Grand Mesa National Forest Colorado Information

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Grand Mesa CO Information

The "Secret" Grand Mesa National Forest 

At 10,800 feet, the amazing Grand Mesa is,the largest flat-top mountain in the world. rises more than a mile above the valley floor above the communities of Cedaredge, Grand Junction, Palisade, Delta, Hotchkiss, Paonia, and Olathe in Delta County. This National Forest is not as crowded as some of the other areas in Colorado. The Grand Mesa National Forest backs up to the Gunnison National Forest.  This is one of the most pristine areas in Colorado and Cedaredge Colorado acts as its gateway.

The Ute Indian tribes called Grand Mesa, "Thingunawat" or the "Home of the Departed Spirits". The Utes also referred to it as Thunder Mountain during the summer because of its brief thunder storms. The Utes  believed it to be the home of the great eagles and thunderbirds. Additionally, the Grand Mesa was considered to be a very sacred medicine wheel site.  Medicine Wheels reflected the meaning the circle of life represented by the sun, moon and the earth.

Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve was established by the General Land Office in Colo on December 24, 1892 with 858,240 acres. It was the third such reserve to be created in the nation. This was the beginning of the National Forest system in the U.S. today. In 1905 all federal forests were transferred to the U.S. Forest Service. On July 1, 1908 part of the forest was combined with the Holy Cross National Forest, part was renamed Battlement National Forest, and the original name was discontinued. These lands are presently included in White River National Forest and Grand Mesa National Forest.

On the south side of the Grand Mesa there is a collection of 18 lakes, all within walking distance of each other. Visit the Land O' Lakes overlook just above Island Lake and enjoy the views and the lakes. The Grand Mesa Visitor Center is located in the Land O' Lakes Area and has interpretive exhibits, public restrooms, a bookstore, a unique high-altitude garden. Forest Service staff is on hand to answer your questions. The pastimes of fishing and boating in the summer turn to a wonderful experience of cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.  The Spruce Lodge is located near the "Center" and has a rustic log restaurant overlooking Ward Lake. Additionally, there are cabins for rent.  The area sports many campgrounds near the "Center".

On the northern slopes of Grand Mesa, the gorgeous Mesa Lakes  are an emerald blue fairy tale vision as you are surrounded by spectacular stands of aspen and evergreen. An extensive trail system provides outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. Fishing and boating are summer's fun while winter brings moonlight skiing for cross-country enthusiasts. Cottonwood Lakes, just east of Mesa Lakes offers true backcountry fishing and camping. The old Mesa Creek Ski Area is still used today by winter sledders and boarders.

Powderhorn Ski Resort is located on the north side of the Grand Mesa. The resort typically opens in December and closes in March. Powerhorn Ski Area has some of the most spectacular scenery around with both mountain and canyonland views. Also the over 250" of snow each year, brings skiers and boarders from everywhere. In its unique location, where the desert meets the mountain, Powderhorn is best known for its stress-free atmosphere and variety of terrain. Nestled on the north edge of the Grand Mesa, Powderhorn sits at 4,000 feet above the valley floor. We promise you won't find views like this anywhere else. Cruise the corduroy, dash into the aspens for the glade skiing, plow the waist deep powder, hit the bumps, or jib your way through the terrain parks. Everyone has their own secret trail or powder stash so come discover yours! And at the end of the day you can relax in one of the restaurants or soak up the sun on the large daylodge deck.  The old time ski lodge lounge awaits with its full service bar and fireplace as a perfect rendezvous while watching skiers ski down the slopes.

Summer at Powderhorn, up on the Mesa, is a beautiful, peaceful time. The stunning views of the Western Colorado valleys combined with the lush forest and wildflowers, make Powderhorn the perfect setting for a romantic mountain wedding or a weekend getaway.

Since the Grand Mesa can be 10-25 degrees cooler than the surrounding areas, many folks get out of the desert heat and and enjoy the weekends at the Powderhorn resort whether for a day trip or overnight. The Colorado Monument across the valley can be over 100 degrees in July and the Grand Mesa will be a cool 75 degrees for a high.

 Many Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer have live music on the outside deck at the lodge area. Stop by for a cold one and listen and dance to the music. Feast your eyes on the forest and valley views. Or take a slow hike up one the ski runs. You will agree, Life is perfect.

If you need additional information regarding Cedaredge CO  realestate- Western Colorado real estate questions, please contact us.

Kathy Hirschboeck, RE/MAX Mountain West Broker Associate (970) 201-3639