Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway
Grand Mesa Must See Tour

Departure:	Lands End Observatory, Colorado
Destination:	Cedaredge Welcome Center and Pioneer Town, Colorado
Time to allow:	1 day

The impressive Grand Mesa, formed by lava flows, glaciers, and erosional forces, dominates the rugged scenery in this tour. At an elevation of over two miles above sea level, overlooks offer magnificent views of alpine forests, numerous lakes and streams, and mountains of the surrounding region. Starting at the Lands End Observatory, the tour descends more than 6,000 feet through four ecological zones that support a vast array of plant and animal life. Finish the tour with a visit to the restored Cedaredge Pioneer Town. Here, you will learn about the history of the area and of the people who first settled the land.

Day 1

• Start: Lands End Observatory

  

  The tour begins with spectacular views around the Lands End Observatory. This structure, which is listed on the register of historic sites, was built in the late 1930s as a Public works project. It is perched on the edge of Grand Mesa and offers views of the valley 6,000 feet below and the La Sal mountains in Utah to the west.

• Stop 1: Land-O-Lakes Overlook

  

  From previous stop:	same location
  Directions:	From Lands End Observatory, take CO 65 and drive south to the sign for the Land-O-Lakes Overlook.
  Suggested time at this stop:	30 minutes

  Due to its distinctive geology, the Grand Mesa is dotted with over 300 lakes and reservoirs. A short trail to this overlook provides an incredible view of many of these lakes and also of the West Elk Mountains to the East.

• Stop 2: Grand Mesa Visitor Center

  From previous stop:	same location
  Directions:	From Land-O-Lakes Overlook, follow CO 65 east. CO 65 will go north, then curve to the south. Grand Mesa Visitor Center is at the intersection of CO 65 and Forest Development Road 121.
  Suggested time at this stop:	2 hours

  Visit this beautiful log structure located at the intersection of CO 65 and Forest Development Road 121. It is open from 9 to 5, seven days a week from June to September with the same hours on weekends for most of the rest of the year. Visitor information, exhibits, interpretive materials, and a hiking trail provide for interactive enjoyment.

• End: Cedaredge Welcome Center and Pioneer Town

  

  From previous stop:	same location
  Directions:	Leaving Grand Mesa Visitor Center, take CO 65 south until you come to the town of Cedaredge.

  These facilities are located in the town of Cedaredge. Exhibits are open to the public from 9 to 5, seven days a week from Memorial day to Labor Day. Both provide visitor information, exhibits, and a tour of a reconstructed town which depicts the life of early pioneers in the area.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled:	0 miles / 0.0 km
Total Travel Time:	0 minutes
Total Stopping Time:	2 hours 30 minutes