Mesa, Colorado

Mesa sits at the base of the largest flat-topped mountain in the world, Grand Mesa. It’s an unincorporated town along the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway and is home to Powderhorn Ski Resort and Mesa Lakes.

Situated in a region known as Plateau Valley, the town resides at 5,636 feet of elevation in Mesa County. The main area of town features a post office with the zip code 81643 along with a community center, two restaurants, and a market.

Main Attractions

Grand Mesa Byway Autumn Colorado — Autumn on the Grand Mesa Byway. Photo by: jaygannett

Grand Mesa – The enormous mesa is home to endless recreation and sightseeing. Take a drive along the Grand Mesa Byway south to begin a 63 mile scenic ascent to the top of the geological wonder. Enjoy biking, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and OHV trails in the summer, and snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing in winter.

Powderhorn Resort – This western gem provides an astonishing 1,600 acres on the hillside of Grand Mesa. It’s a local favorite, with light, dry snow, and excellent glade skiing. There are plenty of trails for all skill levels and three terrain parks.

Recreation

Mesa Colorado — Mesa, Colorado. Photo by: Danielle Buma

Camping –

Jumbo Campground is right off CO-65 in Mesa Lakes. There is a single loop with 26 campsites suitable for RV and tent camping with optional electrical hookups. The sites are nestled within a grove of spruce and aspen trees, and nearby two small reservoirs are open to non-motorized watercraft.
Spruce Grove Campground is just up the road and features 16 primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is seasonal and typically closes around mid-September.
Both primitive car camping sites and modern campgrounds can be found nearby in Grand Mesa National Forest.
Read more about the camping near Cedaredge, Collbran, and Grand Mesa.

Fishing –

Mesa Lake and Island Lake are among dozens of lakes in the Grand Mesa National Forest. Head south on CO-65 and you’ll pass a number of small finger lakes. Most only allow non-motorized watercraft and are stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Vega State Park is another great reservoir just east of town in Collbran. All boats must pass an inspection and launch during operating hours only. You’ll find plenty of trout.

Hiking –

Wander around numerous trails on top of Grand Mesa or head west to Vega State Park for a variety of trails with views of the reservoir.
The Mesa Top Trail is a 2.4-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the Grand Valley and the Book Cliffs. The trail is rated as moderate, with some steep sections and rocky terrain.
Crag Crest is a popular hike in the area, offering beautiful views of the mesa along an 11-mile loop. It will take the better part of the day to complete, so bring plenty of water and snacks. Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash.

Accommodations

Exterior of a tiny home at Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Mesa. Small grey building with a few windows and a small staircase leading down from the front door. — Exterior of one of the Tiny Homes at Powderhorn in Mesa. Photo by: Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Booking.com

Tiny Homes at Powderhorn – These mountainside lodgings have ski-in/ski-out access to Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s 1,600 skiable acres. They house 2-8 people depending on which of the units you opt to rent. Open year-round, note that they don’t permit pets inside.

Wagon Wheel Motel – This motel is a charming historic lodging establishment that boasts rustic and cozy rooms for a comfortable stay. It offers a range of amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and private bathrooms with showers or bathtubs.

Mesa Lakes Lodge – Mesa Lakes Lodge is a picturesque retreat nestled in the Grand Mesa National Forest. The lodge offers cozy accommodations with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and fireplaces, as well as easy access to outdoor recreation such as fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. There are also 16 individual cabins for rent, sleeping up to 10 guests.

Read about the best hotels in nearby Palisade, located about twenty miles west of Mesa. Another option for those wanting to stay close to Mesa is to head south to the opposite gateway town of Cedaredge for its hotels.

Dining

Wagon Wheel Restaurant – This lounge and bar is located in the Wagon Wheel Motel right downtown. The menu is fully stocked with classic American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Meemee’s Mesarose Cafe – Grab a hot cup of coffee and some light treats in the morning or opt for a BBQ platter and a cocktail in the evening at this quaint Mesa restaurant.

The Restaurant at Mesa Lakes Lodge – Tucked within the lodge at Mesa Lakes, this cozy restaurant serves burgers, salads, nachos, and sandwiches along with an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.