Grand Mesa

Grand Mesa is Colorado's wonderland of water.  The lush plateau at 10,000 feet of elevation features thick forests, subalpine meadows and more than a hundred lakes.  There are a handful of developed campgrounds off the main roads and many more dispersed sites in the surrounding national forest.  The vast array of lakes make for a great multi-day excursion that can be complemented with nearby hiking and mountain biking, or even with a vineyard escape to Palisade.  

Waterdog Lake; Grand Mesa

The mesa top region is traversed by the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway (State Highway 65).  Water access ranges from roadside Cobbett Lake and Island Lake (featured below) to many secluded lakes only reachable by high-clearance or four-wheel-drive.  

Vicinity Map

Location Info: [key]

(Island Lake)

Scenery: 4
Shoreline Interest: 2
Use: Low-moderate
Fee: $4 or as posted
Access: Gravel
Full elev = 10260
Rec info 
Weather 

A quick look at a detailed map or aerial image of the Grand Mesa region reveals just how richly the area is spackled with lakes.  The boatable waters map shows that most of these lakes are only open to non-motorized vessels.  Some of these small to medium-sized lakes are clustered close enough together that one can even portage between them with only a few hundred feet of carry.  

 

The many lakes of Grand Mesa 
[click for map]

Lakes region as seen from Crag Crest

Start Here

One of the easiest place to begin exploring is the Grand Mesa Community, below the southern edge of the mesa top.  Scenic Island Lake is the plainly apparent from Highway 65.  Smaller Cobbett Lake is also visible just east of the road near the Grand Mesa visitors center.  There are reservable campsites at both Island Lake and Cobbett Lake.  A drive east on Baron Lake Road reveals a string of medium-sized lakes that are all great paddleboarding settings with easy access.  Be conscientious of private properties and residences in these areas.  

The Mesa Lakes community, below the north flank of the mesa top, also has a cluster of easily accessible medium-sized lakes with nearby services.  

These two areas are the easiest places to start, but there are countless opportunities for solitude in the surrounding forests with a map and a capable vehicle.  Check the  boatable waters map for details of specific lakes.

Island Lake

Cobbett Lake

Nearby hiking 

The Grand Mesa is home to many hiking trails, including the the Crag Crest National Recreational Trail.  The Crag Crest Trail follows a narrow, rocky ridge that extends several miles off the east edge of the mesa top.  Forests, lakes and wildlife abound beneath both flanks of the ridge.  The full Crag Crest loop is about 10 miles, but even an out-and-back on a short segment of the trail is a rewarding diversion--particularly on the crest itself.  Refer to a trail map or CO TREX for more trails in the area.  

Crag Crest Trail

Upper Eggleston Lake

Nearby mountain biking

Recent work by the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association (COPMOBA) has created some great opportunities to explore the region via mountain bike.  In particular, singletracks that wind along the spectacular rim of the mesa offer many miles of scenic riding.  Mesa Top, Flowing Park, and the recently completed County Line Trails are examples of this.  These multi-use trails are also good hiking loops.  2021 may also see the completion of the Palisade Plunge, a 32 mile singletrack descent dropping 6,000 vertical feet from the mesa top to Palisade. If you try and enjoy these trails, consider making a donation to COPMOBA to help continue their work.

Flowing Park Trail

Mesa Top Trail

The Grand Mesa is one of Colorado’s best places to enjoy mountain paddleboarding with so many other recreation opportunities nearby. It also has endless places to explore on return trips.  Be mindful of insects in the summer months and chilly water temperatures.  Have fun exploring and play safe!