scenic byway scenic byway

Grand Mesa Scenic Byway Map

 

Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, Grand Mesa, Colorado The CVD

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Before settlers came west, the Native American people populated the area of Colorado, Utah and surrounding areas. The Ute Indian tribe lived in the Grand Mesa Area. They called the Grand Mesa "Thunder Mountain" because of how the mesa towers over the valley 6,000' below. In 1776, the Utes guided Europeans through the area. Later, buggy trips lasting several days brought touring travelers to area. Stage lines and freight wagons soon replaced the buggy trips. Improvements on roads in 1911 from convict labor provided easier travel. In 1933 the Civilian Conservation Corps built "Veteran Road" (now Land's End road) that twists its way to the top of the mesa. Other improvements over the years make the byway one of the easiest to travel. Start in Cedaredge, just east of Grand Junction, and travel through Grand Mesa National Forest to end your journey in mesa. The 63 mile road goes through the canyon up to the mesa top to 11,000' above sea level. Give yourself an hour and a half along Highway 65 and an additional 30 minutes to travel Land's End to see everything there is to offer.

lake on the Grand Mesa, Colorado, The CVD
Sunset lake on the Grand Mesa, Colorado, The CVD

Along the byway, you can travel through various scenery changes. Start in a desert canyon, and as you make your way to the top of the mesa, you pass aspen foothills, lakes, alpine forests, lily ponds and meadows bursting with wildflowers. The byway provides many scenic overlooks to view each of these wonders.

For two wonderful overlooks, be sure to hike the Land-O-Lakes Overlook or visit the Land's End Observatory. The Land-O-Lakes is a trail that you can hike, and at the overlook, view many of the lakes surrounding the area as well as the West Elk Mountains to the East. Or, drive up to the top of the mesa on Land's End road. At the top, you can visit Land's End Observatory and look down the 6,000' to the bottom of the canyon.

The area also boasts many recreational activities. Blessed with over 300 stream fed lakes full of rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout you can fish or go small lake boating. With many trails, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding is a favorite past time in the area. During the fall and winter months, big game hunting, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and skiing at the Mesa Powderhorn are popular activities. Be sure to visit the nearby Colorado National Monument.

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Places to Stay & Fun things to Do

Grand Mesa Lodge, Snowmobile Tours & Canoe Rentals email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page rates sub-page link on advertiser page vacation specials & packages
Cabins & motel overlook beautiful Island Lake. Open all year. In Grand Mesa National Forest. 1 hour east of Grand Junction. Boat rentals, fishing, hunting, tackle, ATV trails, hike & snowmobile rentals/tours.
High Country Inn email link button on advertiser page
Near Vega State Park in Collbran Colorado, our small cozy motel offers four rooms all are non-smoking and have satellite television. We welcome families with pets and kids. Central BBQ grill for cookouts.
Overlook Cabin at Mesa email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page
This cozy 1-Bedroom cabin has a Loft and 1.5 Bathrooms. From your porch you can access to BLM land and Grand Mesa National Forest: snowmobile, snowshoe, ATV, cross-country ski, hike and hunt.

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More Activities & Information

Grand Mesa Area - includes Cedaredge, Collbran, Eckert & Mesa
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