Visitor Insights
Visiting Grand Junction Colorado Temple
The Grand Junction Colorado Temple grounds are open to the public, offering peaceful views of the surrounding mountains and high desert. Following its dedication, entry into the temple interior is reserved for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holding a current temple recommend.
Highlights
- Enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds.
- Public open house held prior to dedication.
Things to Know
- No dedicated visitors' center on site.
- No clothing rental or on-site distribution center.
Location
678 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, Colorado 81506, United States
Hours: Grounds open daily; temple interior by recommend only.
Getting There: Located at 678 Horizon Drive, easily accessible by car.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Explore the Grounds
Take time to walk the beautifully landscaped grounds and enjoy the views of the Western Slope.
Contact for Special Needs
Visitors with special circumstances or needs are encouraged to contact the temple directly for accommodations.
About
The Grand Junction Colorado Temple stands as a sacred edifice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving members across western Colorado. This temple stands as a testament to the faith of Latter-day Saints, providing a dedicated space for worship and spiritual covenants central to their Christian beliefs.
Its contemporary design thoughtfully integrates elements celebrating the natural environment of its high-desert setting. The temple significantly reduces travel time for local Latter-day Saints, who previously journeyed hours to attend temples in neighboring states or other parts of Colorado.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
Claret Cup Cactus
This Colorado state cactus motif is integrated into decorative paint and art glass, connecting the desert landscape with spiritual significance.
Local Flora
Regional plants like Indian paintbrush and cliffrose blossoms are referenced in decorative paint and interior elements.
Peach Blossoms
A subtle nod to the region's peach orchards is included in the door hardware design and African sapele hardwood millwork.
Rivers Motif
The baptismal font railing features an intertwining geometric motif reminiscent of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers converging in Grand Junction.
Holiness to the Lord Inscription
The exterior bears the inscription 'Holiness to the Lord, The House of the Lord,' signifying its sacred purpose as a dedicated house of God.
Portuguese Pedras Salgadas Granite
The temple's exterior is clad in this granite, providing a subtle warmth that harmonizes with the surrounding high-desert landscape.
African Sapele Hardwood
This rich hardwood is used for millwork throughout the temple, adding warmth and elegance to the interior spaces.
Art Glass
Created by Holdman Studios, the art glass combines crimson, amber, green, and pale pink, creating a cohesive design thread inspired by local flora.
Interesting Facts
The Grand Junction Colorado Temple is the third temple constructed in Colorado (Tier A).
It became the 210th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upon its dedication (Tier A).
The temple was among the first 100 announced by President Russell M. Nelson since he became President of the Church (Tier C).
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 16, 2022, the day before Easter Sunday (Tier A).
After its dedication, it became the westernmost temple in Colorado, located less than 30 miles from the Utah border (Tier C).
The Grand Junction Colorado Temple was the first temple dedicated by President Jeffrey R. Holland (Tier A).
Construction faced challenges, including land primarily composed of shale, requiring 206 piers drilled 25 feet deep for stability (Tier A).
The interior design subtly acknowledges the region's agricultural heritage through peach blossom motifs in the door hardware (Tier A).
The temple significantly reduces travel time for Latter-day Saints in western Colorado (Tier C).
The dedicatory session was broadcast to all units within the temple district, allowing broad participation (Tier A).
Common Questions
Is the Grand Junction Colorado Temple open to the public?
The temple grounds are open to the public, but the interior is reserved for members with a temple recommend after dedication.
What is the architectural style of the temple?
The temple features a contemporary design that integrates elements celebrating the natural environment of western Colorado.
Are there any visitor facilities on site?
There is no dedicated visitors' center, clothing rental, or on-site distribution center at the temple.
When was the temple announced?
The Grand Junction Colorado Temple was announced on April 4, 2021, by President Russell M. Nelson.
Featured Stories
A Groundbreaking Day in Grand Junction
April 16, 2022
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Grand Junction Colorado Temple marked a significant spiritual milestone for local Latter-day Saints. Presided over by Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, the event brought together community members to dedicate the site for its sacred purpose. This joyous occasion, held on the day before Easter Sunday, symbolized new beginnings and the growth of faith in western Colorado.
Source: Church News
Overcoming Construction Challenges
2022-2025
The construction of the Grand Junction Colorado Temple faced notable challenges, including land primarily composed of shale, which necessitated drilling 206 piers 25 feet deep to ensure a stable foundation. The project also navigated material supply chain delays and labor shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, dedicated efforts ensured the temple's completion, demonstrating resilience and commitment.
Source: Photogent
A Dedication by President Jeffrey R. Holland
October 19, 2025
The dedication of the Grand Junction Colorado Temple by President Jeffrey R. Holland was a deeply spiritual event for Latter-day Saints in the region. This sacred ceremony marked the formal opening of the temple, providing a closer place of worship for thousands who previously traveled long distances. It was a historic moment, as it was the first temple dedicated by President Holland, signifying a new chapter for the Church in Colorado.
Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Timeline
Temple Announced
President Russell M. Nelson announced the Grand Junction Colorado Temple during the 191st Annual General Conference.
MilestoneLocation Announced
The official location was announced as a 6.94-acre site at Horizon Drive and North 12th Street.
MilestoneExterior Rendering Released
The official exterior rendering of the temple was released to the public, showcasing its design.
EventGroundbreaking Ceremony
Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong presided over the groundbreaking and site dedication ceremony.
component.timeline.groundbreakingMedia Day Held
A media day was held, followed by tours for invited guests prior to the public open house.
EventPublic Open House Begins
The public open house commenced, allowing visitors to tour the temple's interior.
EventPublic Open House Concludes
The public open house for the Grand Junction Colorado Temple concluded.
EventTemple Dedicated
President Jeffrey R. Holland formally dedicated the Grand Junction Colorado Temple.
DedicationHistory by Decade
2020s — Announcement and Construction
The 2020s marked a period of significant growth for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in western Colorado with the announcement of the Grand Junction Colorado Temple. President Russell M. Nelson announced the temple in April 2021, bringing immense joy and anticipation to local members. The official location and exterior rendering were subsequently released, setting the stage for its construction.
2022 — Groundbreaking and Foundation
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 16, 2022, presided over by Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, officially commencing construction. The project faced unique challenges, including stabilizing the building on shale-rich land, which required extensive pier drilling. Despite these engineering feats and global supply chain issues, construction progressed steadily.
2025 — Open House and Dedication
By 2025, the temple was nearing completion, leading to a public open house held from September 11-27, allowing thousands of visitors to tour the sacred interior. The culmination of years of planning and construction arrived on October 19, 2025, when President Jeffrey R. Holland dedicated the Grand Junction Colorado Temple. This event marked its official opening as an operating temple, providing a spiritual beacon for the region.
Architecture & Facilities
The Grand Junction Colorado Temple features a contemporary architectural style that thoughtfully integrates elements celebrating the natural environment of western Colorado. Its design harmonizes with the high-desert landscape, reflecting both modern aesthetics and the sacred purpose of the edifice. The structure's clean lines and subtle warmth create a welcoming and reverent atmosphere.
Building Materials
Exterior Cladding
Portuguese Pedras Salgadas granite provides a subtle warmth that harmonizes with the surrounding high-desert landscape.
Interior Flooring
Mineo marble serves as the primary flooring stone, accented by various colored marbles evoking southwestern canyon landscapes.
Millwork
African sapele hardwood is crafted throughout the temple, adding a rich, natural elegance to the interior spaces.
Art Glass
Custom-designed art glass by Holdman Studios combines crimson, amber, green, and pale pink, inspired by local flora.
Interior Features
Color Palette
The interior reflects a palette of crimson, amber, green, and pale pink, inspired by local flora like the claret cup cactus.
Carpets
Custom-designed carpets by Bentley Mills incorporate warm colors and organic patterns inspired by the regional landscape.
Marble Accents
New Saffron, Red Jasper, Verde Laguna, and Quetzal Green marbles accent the flooring, evoking southwestern canyon colors.
Door Hardware
Solid wood doors feature hardware with a peach blossom design, finished in antique brass in most areas.
Lighting
Crystal chandeliers and fixtures with antique brass finishes illuminate key rooms, enhancing the sacred elegance.
Temple Grounds
The temple grounds are beautifully landscaped, reflecting the unique beauty of the Western Slope and offering peaceful views of the surrounding mountains and high desert, creating a serene environment for visitors.
Additional Facilities
The temple does not include a dedicated visitors' center, clothing rental, temple housing, an arrival center, or an on-site distribution center.
Religious Significance
As a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this sacred structure serves as a dedicated house of the Lord, where members participate in ordinances and covenants central to their Christian faith.
The primary purpose of the temple is to provide a place where individuals can draw closer to God, make sacred promises, and receive eternal blessings for themselves and their deceased ancestors.
Sacred Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
Members perform baptisms by proxy for deceased individuals who did not have the opportunity to be baptized during their lives.
Endowment
Participants receive instruction, make covenants, and are endowed with power from on high, preparing them for eternal life.
Sealing
Families are sealed together for eternity, uniting spouses and children in an everlasting bond that transcends death.
Covenant Path
The temple is central to the Latter-day Saint 'covenant path,' a series of commitments and blessings that guide individuals toward spiritual progression and a closer relationship with God.
Eternal Families
A core doctrine taught in the temple is the eternal nature of the family, emphasizing that relationships can continue beyond mortal life through sacred sealing ordinances.
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Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (8)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| Architectural Description | Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Symbolic Elements & Interior Design | LDS Daily (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Visitor Information & Open House | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Construction Details & Challenges | Photogent (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Property and Building Specifications | Broughmade (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Regional Context and Impact | The Crite (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| General Information | Wanderlog (opens in a new tab) | D | 2024-07-30 |