Grand Mesa

Colorado Plateau - Colorado

Altitude above sea level: Grand Mesa
9843 ft

Our visits: So far 2 visits in October 2028 and end of May 2023

De Beque Canyon
Grand Mesa

Grand Mesa

Description: You can reach the Grand Mesa, east of Grand Junction by following the Grand Mesa Historic and Scenic Byway. The mesa is home to vast forests, meadows, plateaus, and plenty of lakes. The Scenic Byway runs from Interstate 70 (Exit 49) for 71mi across the mesa to Cedaredge. The highest elevation is Crater Peak (11232feet). The Grand Mesa is the highest mesa in Colorado.

Our rating: The Grand Mesa was actually not on our agenda (October 2018). Because we could not realize our plans because of very bad weather, a ranger in Colorado NM recommended us as an alternative location the Grand Mesa. Especially in autumn a worthwhile destination, because there are many aspens here and so everything was yellow during our visit. The entire Scenic Byway is paved, so it is no problem to be on the road here even in the rain. We liked it here very well and if we are back in the area in the fall, we would like to see the Mesa again with good weather.

On our second visit at the end of May 2023, we had good weather but no autumn. Actually, we wanted to make up for the visit to Lands End, which we could not visit in 2018 because of the rain. Unfortunately, Lands End was also not accessible in 2023. This time because of the extreme snowfall that had occurred in the winter of 2022/2023. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed the drive across the Mesa. Up here everything was still covered in deep snow and many of the lakes were still frozen. An extreme contrast to the almost 80 degrees in nearby Grand Junction.

3.5/5
Grand Mesa
Grand Mesa

NEW !!!

Lands End

Description: One of the attractions on the Grand Mesa is the Lands End Observatory. Here, at an altitude of over 9800feet you have a breathtaking view of the entire area. The observatory is permanently closed since 2022, but the view remains. You can reach Lands End via partially unpaved roads either from the Grand Mesa (Scenic Road 65) or from the valley (Highway 50).

Coordinates:
Junction Scenic Road 65:
Latitude 39.032428, Longitude -108.058843
Junction of Highway 50: Latitude 38.935722, Longitude -108.396509

During our visit in late May 2023, there was still so much snow on Grand Mesa that the observatory and roads to it were still closed. However, we were able to drive from the valley via Lands End Road to the Wild Rose Picnic Area. The road is no longer paved in the upper part but could be driven with any vehicle during our visit. It was in a very good condition.

Our rating: Even though we couldn't drive all the way up to the observatory, we could enjoy the great view. It is always fascinating to see how huge this country is. Unfortunately, the photos do not reflect how gigantic the dimensions of the landscape are here. Everyone should really see this with their own eyes because it is amazing. The drive up to the observatory remains on our To Do list. 

4/5

If anyone is in the area in the fall, don't miss Applefest in Cedaredge. We drove by quite by accident and had a lot of fun walking through the booths and listening to the music.

There is also a small Pioneer Museum in Cedaredge that is worth seeing.