Anna’s Hiking & Adventure Guide to Colorado’s Grand Mesa National Forest

Grand Mesa National forest is home to the world's largest flat top mountain. It is located East of Grand Junction and covers 540 square miles. The surrounding area also includes the Uncompahgre Natl Forest and Gunnison Natl Forest. When combined, these forests cover a total of 3, 161, 912 acres. The lowest elevation is 5, 800ft and the highest elevation is 14, 309ft. "The Mesa" section of these combined national forests has 300 lakes that are popular for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. This post contains hike and lodging recommendations.

Hikes:

•Crag Crest Trail - this trail is a 10.3 mile RT loop and 1,548ft elevation gain, however being that I was solo, I decided to hike up to the crest and then back down the same way I came, I went at sunrise and didn't see a single soul, the crest is just over 10,000ft, due to phone service issues, downloading the map ahead of time is recommended

•Mesa Lakes Trail & Lost Lake Trail - click each name to be taken to the separate trail maps, Lost Lake Trail is 3.5 miles RT and 430ft elevation gain, Mesa Lakes Trail takes you around more lakes and out and back to Lost Lake, there are many other smaller trails that can be added to customize your hike

Lodging:

In Grand Mesa

•Thunder Mountain Lodge - 10 different cabin rental options located on the Mesa, offers guided snowmobile tours and canoe and paddle board rentals, right accross the road from many lakes, wildflower fields and wildlife and easy access to hiking and biking trails

In Grand Junction

•Hotel Maverick - located on the campus of Colorado Mesa University, provides hands on hospitality experience for the university students, when I stayed in 2020 a complimentary bottle of wine was included in the room and there was a balcony which was a great addition