Interpretive Guide for the Grand Mesa Byway

Welcome

"Breathtaking scenes overlooking endless forests, and over 300 lakes!" is the easiest way to describe the 63 miles of the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, which takes you 6,000 ft. skyward into a magical Colorado alpine experience. Travel through 4 major ecological zones on this one drive. From Plateau Creek's desert sandstone canyon to the evergreen-rich, rarified air of the Land O' Lakes Area, most of Western Colorado's geology is represented.

The Grand Mesa is known as the 'largest flattop mountain in the world' and serves as a major watershed for Western Colorado, sending its waters down along 5 drainages that support orchards, vineyards, farms, and ranches.

Stop at the Visitor Centers along the route for fishing/boating/biking/camping/skiing information, interpretive exhibits, and public restrooms. One of the more interesting stories involves the abundance of high-mountain lakes. 
The lava-capped Grand Mesa has undergone "slump blocking" which creates depressions in the terrain that fill with water. Learn more about this unusual process and the history of water development at the Visitor Centers staffed by the USDA Forest Service and local volunteers.

Thousands of Years of Service to Mainkind

The Grand Mesa has been an integral part in man's occupation of Western Colorado. Recent archeological finds suggest over 8,000 years of habitation and a pattern of human use called the “Grand Circuit”. Desert and mountain archaic tribes traveled up to the top of Grand Mesa in the summer to harvest its produce, game, and natural resources; to return to the desert canyons of the Gunnison River with supplies to survive the winter.

The 1999 Land's End Archeological excavation revealed a site with evidence of ancient occupation and several artifacts, located above 9,000 ft. View the 20 minute video of this dig at the Cedaredge Welcome Center or Grand Mesa Visitor Center in the Land O' Lakes Area. Spanish explorers in the 1700s called the mountain “Mesa Grande” which means “large table”. The Historic Utes had many names and legends for Grand Mesa. “Thunder Mountain” was coined, no doubt, from the many lightning-charged storms at 10,000 ft. which never came close to the valley floors. And, wait until you hear how the Utes explained all of these lakes. Find that story at the Byway's three Visitor Centers.

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Fishing 1908	Pioneer Town

  

    GET A FULL COPY OF THE MAP AND INTERPRETIVE GUIDE AT THE WELCOME or VISITORS CENTERS ALONG THE BYWAY

WEATHER CAM ON GRAND MESA