Awakening under a Colorado sunrise, there's a sense of anticipation in the air.
The day holds promise for a journey to one of Colorado's most stunning natural
features, Grand Mesa, via the scenic route of State Road 65. With a light
breakfast under my belt, I set off from Delta, following the road that will
carry me to an elevation of over 10,000 feet.
The initial stretch of State Road 65 north from Delta showcases the region's
agricultural bounty with orchards and vineyards adorning the landscape. The town
of Cedaredge serves as a portal to the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, a gateway from
civilization to the untamed beauty of the wilderness that lies beyond.
Ascending from Cedaredge, the world begins to change. The views become grander,
the air thinner and cooler. The road winds higher into the mountains, presenting
panoramic views of the West Elk Mountains and the San Juan Range on the horizon.
As the elevation increases, the vegetation transitions from high desert shrubs
to dense aspen groves and thick evergreen forests, a testament to the area's
diverse ecosystems.
Nestled amid this pristine wilderness is the Island Lake, a sapphire gem that
reflects the surrounding forests and the clear Colorado sky. It's the perfect
spot for a quiet picnic lunch, or perhaps a moment of solitude on the lake's
shores, taking in the tranquil ambiance and natural beauty.
Continuing the journey, the Land O' Lakes Overlook offers a breathtaking vista
of over 300 lakes and reservoirs that are scattered across the Grand Mesa
region. This grand spectacle of water and land is a testament to the sheer scope
and scale of this area's unspoiled beauty.
Driving further on State Road 65 reveals another of Grand Mesa's unique
features. The road cuts through fields of basalt rock columns, stark and
dramatic, a legacy of the region's volcanic past. Powell Point, a key overlook
on the byway, presents a chance to capture this geological spectacle on camera.
As the byway approaches its end, the Mesa gives way to a sweeping view of the
Plateau Valley and the Bookcliffs beyond, a range of desert mountains extending
into the distance. Here, at the northern end of the byway, the landscape
transforms yet again as the lush Mesa descends into the semi-arid Grand Valley,
with the Colorado River cutting a swath through the landscape.
The journey concludes at the junction with I-70/US 6, with the city of Grand
Junction just a few miles west. But as I drive away from the Grand Mesa, the
memories of its grandeur remain, a testament to the beauty that lies along State
Road 65. It's an adventure that has not only provided a glimpse into Colorado's
majestic wilderness but also the understanding of the deep connection between
the land and the people who call it home.
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