Mesa, Colorado

This short loop trail starts and ends at Mesa Lakes Lodge, it is a little less than 2 miles round trip. From the lodge, we walked up the road towards our cabin (Bear cabin). Just past the cabin a trail starts that skirts the edge of the first lake and then winds around a few other lakes (Mesa Lak...

Despite being one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world, Grand Mesa sees far fewer visitors than other areas of Colorado. Locals only an hour away in Grand Junction frequent the area for its plentiful fishing, camping, and off-roading opportunities, but few take advantage of its photogra...

The County Line Trailhead is a great way to enjoy the winter wonderland of the Grand Mesa. Both classic or skate skiing is allowed (along with snowshoeing). This is a perfect family trail since all trails are easy to moderate with a few short climbs and a maximum elevation change of 50 feet. Ther...

The Crag Crest Trail is a 10-mile loop that takes runners over one of the highest points on Grand Mesa. When traveling in a clockwise direction, the trail traverses a narrow rocky ridge for 5-miles before descending into the dense pine forest below. Grand Mesa's trails are less maintained due to ...

This hike is approx. 4 miles long and takes between 2.5-4 hours to complete depending on pace and stoppage time. This hike begins at the parking lot located at the base of the trail. Directions to Parking Lot:  - Start at the Grand Junction Visitors Center, 740 Horizon Dr, Grand Junction, CO 8150...

If you're looking to take your first backpacking adventure, but want something that is manageable yet thrilling, this is what you're looking for. Located along the Gunnison River in Western Colorado, the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation area is easy to access yet full of adventure and be...

Driving through Colorado National Monument was very easy and gorgeous. Very scenic drive with many lookouts to stop at. Every lookout has a spot to park and you can just jump out and photograph the book cliffs and canyons. I stopped at almost all of the lookouts and they are all breathtaking. I d...

Fruita is Colorado's mountain biking paradise. Right across the border from world-famous Moab, it's only slightly lesser known. People on the Front Range make monthly pilgrimages to this epic spot for desert camping and mountain biking. The area is especially popular in the spring and fall, when ...

Ute Canyon Trail is a mostly undeveloped 4.3 mile trail (8.6 round trip) in Colorado National Monument that offers technical descents, route finding, water crossings, and gorgeous red rock walls. The trailhead is just a few miles off I-70 from the town of Fruita—it's well worth the trip. Remember...

Alcove Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Grand Junction, Colorado.

...Who doesn't enjoy a beautiful scenic hike that takes you to a remote hidden arch?! Rifle Arch is a hidden gem that hasn't gotten a lot of recognition, but maybe that's a good thing. Up until recently discovering this arch, I had never heard of it or seen photos of it. It sits just North of th...

To do the entire 26-mile float, put in at the Loma River access, several miles west of Fruita and just a short drive from I-70. From the Loma access there is no other easy access point until 26 miles later, at Westwater in Utah.Once on the water you will be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful s...

If you're looking to backpack outside of the highly publicized areas of Colorado (aka the Rockies), head out to Western CO for some amazing experiences. Located 4 hours west of Denver along I-70 is the McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA). Overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM...

Put simply, Rattlesnake Arches is home to some of the most beautiful views you'll ever experience in the United States. This portion of the Rattlesnake Arches Trail follows along the upper rim of the canyon and allows you to experience 9 total arches within about 2 miles of hiking. The hike along...

Rifle Gap Reservoir is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Rifle, Colorado.

RIfle Falls is located up Rifle Canyon just outside of the town of Rifle on I-70 in Southern Colorado. After driving by the sign for this gem many times on my drives from Utah to Colorado I made a short detour to check out the falls and have some lunch. The state park is small with a some short ...