Grand Mesa National Forest
Largest flat-topped mountain on Earth with hundreds of lakes, high forests, scenic overlooks, year-round recreation, and easy driving access along a renowned scenic byway.
Type of Area
National Forest
Address
Nearest Town
Palisade
Key Features
Park Size
346,555 acres
Highest Point
Crater Peak at 11,333 ft (3,454 m)
Major Wildlife
Elk; Mule Deer; Moose; Black Bear; Bighorn Sheep, Birds of Prey
Miles of Trail
Over 3,500 miles of combined trails within Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests
Popular Activities
Hiking; Fishing; Scenic Driving; Boating; Camping; Mountain Biking; Cross-Country Skiing; Snowmobiling; Hunting
Scenic Views
Lands End Observatory; Crag Crest; Island Lake
WiFi Access
Limited
Best Time to Visit
Summer and early fall for hiking and lakes; winter for snow sports
Overview
A sky-high island of cool forests and mirror-bright lakes, Grand Mesa delivers breezy summer escapes, blazing fall color, and snowy winter adventure atop the world’s great flattop.
Maps
Maps
Get ready for your visit to the Grand Mesa National Forest by checking out the maps.
Entrances & Fees
Park Entrances
Grand Mesa welcomes road-trippers from every direction with a classic byway climb from the valley, a relaxed southern gateway through Cedaredge’s orchards, and a wild rim drive to a cliff-top overlook above the Grand Valley.
Fees & Passes
A high-elevation playground with hundreds of lakes and endless forest roads, Grand Mesa welcomes you year-round with no entrance fee required. Expect occasional day-use or campground fees at developed sites; many standard day-use fees are covered by America the Beautiful passes.
Accessibility & Seasonal Info
Accessibility
Grand Mesa makes access feel effortless: paved scenic pullouts, a universally accessible lakeside picnic area, wheelchair-accessible fishing piers and boat launches, seasonal visitor-center facilities, and short, view-packed paths that put mirror-bright alpine lakes within easy reach.
Seasonal Access & Weather
Four seasons, one mesa: wildflower summers, golden-aspen fall, and deep winter snow. Roads, gates, and campgrounds shift with the season, check current conditions, MVUM seasonal dates, and any fire restrictions before you go.
Seasonal Closures
Seasonal Closures
Expect seasonal road and gate closures, occasional project or safety closures, and wildlife protections that shift by year, always check current conditions and map updates before you roll.
History & Culture
History & Culture
A storied high country of over 300 lakes and a sky-level rim, Grand Mesa blends Indigenous heritage, early forest conservation, and modern stewardship, history you can see in every overlook, trail, and quiet shoreline.
Geology & Ecology
Geology & Ecology
Sky-level scenery with storybook lakes and a lava-capped horizon, Grand Mesa blends ancient fire, Ice-Age sculpture, and wildlife-filled forests into one unforgettable high-country escape.
Regulations & Considerations
Regulations & Considerations
Standard national forest rules apply, with seasonal food-storage, campfire, and occupancy restrictions posted through forest orders.