OVERVIEW OF THE GRAND MESA SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY

The Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway winds its way for 64 miles through a landscape that seems almost unrecognizable and misplaced in Colorado. It is more like Northern Minnesota or Wisconsin, the Grand Mesa and its 300 lakes and reservoirs offer travelers to Colorado a refreshing side tour from the state’s prominent mountains and desert landscapes. Grand Mesa has an average elevation of approximately 9,000 feet. The variation of elevation of this area varies from 4,500 to over 11,000 feet.

Located on the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the Byway has a wonderful blend of tourism resources for all to enjoy. The spectacular vistas offer views of the majestic San Juan Mountains and Utah Mountains to the South, the Mancos Shale formations, the Uncompahgre Plateau, as well as rich agricultural lands of the Surface Creek and Grand Valley. The drive itself provides tremendous opportunities to experience diverse wildlife and hundreds of varieties of wildflowers and plant life along the route. Each fall the scenery displays a dazzling change of colors as the numerous aspen groves go through their annual transformations.

The Grand Mesa is somewhat isolated because of its unique geological make-up and location. The northern gate is just east of Palisades on Interstate 70 and the southern gateway is located at the Town limits of Cedaredge on Colorado Highway 65. The Byway is also accessed off of Highway 50 by traveling Lands’ End Road (not recommended for motor homes), or from Collbran on Highway 330. Unless you are aware of its existence, one could drive past any of these entrances and miss one of the most uniquely beautiful drives in Colorado.

The Byway’s richest tourism resources are those related to the 564 square miles of national forest, including over 300 lakes and reservoirs, Powderhorn Ski Resort, over 400 miles of trails, lots of forest developed campgrounds, and several lodges. The Towns of Cedaredge on the South and Mesa on the North both compliment the drive with wonderful small town atmosphere and complete visitor services. Cedaredge offers visitors tremendous distinctive shopping opportunities for those interested in fine arts, crafts and antiques of the area.

Delta to the South and Grand Junction to the Northwest both serve the Byway as a metropolitan hub with considerable tourism services. The Byway provides these population centers with a nearby recreation gateway for its residents and promoted as a daytrip to extend the stay of visitors lodging within their borders. Together, these two hubs and the Byway provide visitors with opportunities that will extend stays and encourage repeat visits for travelers on business and pleasure for many years to come.

HISTORY OF THE BYWAY

  DESIGNATIONS:

1. September 21, 1991 Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway - Colorado Department of Transportation.

2. June 26, 1992, Forest Service, Region 2,    Scenic Byway

3. September 19, 1996, National Scenic Byway - US Department of Transportation

 ORGANIZATION:

 The Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway Association was incorporated as a Colorado Not-for Profit Corporation on October 29, 1992 and has received Internal Revenue Service approval to operate as a Non-profit Corporation under Section 501 c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 DESCRIPTION:

 Colorado Highway 65 from the South Town Limits of Cedaredge to the intersection of Interstate 70 and Forest Service Road Number 100 from the its intersection to Lands End Observatory, a total of 56 miles, was designated as a Scenic and Historic Byway by the Colorado Department of Transportation on September 21, 1991 and was also designated as a National Forest Scenic Byway on June 26, 1992.

This Byway is a unique byway and recognized as an extremely well know byway and was officially designated at a National Scenic Byway by the United States Department of Transportation on September 19, 1996.

 
 ORGANIZATION:

 A non-profit corporation was formed on October 29, 1992 to permit the receipt of funding for the Byway. The corporation “The Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway Association, Inc., is managed by a five member board of directors