After the Storm

The Grand Mesa is considered the worlds largest flattop mountain covering over 500 square miles and topping out at over 11,000 feet.

It shares many of the same mountain characteristics as the Rocky Mountains just to the east, with wildlife like mule deer, moose, bobcat, bear, and mountain lion populating its forest and meadows. With over 200 natural and man-made lakes, the Mesa offers abundant fishing opportunities. Other forms of recreation include camping, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, downhill skiing at Powderhorn, mountain biking and wildflower viewing. Numerous roads and trails abound usable for both hikers and those with various ATV’s.

Since moving to the Grand Valley in 1990, the Grand Mesa has been our winter playground. The Grand Mesa Nordic Council maintains over 50 kilometers of groomed trails atop the mesa for cross country skiers and snowshoers. Abundant winter snows that often fall as light, fluffy powder grace the landscape and beckon skiers and explorers of all types. There are plenty of marked, backcountry trails and routes to follow for those seeking a winter wilderness experience. This photo is one of our earliest and was taken near County Line following a winter storm that dumped over a foot of new snow. The siren voice of the fresh powder summoned us to come and explore the untracked regions on a favorite backcountry route, exposing us to this pristine scene of earth and trees blanketed in winter’s magic. January 2008