Grand Mesa
Hiking on Grand Mesa
For a magical alpine experience, don’t miss Grand Mesa with its breathtaking vistas, dense forests, lush meadows, and over 300 shimmering lakes. As you drive the Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway (Highway 65) from Cedaredge to the top of the mesa, you will travel from fruit laden orchards, through piñon pine and juniper-covered hillsides, to alpine forests of spruce, fir and aspen trees. The world’s largest flat-top mountain, Grand Mesa has an average elevation of 10,000 feet. The highest point on Grand Mesa is Leon Peak, located to the east. This 11,326-foot peak was once used as a fire lookout. In the distance, you’ll see the West Elk Mountain Range, San Juan Mountains, and views of five of the state’s 14’ers. To the west is the Uncompahgre Plateau, and on the horizon the La Sal Mountains can be seen on a clear day. To the northwest are the Book and Roan cliffs. Fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, boating, hiking and wildlife viewing await adventurers on the mesa. And with the average temperatures on the mountain considerably lower than those in town, Grand Mesa offers a refreshing respite from the too-hot-to-play-outside blues. You’ll find 10 comfortable campgrounds on Grand Mesa, as well as several resorts offering accommodations that are more “comfortably Colorado.” Even if you’re not staying at one of the resorts on Grand Mesa, you can still enjoy their restaurants, boat rentals and other amenities. Another great way to experience Grand Mesa is by bicycle. Most of the trails and roadways are open for cycling with varying degrees of difficulty. Most lakes provide good access for fishermen. Rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout are most commonly caught, and tend to be in the 8- to 14inch range. Before heading out for a hike or fishing trip, check current conditions at the Grand Mesa Visitors Center, located off Highway 65 across from Cobbett Lake. The visitors center also offers interpretive exhibits, public restrooms and a variety of maps and books, and can be reached by calling (970) 8564153.
6 — Delta County Independent 2012 Visitor’s Guide
With breathtaking mountain views and vast open spaces stretching out as far as the eye can see, you may feel as though you are standing at the top of the world when you hike the upper loop of the Crag Crest Trail on Grand Mesa. Crag Crest National Recreation Trail is a 10mile-long circular trail rising from east and west trailheads, with a 6.5-mile-long path stretching across the top of Crag Crest. The east trailhead is adjacent to Eggleston Lake, accessible from Forest Road 121; the west trailhead is just off Highway 65, across from Island Lake. The crest portion of the lofty trail rises from 10,375 feet at the west trailhead, to 11,189 feet along its rocky crest, and down to 10,150 feet at Eggleston Lake. At the crest, the trail is about three feet wide with awesome vistas and steep drop-offs on both sides. Looking for a shorter hike? The half-mile LandO-Lakes Trail is paved and provides outstanding views of several lakes from the ridge top. The Island Lake Trail connects the visitor center with campgrounds and the boat launch as it circles Island Lake. From the Grand Mesa Visitor Center, try the self-guided interpretive trail which is just .3 mile in length. Visit www.fs.fed.us/gmug and search “Recreation” for a guide to other short hikes on Grand Mesa. When you’re hiking, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather, and keep an eye out for marmots, chipmunks and a variety of birds, as well as large mammals such as deer, elk, moose and bears.