Aventuras en Grand Junction
Business Spotlight
Grand Junction Adventures was founded by longtime Grand Junction locals Elizabeth Fortushniak and James Stover. The idea was born out of necessity in 2017 after James was laid off following a decade with Baker Hughes. Looking for supplemental income and more flexibility for their young family, the couple launched Grand Junction Stand Up Paddle at Highline Lake, capitalizing on the rapid growth and popularity of paddle boarding.
“We were looking for a little extra income where we wouldn’t have to pay for daycare,” Elizabeth said. “I needed a change of pace and wanted to create something outdoors where I could have the kids with me while I worked.”
What began as a small seasonal venture quickly grew into a thriving operation with multiple employees. In 2019, the pair proposed expanding to the Colorado River with a rental and guide shop at the newly planned Las Colonias Business Park. City leaders embraced the concept, and in summer 2020, GJ SUP became the first business to open at Las Colonias, operating out of the Mariposa Shelter at the new boat ramp. The goal was to activate the downtown river corridor while promoting stewardship and responsible recreation along the Colorado River.
Fast forward to 2026, and the business has evolved into a full-service rafting outfitter offering guided and rental experiences throughout the Grand Valley. Services include daily and multi-day rafting trips through Ruby-Horsethief Canyon, fully outfitted raft rentals, paddleboards, tubes, and increasingly popular guided hikes to Rattlesnake Arches featuring catered lunches overlooking the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area.
The passion project operates alongside Elizabeth’s work as a yoga instructor and mother of three, while James continues his full-time career in the oil and gas industry. Together, they’ve built a boutique outdoor recreation business rooted in family, adventure, and community.
Elizabeth, originally from the shores of Lake Michigan, moved to Colorado in 1997 and spent years working as a mountain guide and environmental compliance manager in the energy sector. James, originally from Alaska, arrived in Colorado in 1994 and spent a decade chasing climbing and skiing objectives across the West, supporting his adventures through oilfield work. His expeditions included trips to Kyrgyzstan, Patagonia, and the Alaska Range. The two met in a statistics class at Colorado Mesa University, and together have built a business that reflects both their adventurous spirit and deep connection to the Grand Valley. Book now at gjadventures.com.
