📷 Photo by Jeff Heaton on UnsplashGrand Mesa Visitor Center
Cedaredge, CO
One of the largest flat-topped mountains in the world, with around 300 lakes at 3,000 m. The paved Grand Mesa Scenic Byway (CO-65) crosses it; best from June to October.
Grand Mesa is a flat-topped mountain in western Colorado, east of Grand Junction between the Colorado River and the Gunnison River. At about 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles), it is considered the largest flat-top mountain in the world, according to Wikipedia; it rises roughly 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) above the river valleys and reaches about 3,350 meters (11,000 feet). More than 300 lakes dot the plateau. A basalt cap of at least 27 lava flows crowns the mountain.
The Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway (CO 65) crosses the mesa for 101 kilometers (63 miles) from Cedaredge in the southeast to I-70 (Exit 49). Its highest point is at 3,307 meters (10,849 feet). The road is designated a National Scenic Byway.
Practical notes: the plateau is usually free of snow from late June to early October and often receives over 300 inches (about 7.6 meters) of snow in winter. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular. Plan your trip for summer or early fall and check road conditions beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Cedaredge, CO
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.0356, -107.9468
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Crag Crest CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Grand Mesa Visitor Center
- Ward Lake CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Grand Mesa Visitor Center
- Cobbett CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Grand Mesa Visitor Center
- Little Bear CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Grand Mesa Visitor CenterTents
- Island Lake CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Grand Mesa Visitor Center
- Basecamp Palisade RV ResortCampsite21 mi from Grand Mesa Visitor CenterWi-Fi
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Grand Mesa Visitor Center?
Grand Mesa Visitor Center is in Cedaredge, CO, at GPS 39.0356, -107.9468. It is about 3 mi from Grand Mesa.
Can you camp near Grand Mesa Visitor Center?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Crag Crest Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Grand Mesa Visitor Center?
Grand Mesa Visitor Center is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Colorado National Monument, Palisade and the Grand Mesa.
What is there to see near Grand Mesa Visitor Center?
Places worth a stop nearby: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim (34 mi), Ute Indian Museum (41 mi), Colorado National Monument (42 mi) and Kebler Pass (47 mi).
When is the best time to visit Grand Mesa Visitor Center?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)