that fosters conversation, kindness, and connection. The cuisine reflects the brewery’s welcoming and experimental ethos, with delectable dishes like the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Katsu, and the Patagonia Plant-Based Sandwich, which has received special appreciation for its many vegetarian and vegan alternatives.
Photo via Trail Life Brewing
Trail Life Brewing’s beer lineup is as adventurous and community-focused as its atmosphere. Their tap list features diverse styles, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs and rich stouts, each crafted with attention to detail and a nod to the outdoor lifestyle.
One highlight is the Summit West Coast IPA, part of their sentimental “Dead Pet Series ” and brewed in remembrance of Summit, a loving Border Collie. This 6.2% ABV IPA features Galaxy, Citra, and Mosaic hops, resulting in a delicious and crisp finish. A percentage of the revenues will benefit the Grand Rivers Humane Society, demonstrating the brewery’s commitment to community issues.
There are many beer options to choose from at Kannah Creek Brewery.
Some of which include Indian Creek Brown Ale, The Kriek, Biere Du Framboise, and
many, many more. (Photo by Gemma Redeker, May 6th, 2025)
Grand Junction’s brewing scene is growing, with breweries like Kannah Creek, Rockslide, and Trail Life at its heart. Each has its distinct taste, whether Trail Life’s community-first mentality and inventive beers, Rockslide’s downtown legacy and hearty meals, or Kannah Creek’s family-friendly atmosphere and traditional Colorado brews.
These breweries provide more than merely exceptional beer; they also serve as gathering spaces where locals and visitors can relax, connect, and experience the spirit of the Western Slope.
Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or simply searching for a memorable pint, Grand Junction has a tap handle awaiting you.
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