Summer Solstice on the Grand Mesa | Sunday, June 21, 2026
After going on a nice overnight backpacking trip into the Flat Tops Wilderness with Jackson, I returned home on Saturday afternoon to spend some time with our new kitties. Then on Sunday morning Diane and I drove up onto the Grand Mesa so we could hike to the summit of Leon Peak, which at 11,236 feet is the highest point in Mesa County, since she had never been up there before and I was interested in returning again since the last time I was there was about twelve years ago. The area was very busy when we arrived at the trailhead by the Weir and Johnson Campground, but it seemed like everyone else was there to fish and spend time by the water because we saw no one else along the route after leaving the lakes behind.
After hiking past the Sackett Reservoir we followed the Sissy Trail past Round Lake to the Leon Peak Reservoir. Although there were quite a few mosquitoes around when we first started hiking, as soon as we got up onto the ridge it was quite a bit windier and we didn’t have any more issues with them the rest of the way.
Leon Peak Reservoir (Sissy Lake)
After passing the reservoir we left the trail and followed the very rocky ridge all the way to Leon Peak.
As you can imagine, it was slow going…
Diane rock-hopping up the ridge.
Eventually Leon Peak came into view, but it would take us a while to get closer.
Crossing a desolate rockscape.
It was very smoky out in the Grand Valley when we left home, and while there was a lot less smoke up on the Mesa, is was still smoky and hazy up here.
After the final steep and rocky climb to the summit we reached the remains of the historic Fire Lookout found on top.
Leon Peak Fire Lookout
Leon Peak Fire Lookout
Built by Clay Withersteen in 1911 or 1912Lookout guards were stationed at the Leon Peak Fire Lookout only through the summer of 1915. Constant lightning strikes forced abandonment. The excellent mortise and tenon log construction of the frame has withstood furious winds for decades but it may not bear your weight. For the sake of this historic structure and your safety pleased don’t climb on it.
Leon, 1937 – The highest point in Mesa County.
Here’s one final view of the Leon Peak Fire Lookout before we started heading back down.
A smoky view to the north over the edge of the Grand Mesa to Plateau Valley.
Leon Lake
