Parachute

Community Description
(See community links below for additional information.)

The Town of Parachute is a small community located about halfway between Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs on I-70. The town is headquartered at the confluence of the Colorado River and Parachute Creek, both of which are popular waterways for fishing. The White River National Forest extends to the south of Parachute and the Naval Oil Shale Reserve lies to the north.

Demographics

• Parachute lies in Garfield County.
• Parachute has a population of approximately 1,300.
• Garfield County has a population of 43,791.
• Across the river to the South of Parachute lies the unincorporated subdivision of Battlement Mesa with an estimated population of 4,200.

Economy

• After enduring the booms and surviving the busts, Parachute has grown into a thriving community of quiet residential neighborhoods with supporting businesses and services.
• Current oil/gas exploration and production is a major contributor to the local economy -- providing jobs and supporting businesses.
• There is a mix of new residential subdivisions and older residential units for the industry housing.

Education

• Garfield County Schools District serves the area with public schooling for K-12th grade.
• The closest institutions of higher education are Mesa State College in Grand Junction (46 miles) and Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs (51 miles).

Local Attractions

• In town, recreation is available at Cottonwood Park with fishing at nearby Parachute Pond.
• The countryside near Parachute and the neighboring town of Rifle is also a hunter's paradise.
• Horseback riding and rafting are also popular pursuits in the area.
• Cultural activities and attractions such as the world-famous hot springs and Colorado National Monument are located in Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction, respectively, just an hour away.

Climate

• Parachute has a mild four-season climate, with an average daytime temperature of 68 degrees.
• At an elevation of 5,500 feet, residents enjoy a pleasant dry climate with little precipitation.
• Of course, for those who enjoy winter sports, great skiing is a short distance away in the higher elevations.

Community Links

HEALTHCARE IN PARACHUTE

HOSPITALS
Grand River Hospital District (15 miles)
Locate a Doctor
    
CLINICS
Battlement Mesa Medical Center

LIFESTYLE IN PARACHUTE

DEMOGRAPHICS
http://www.city-data.com/city/Parachute-Colorado.html
           
SCHOOLS
http://admin.garcoschools.org/
           
EMPLOYERS
List of Local Businesses
List of Employment Opportunities in and around Parachute
           
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
http://www.parachutechamber.org/
           
TOWN WEBSITE
http://parachutecolorado.com/default.php

COUNTY
http://www.garfield-county.com/

REAL ESTATE – View homes for free before you do a site visit!
Go to Zillow.com to learn about all the homes for sale in Parachute.

TOURIST AND RECREATION WEBSITES
Parachute/Battlement Mesa Recreation District
http://parachutebattlementparkandrec.org/
Battlement Mesa Golf Course
Grand Mesa National Forest
White River National Forest
Glenwood Canyon Bike Path
Battlement Mesa Activity Center

TOWNS NEARBY
Battlement Mesa (2 miles)
Grand Valley (14 miles)
Collbran (16 miles)
Rifle (19 miles)
Palisade (32 miles)

AIRPORT
Garfield County Regional Airport (20 miles)
Walker Field (40 miles)
           
SKIING IN COLORADO, FROM PARACHUTE
Powderhorn Resort