From “River City” to Colorado’s “Gateway to the West,” Grand Junction has lots of nicknames. Indigenous Roots: Ute Paths & Old Spanish TrailHow Grand Junction Became the Heart of the Western Slope Getty Images loading... Rivers, Rails & Settlement BoomHow Grand Junction Became the Heart of the Western Slope Different_Brian loading...As settlers moved through the Western Slope, they followed the natural travel corridors of the Grand (Colorado) and Gunnison Rivers. Agriculture, Mining & Economic GrowthHow Grand Junction Became the Heart of the Western Slope Vladimir Zapletin loading...Read More: Is Western Colorado in for a Snowy, Cold Winter? To locals, Grand Junction is the trade and service hub of Western Colorado, and the future is bright.