Press "Enter" to skip to content

Tag: grand mesa treks

Grand Mesa Fall ColorsGrand Mesa Fall Colors

Grand Mesa Fall Colors

Autumnal Equinox | Fall Colors 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014

After getting home from the San Juan Mountains on Sunday, I turned my attention to photographing local fall colors this week. I did a little research online and found that the colors up on the Grand Mesa were looking pretty good right now, so I decided to head up there after work. I spent much of the evening photographing the colors between Spruce Point, Mesa Lakes and Skyway Point since they were looking pretty good in this area. The clearing clouds from the weekend storms created dynamic lighting conditions and a beautiful magenta sunset. It was a nice way to spend the evening. While I didn’t plan it this way, it just so happens that today was also the autumnal equinox, the official beginning of the fall season, so I guess it’s fitting that I was out photographing fall colors today. Before I get to the photos, I’d also like to point out that this is the 600th trip report posted on this blog!

CONTINUE READINGGrand Mesa Fall Colors
Leave a Comment
Mesa County High Point: Leon PeakLeon Peak

Mesa County High Point: Leon Peak

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Since I had the day off from work I decided to go on a short hike close to home today. While I doubt I’ll ever try to complete all the county high points in Colorado, I thought it might be nice to at least climb the highest peak in Mesa County where I reside (and maybe a few of the surrounding counties, eventually). After a little research I found that Leon Peak on the Grand Mesa is the highest point in Mesa County at 11,236 feet and that it was a pretty short hike without too much elevation gain from a nearby campground. It would be a perfect hike to complete in a couple of hours this morning.

CONTINUE READINGMesa County High Point: Leon Peak
Leave a Comment
West Bench SnowshoeingWest Bench Snowshoeing

West Bench Snowshoeing

Saturday, January 25, 2014

On Saturday I headed up onto the Grand Mesa with Diane and Jackson to get in a little snowshoeing on the West Bench Trail. The temperature this afternoon was in the 40’s, so hiking was very pleasant in a lightweight jacket. The Mesa doesn’t appear to have received any fresh snow recently, so the trail was well-packed the entire time. It was a nice way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. Here are a few photos I took on our little hike.

CONTINUE READINGWest Bench Snowshoeing
Leave a Comment
Snowshoeing to Water Dog ReservoirSnowshoeing to Water Dog Reservoir

Snowshoeing to Water Dog Reservoir

Saturday, December 22, 2012

On Saturday evening I drove up onto the Grand Mesa so I could get my first snowshoe trip of the season in. I ended up going to the Mesa Lakes area and following the route that goes past the Water Dog Reservoir. I didn’t bring my camera with me this time, but I did take a few photos with my iPhone that I’ll share. I only saw two other people the whole time I was out on the trail and I made it back to my Jeep shortly before sunset. It was a nice way to spend the evening.

CONTINUE READINGSnowshoeing to Water Dog Reservoir
Leave a Comment
Fall and Winter on the Grand MesaFall and Winter on the Grand Mesa

Fall and Winter on the Grand Mesa

Fall Colors 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012

After work I decided to drive up on top of the Grand Mesa for a few hours to try and photograph some of the fall colors before it was too late. I was hoping to come back with a couple of photos, but instead I came back with a whole trip report! The colors were outstanding and the active weather provided a lot of interesting views throughout the evening. I even got caught in a snowstorm while on the very top, reminding me of the approaching winter.

CONTINUE READINGFall and Winter on the Grand Mesa
Leave a Comment