The Grand Mesa in Cedaredge, Colorado
Rising high above the vibrant browns and reds of the westerner Colorado landscape, stand the Grand Mesa. Touted as the highest flat topped mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa spans roughly 500 acres and stretches 40 miles in Garfield, Grand and Delta counties. While much of the terrain does appear flat, the topography can be rugged in many places. Plateau and Kannah creeks run off the Mesa into…
The Grand Mesa, a majestic flat-topped mountain, dominates the western Colorado landscape, standing tall amidst the vibrant browns and reds. This natural wonder is the highest flat-topped mountain in the world, spanning approximately 500 acres and stretching 40 miles across Garfield, Grand, and Delta counties. Despite its seemingly flat appearance, the terrain can be rugged in various areas.
The Mesa gives rise to the Plateau and Kannah creeks, which flow into the Grand Valley, and there are over 300 lakes dotting the landscape. Most of the Mesa sits at an elevation of around 6,000 feet, with the highest points reaching just over 11,000 feet, primarily in the Grand Mesa National Forest. The most accessible way to appreciate the grandeur of the Mesa is by driving along Colorado Highway 65, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, which runs from Interstate 70 in the west to the town of Cedaredge in the south.
This scenic route offers switchbacks and overlooks, providing a sufficient overview of the landscape. However, for a more immersive experience, one should venture out and explore the Mesa through hiking.
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