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At 350,000 acres, the Grand Mesa is the world’s largest flat-topped mountain, a 10,000-foot behemoth that dominates Colorado’s Western Slope. This 10.3-mile loop trail is one of the best ways to appreciate this amazing terrain, past numerous lakes and over a hair-raising ridge with steep drop-offs on either side. Most day hikers from Grand Junction start at the Island Lake trailhead on the west side, while hikers camping at the Crag Crest Campground tend to start on the east side. Either way, there are two distinct sections of trail: the southern section, which is gentle enough to allow mountain bikes and horses, and the northern section, also known as the “crest portion,” which is so steep only foot travel is allowed. Either way, you’ll experience pretty mountain lakes in the lower terrain and amazing views of the mountains of western Colorado from the crest segment.

Pro Tips

  • Stop by the Grand Mesa Visitor Center, open between 9 am and 5 pm daily during the summer, for maps, restrooms, drinking water and advice before or after your hike. The telephone number is 970-856-4153. Water and bathrooms are also available at the Crag Crest Campground as well as the western trailhead.
  • If you’re planning to spend the night but don’t want to camp, there are several commercial lodges in the vicinity, which also offer groceries and other supplies.
  • To get the hard part of the hike out of the way first, do the crest segment. It’s also a good idea to do this segment first because it rises to 11,189 feet and with little protection from afternoon thunderstorms.

    • Recommended season(s): Late spring – mid-fall.

    –R. Scott Rappold

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