Grand Mesa (south)
This is the largest table mountain in the world, topped by excellent spruce-fir forest and aspen groves complete with an extensive trail system. Look for species such as American Three-toed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Pine Grosbeak and Red Crossbill, and just about the entire suite of high-elevation birds. During calm spring nights, the owling here can be excellent, with Boreal, Northern Saw-whet, and, if you are lucky, Northern Pygmy-Owls possible. Mammals also abound, with coyote, elk, pine marten, porcupine, and snowshoe hare. The lower slopes, just above Cedaredge, are covered with montane shrubland, with the requisite towhees, Virginia’s Warblers, and such.
Restrictions: Deep snow in winter makes getting off-road difficult
County: Delta
Directions: From Cedaredge, continue north on CO 65 which climbs up the mesa.
Alternate Directions: From Delta, go east on CO 92 for 4 miles to CO 65, turn left and go north for about 27 miles to the visitors center, on the right.
Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Aspen Grove, Scrub-Oak Forest, Foothill Shrub
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel and paved parking areas
Lodging: Camping
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Limited; some viewing from car
Delorme: 56 A2
ROC: 82 B3-C3
Latitude: 39.0025202
Longitude: -107.9421286