Grand Mesa National Forest

Created by President Benjamin Harrison on December 24, 1892, the Grand Mesa National Forest was originally named the Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve. The Grand Mesa National Forest contains a total of 346,555 acres of land including the world’s largest flat-top mountain. Over 100 lakes and reservoirs are scattered across the Grand Mesa, which was the third forest reserve to be created in the United States.

After the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created by Franklin D. Roosevelt in an attempt to counter the effects of the Great Depression in 1933, CCC camps setup on the Grand Mesa. The workers from these camps started building roads, ranger stations and campgrounds. They constructed buildings at the Long Cone Guard Station and at Silesca, Ward Lake, Mesa Lakes and the Collbran Ranger Stations. They also built most of the Lands End Road on the west end of the Grand Mesa and numerous hiking trails. Many of these improvements built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Grand Mesa National Forest are still being used today.

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are administered as a single unit from the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Delta, Colorado. This National Forest includes lands from Mesa, Delta and Garfield counties in the north and south west regions of Colorado.

Grand Mesa National Forest Ranger Districts

The US Forest Service has more than 600 ranger districts across the United States. It’s administrated by a forest supervisor, a district ranger and a line officer. Ranger districts vary in size and are responsible for overseeing activities such as; trail construction and maintenance, operation of campgrounds and management of vegetation and wildlife habitat. The ranger districts established in the Grand Mesa National Forest are:

Grand Valley Ranger District

2777 Crossroads Blvd Suite 1. Grand Junction, CO. 81506

Visitor Information: 970-242-8211

Wildlife

The Grand Mesa National Forest supports an assorted variety of wildlife, trees and plants. Wildlife species found in this Colorado forest include; elk, deer, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain lions black bears and others. Owls, eagles, martens, and falcons are just a few of the bird species found here. Aquatic life abounds in the Grand Mesa’s many lakes and streams too. Rainbow, Brown, Brook and Cutthroat Trout are some of the cool and cold water fish that can be caught here. The Roundtail Chub, Bluehead Sucker and Boreal Toad, all threatened species can also be found in the waters of the Grand Mesa.

Activities

Days in the Grand Mesa National Forest can be spent camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, riding your ATV or exploring with your OHV, taking a scenic drive or just relaxing near a small stream or on the banks of a high mountain lake.

Like to fish? The Grand Mesa was made for fishing! Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout can all be caught in the streams or lakes on the Grand Mesa. Fish sizes range from 8-14 inches. Many of the lakes are open to boats, however you’ll want to check for any motor restrictions where you plan to go.

Hiking is also a favorite pass time on the Mesa. One of the Mesa’s well-known trails the Crag Crest National Recreation Trail. This trail was designated a National Recreation Trail in March of 1978. It’s a 10.3 mile trail that rises from 10,150 ft at Eggleston Lake to 11,189 ft at the crest. The view from the top can only be described as amazing. The scenery in every direction is dramatic! You might get a glimpse of an elk or deer as you travel the trail. Other types of animals and birds you can see along the way include; porcupine, snowshoe rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, pocket gophers, foxes, ravens, woodpeckers, finches, hawks, blue grouse, chickadees, robins, jays and hummingbirds. Keep in mind that you’ll be hiking at high altitude so bring plenty of water, snacks and be prepared, weather in Colorado can change very quickly! Make sure to dress properly to avoid hypothermia. It’s also suggested that hikers be off the ridge by early afternoon. Afternoon thunder storms come with dangerous lightning! For more information on this wonderful hike, view the Crag Crest National Recreation Trail brochure. Stop by the Grand Mesa Visitors Center for information on other hiking, biking and horseback trails on the Mesa.

Interested in taking a drive? Consider the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway! This spectacular 63-mile scenic byway route begins at I-70 in the scenic Plateau River Canyon. Then you’ll climb through forests and meadows to the panoramic views from the top of Grand Mesa. Then you’ll drift down off the Mesa into the picturesque town of Cedaredge, Colorado where you can enjoy touring the Grand Mesa Byway Welcome Center and the Cedaredge Pioneer Town Museum.

The Grand Mesa National Forest has so much to offer it’s visitors! The beauty and wide variety of things to do and see will have you coming back again and again!