At 10,000', Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world, rises more than a mile above the valley floor. Discover aspen and spruce groves, flowered meadows and over 200 cool clear lakes offering fantastic fishing for rainbow, brook and brown trout. Some lakes have boat launches and you can reach many of them from the highway. For the more adventurous, visit the lakes only accessible by four-wheel drive, foot or horseback.

Utes called this the "Home of the Departed Spirits" and they brought hostages here after the 1879 Meeker Massacre. Almost entirely within the Grand Mesa National Forest, Grand Mesa has abundant wildlife, making this a popular area for fall hunting. Elk, deer and many smaller mammals roam the alpine forest. Drive the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway and tour the changing aspen in the fall. Visit Surface Creek Valley Historical Society's Pioneer Town in Cedaredge where you can experience the American West at the turn of the century. Hikers will want to trek along the Crag Crest National Recreation Trail, a 10-mile circular trail rising from east and west trailheads. The 6.5 mile long path stretching across the top of Crag Crest is open to foot traffic only. Escape the summer heat and relax in Grand Mesa's cool mountain air. The close by West Elk Wilderness is a magnificent place for hiking and hunting. The entire area is a focal point of backroads and trails leading into the wilderness. The winter months bring many skiiers to the Powderhorn Resort only 35 miles southeast of Grand Junction.

Grand Mesa Area is near: Aspen & Crystal River Valley, Crawford, Delta, Grand Junction & North Fork Valley