A Traveler's Experience

Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway (CO)

The air was filled with excitement as we headed out of town and away from the heat. Living in the Valley of the Sun for more than 5 years has taken a lot to get used to. With the sun shining 360 days a year and each season bleeding into the next, making it utterly impossible to see the differences, this trip was much needed and very deserving.

As we headed out of town, we decided to take the route through Monument Valley. While I have never been that way before, it was an experience I only needed to have once. The rock formations were beautifully erect and like silhouettes on a stage. The sand was a beautiful red and the desert looked as though Picasso has made his mark.

We drove for what seemed like days, looking for that one moment when the air temperature changed, giving us an opportunity to inhale its coolness. We finally could see the Grand Mesa as we approached the beautiful town of Grand Junction. With windows down and the cool breeze flowing through the car, we all felt like we were experiencing a little piece of heaven. As the daylight ended, we headed downtown to capture the heart of the cuisine in this great town.

There was a sent of festival in the air as we approached the streets filled with travelers. Ah, yes, it was indeed the Annual Wine Festival that would be enticing our senses as we continued on our weekend journey through this wonderful state. With the streets flowing with people and the excitement in the air, we quickly found a great little brewery to sit at and savor the taste of Colorado. Raspberry beer and burgers with fries.

It was early, the sun just cresting over the mountain tops. The air was crisp and the views were amazing. Camera in one hand and coffee in the other, we were ready for the day. As we headed up the Grand Mesa road, our senses were instantly on fire with the beauty this magnificent mountain held in its grasp. The leaves on the trees changed almost the moment you looked at them. A fiery red, a shimmering gold, and a flawless yellow. All so bright and glowing amidst the green canvas.

We decided to take a stop at Powderhorn Ski Resort for a grand view of the valley. The slopes were covered with color, brush strokes from your favorite artist. Each breath being taken away by its beauty. A family picture was our only chance to capture this little piece of heaven.

As we headed further up the mountain, we were amazed at the glass-top lakes that were perfectly nestled among the trees. The water so clear, so crisp. There was nothing more perfect than this.

We decided to pull over and enjoy some lunch. There was a perfect little campsite just off the beaten path. Ah, time to stretch and feel the earth beneath our feet. The foliage was golden, with the smell of Christmas trees in the air. The ground was damp, with moss-covered rocks. The trees were large and over-bearing to our petite-like frames. The picnic table was wooden, cool to the touch with a hint of dampness. It was easy to sit and enjoy this moment, as we knew in the coming day we would be heading back to the unpainted desert.