Travelers craving release from the momentum of mediocrity can truly transcend the world in the unusual beauty of the Grand Mesa. The 63-mile route rises through the narrow canyon of Plateau Creek to the cool evergreen forests of the mesa top, called Thunder Mountain by the Utes. Poised atop Land's End Overlook, you'll see the Grand Valley unfolding more than a mile below in splashes of golden rubble and vibrant foliage. Hike through dense alpine forests, ski spotless wintry slopes, or fish sparkling streams pouring into 300 lakes adjacent to the byway. Rise above the world and learn why the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway is called "the alpine oasis in the sapphire sky."
If you're frustrated by so-called "breathtaking vistas" that failed to strike and stun you, let the byway awe and astonish you. Follow the Lands End Road along the rim of the world's largest flat top mountain and discover all 360-degrees of singular alpine skyline. High altitude and clear alpine air invite visitors to look westward to clarion views of the La Sal Mountains, 60 miles to the west in Utah. Sharp-eyed visitors frequently look southward to the peaks of the San Juan Mountains, 90 miles away. With grand views of the vibrant valley and the rustic mountain ranges gilding the horizon, the byway is waiting to leave you breathless and amazed.
Every season has its own glory along the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway. Enjoy a roadside picnic with family or friends in cool spring fields alive with a full spectrum of wildflowers. Fall brings crimson splashes and splatters of saffron to the valleys and mountains, while the mild climate encourages a variety of wildlife to wander in the dense forests of the byway. Lose yourself in the nostalgia of summertime -- why not show your children the same kind of fishing, canoeing, hiking, and sport that you loved as a kid? Spend a week on the shores of the seven Grand Mesa Lakes, where flower-touched fields, waterside campgrounds, and shady trails await you. With over 400 trails designed for snowmobiles, cross-country skiers, and snowboarders, the Grand Mesa is the winter wonderland of your dreams. Discover the grandeur of the Grand Mesa anytime of year, and you won't be disappointed.
Sleds on the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
Winter's Quiet Escape: Dinosaur Diamond and Grand Mesa