We spent quite a bit of time in 2019 in the Grand Mesa National Forest preparing for Mount Rainier.
Grand Mesa sits just outside of Grand Junction Colorado, and is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world.
Sitting just over 11,000 feet, Grand Mesa towers above the surrounding area and makes a perfect place for me to get some high-altitude days to get ready for Rainier’s 14,411 feet.
From days spent climbing up and down through the snow with a heavy pack, to the many wildlife sightings along the multiple lakes – this place is awesome. With an annual average of over 300 inches, the snow lingers through June or July and is back with a vengeance by October. Even in July and August the nighttime lows are barely above 40 degrees! The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway is usually open during the winter, and is well worth the drive.
I can see what a great summer place a cabin up here would be for folks down in Grand Junction Leave the heat behind and spend your weekends on the lake surrounded by pristine beauty and the cool temperatures that only 11,000 feet of elevation can provide.
Lands End Observatory
A Spectacle of Beauty
Speed Limit
I’m pretty sure that there’s a road below here somewhere.
Drip Drip Drip
Freeze-Thaw cycles show as summer approaches.
Runoff
All that melting snow has to run somewhere…
Lonely Stand
A lonely stand of aspen on the top of Grand Mesa
Windy Roads
You have to find the road to worry about the curves
Rabble Rouser
Rabble Rouser below the rubble.
Tools Of The Trade
Sometimes it takes extra gear to get up the mountain.
Drifts
Tough to get in your cabin this time of year…
Hiking Partners
Not the kind of hiking partners I usually like.
Stripes
Layers of rock and scrub up the mountainside.
Tracks
Deep snow tracks for late May
Walk Right In
Some serious snow at the Grand Mesa Visitor Center
Furry Friend
Watching a couple red foxes playing in the snow.
Density
Thick stands of trees surround all of the lakes up here.
Avalanche Blasting
I’m glad I was snowshoeing and not skiing!
Snowmelt
The snow is starting to melt, down below the 7 foot mark already!
Setting Out
This is a good start for a snowshoe!
Just My Tracks
I like trails like this!
Avalanche Area
Drive fast through here!
Eagle Eye
Hanging out and looking for a snack.
Lone Predator
This coyote scoots across the snow in search of a meal.
Neighborhood Watch
A yellow-bellied marmot keeping a close eye on us.
