Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide
Grand Mesa National Forest
2026-09-24 04:19:42
Just 45 minutes from Grand Junction, the Grand Mesa towers above the area at over 10,000 feet in elevation. As the largest flat-top mountain in the world bursting with over 300 alpine lakes, the Grand Mesa has four distinct seasons of outdoor pursuits – making it a sportsman’s paradise. From scenic trails and natural springs to Nordic skiing and a 32- mile downhill mountain bike thrill, the Grand Mesa is perfect for those looking for unique year-round adventures.
SPRING
As the winter season ends and the snow begins to melt, the Grand Mesa sprouts a colorful display of wildflowers. Check out the short 0.25-mile round-trip Discovery Trail located at the Grand Mesa Visitor Center to view the array of nature’s flora. Another easy hike is the 1.5-mile round-trip Mesa Lakes Shoreline Trail where you can see trout swimming in the crystal-clear water.
SUMMER
During the summer months, the Grand Mesa is an excellent escape for those looking to beat the heat while still exploring the great outdoors. The Grand Mesa averages about 20 degrees cooler than Grand Junction - making it the perfect place to spend a summer day. The comfortable weather is perfect for fishing, hiking and mountain biking. With over 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa, fishing opportunities are endless. Island Lake is the largest lake and has wheelchair accessibility and a boat ramp with plenty of adjacent parking.
FALL
Fall on the Grand Mesa presents a kaleidoscope of color where winding roads weave through colorful forests. The golden aspens contrast against the dark green pine trees, making for the perfect backdrop for photos. Color Weekend, held the last weekend in September at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, invites guests to experience the Grand Mesa at peak autumn color, when endless groves of golden aspens glow beneath clear blue skies.
For the most scenic route, drive up Lands End Road, which opens in June depending on the snowpack. This switchback dirt road features a small waterfall named Kannah Creek Falls, and a natural spring where you can fill up your water bottle with fresh alpine water. The waterfall is located about 750 feet after the spring when going up the Grand Mesa on Lands End Road.
At the top is Lands End Observatory with spectacular views that reach over 70 miles to the La Sal Mountains of eastern Utah and the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The city of Grand Junction, Colorado River, and the Book Cliffs are all visible from this vantage point—a true perspective of how large the Mesa is.
WINTER
Just like the rest of Colorado, the Grand Mesa transforms into a winter wonderland. With an average of 250 inches of snowfall a year, the Grand Mesa serves up endless winter fun.
Downhill ski or snowboard at Colorado’s friendliest and affordable ski resort, Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Explore miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the machine-groomed trails managed by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council (GMNC).
Snowshoers are limited to certain GMNC areas and are encouraged to walk on the sides of the groomed trails. For those looking for some good old-fashioned family fun, check out Old Mesa Ski Hill (formerly the Original Powderhorn Ski Resort) for sledding.
The Grand Mesa also offers miles of snowmobile trails, so if you prefer an adrenaline-filled snow adventure, load up the sleds, grab your helmets and be sure to check the avalanche report before gassing up the machines. Rentals are available at Adrenaline Driven Adventures or several lodges on the Grand Mesa.
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