Grand Mesa - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are plenty of activities on offer for those who love the outdoors, including hiking, fishing, camping, and mountain biking. Grand Mesa is also home to several ski resorts, making it the perfect place to hit the slopes. If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, there are plenty of scenic drives and picnic spots to enjoy. If you're looking for a more leisurely activity, try fishing in one of the many lakes and streams on the mesa, or go for a dip in Deep Creek Lake, which is perfect for swimming on hot summer days. 

Grand Mesa is the largest mesa in the world, located in western Colorado. The area was first inhabited by Native Americans, who hunted and fished on the land. In the late 1800s, settlers began to arrive in the area, drawn by the promise of fresh air and open space. Agriculture quickly took hold, and the town of Grand Mesa soon became a thriving community. Today, the mesa is home to a number of small towns and a large recreation area. Visitors come from all over to enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The grandeur of the mesa never fails to impress, and its history is as varied and interesting as its landscape.

The best time you can visit this gorgeous area would be between May-October when there are plenty of flowers blooming along with an abundance of colors from leaves changing color.  If you're looking to explore the area's hiking trails, the best time to visit is during the summer or fall when the weather is milder. Or, if you're interested in seeing the area's wildlife, spring is typically the best time to go.

1.  Plan your visit in advance. Grand Mesa is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to book your accommodations and activities well in advance.

2. Dress for the weather. Grand Mesa is located in a high-altitude desert, so the temperature can vary significantly from day to night. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing for both warm and cold weather.

3. Bring plenty of water. Due to the high altitude, it is important to stay hydrated while visiting Grand Mesa. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you, and drink often throughout the day.

4.  

   Protect your skin from the sun. The sun is intense at high altitudes, so be sure to wear sunscreen and keep your skin covered when possible.

   5. Pack snacks and a lunch. There are few restaurants on Grand Mesa, so it's important to pack food with you for the day. 

   6. Start your day early. The best time to explore Grand Mesa is early in the morning before the crowds arrive. 

1. Grand Mesa was formed over millions of years by the erosion of the underlying rock layers.
2. The mesa is home to over 300 lakes, making it a popular destination for fishing and boating.
3. The top of the mesa receives an average of 300 days of sunshine per year.
4. The air quality on the mesa is some of the best in the country due to the high elevation and lack of pollution.
5. There are several ski resorts located on the mesa, including Powderhorn and Hazel hurled ski areas.
6. The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway is a popular route for visitors, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
7.  Themes Mesa National Forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bear.

The maximum time you're allowed to stay in the park is 14 days. After that, you must leave for at least 7 days before returning. This rule is in place to protect the fragile ecosystem of the mesa and to give everyone a chance to enjoy its beauty. it's important to be prepared before spending any extended period of time in the area. The best way to acclimatize is to spend a few days at lower elevations before heading up to the top of the mesa. 

Grand Mesa is a great place to explore. One of the easiest ways you can get there from downtown Denver, it's just an hour-and ten minutes on interstate 25! You'll pass through some small towns before reaching Grand Junction and then after that things slow down for about 30 more miles until your arrive at this beautiful reservation town called Sky Island 20308. 
 

There is no entrance fee to this mesa. 

The mesa is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the exact hours may vary depending on the season. For example, the mesa is open until 8:00 PM in July and August. Visitors should check the website or call the office for more information.