Update: The name of the National Forest has been corrected.

Having visited Arches National Park in Moab, UT, nearly three years ago, this weekend I went for colder climes: the 11,000-foot Grand Mesa National Forest, just east of Grand Junction, CO.

My route took me east past Palisade, then south past the Powderhorn ski resort and into the Grand Mesa National Forest. After the forest, I returned through Delta back up to Grand Junction.

Eight pictures have been added to the Gallery.

On the way up, there were several spots to pull over and take pictures. Standing right on the edge was a little disorienting even in the relatively low altitude.
The road stayed clear, but the snow pack got to about 2-½’ high. I was able to walk on some of it to get some of these shots.
Construction equipment stored at the Visitors’ Center is used to keep the main roads clean. The road to the Land’s End Observatory Point doesn’t get plowed until May.
The Grand Mesa Visitor Center opens in June.
There was a sign that pointed to Skyway Point, but the road wasn’t plowed yet. The spot still yielded this nice view.
At the south entrance of the National Forest, a stop at the side of the road yielded this view of mountains to the south. Skiers and snowboarders were still on the slope.


Show On Map