A Winter Staycation On The Grand Mesa
Photo by Dan Tille, courtesy of the Grand Mesa Nordic Council.
Weddings, graduations, family reunions and vacations — for many, canceled plans are one of the biggest disappointments of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the positive side, many people are reconnecting with their home communities and exploring local options for recreation. As winter approaches, people are looking for places to vacation close to home. One fantastic Grand Valley “staycation” option is a visit to the Grand Mesa, whether for the day or for a long weekend.
The Grand Mesa, known locally as “the Mesa,” is just an hour outside of Grand Junction. With an area of 500 square miles and an average elevation of 10,000 feet, the Grand Mesa is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. Views from its highest points give visitors a panorama of the Grand Valley, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to southern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and Utah’s La Sal Mountains. Deep snow and miles of forested cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling trails greet winter visitors, and nearby Powderhorn Mountain Resort is a local favorite. Several mountain lodges offer guided tours and rentals, as well as cozy and rustic accommodations for those wanting to stay overnight.
THINGS TO DO
Cross-country Skiing
The Grand Mesa Nordic Council (GMNC), a “community-supported, non-profit organization of people who love to cross-country ski on the Grand Mesa,” maintains thirty-one miles of trails, groomed for both classic and skate skiing. Three trail systems — the Ward Trails, Skyline Trails and County Line Trails — offer a variety of terrain for beginner to advanced skiers. According to Joe Masey, president of the GMNC board, “We have worked hard through the summer preparing our trails for what we expect will be a big-use winter season. With a grant from REI, we have been able to add several new trail signs and maps to the trails systems to make them easier for newer skiers to find their way. Our trails have never been in better shape!” Visit their website, gmnc.org, for more information on trails, conditions and regulations.
Some of the 200-plus trees that were down on GMNC trails this summer. Thirty GMNC members volunteered to work through the summer to clear the trails.
Snowshoeing
Deep snow and thick forests make the Grand Mesa ideal for snowshoeing. The County Line Trail area, Ward trailhead, and Mesa or Griffith lakes are popular access points. Snowshoeing is allowed on the GMNC trail system, but snowshoers are asked to stay to the side of the groomed trails to avoid damaging them.
Snowmobiling
With nearly 200 miles of trails, the Grand Mesa is a snowmobiling paradise. Very skilled riders can explore the 120 miles of trails between the Grand Mesa and Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs, while those with less experience can stay on closer, locally maintained trails. Many local outfitters and lodges offer rentals, lessons and guided tours.
Downhill Skiing
With its laid-back vibe and budget-friendly lift tickets, Powderhorn Mountain Resort is one of Colorado’s hidden gems. The mountain has terrain for all levels of skiers and allows uphill access.
Backcountry Safety
Winter in Colorado can be unpredictable. Anyone heading out for a winter adventure should be prepared for changing weather conditions and unexpected events. Carry food, water, sun protection and extra layers. Travel with a partner and tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
WHERE TO STAY
Mesa Lakes Lodge is surrounded by seven lakes and offers a variety of accommodations, including large family cabins, small rustic bungalows and motel-style rooms. They rent snowmobiles, cross-country skis and snowshoes and offer guided snowmobile tours.
Thunder Mountain Lodge is located just feet from the GMNC’s groomed trail system and is within just a few miles of world-class snowmobiling. They provide guided group and private snowmobile tours and lessons, as well as rentals for those with the skills to venture out on their own. Visitors can spend the night in one of ten cozy, pet-friendly cabins.
Grand Mesa Lodge, situated on Island Lake, features fourteen rustic kid- and pet-friendly cabins. They offer guided snowmobile tours and have a restaurant and bar onsite.
If you’re looking for something other than a traditional lodge or cabin experience, check out Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s newest lodging idea: The Tiny Home Project. These brand new, fully equipped tiny homes sleep four to eight and are conveniently located at the base of the resort, providing a basecamp for downhill skiers and people wanting to adventure further up the Mesa.
WHERE TO EAT
After a long day in the snow, a good meal is in order. In addition to the restaurant at the Grand Mesa Lodge, hungry adventurers can find food at one of three restaurants and Powderhorn Mountain Resort or at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and Motel located in the town of Mesa. And read about the new market in Mesa, page 20.
Originally published in the Winter 2020-21 issue of Spoke+Blossom.