I hope you found my last blog informative and helpful regarding traveling with doggos. Not every dog is comfortable with adventure travel, so know your dog’s limits and take those into consideration. Even though I turn 14 on the 26th of September, I am still up for exploring! While we were recently in Grand Junction, Colorado, we visited The Grand Mesa again.
The Grand Mesa is the tallest flat-top mountain in the world, and you have easy access to it on Highway 65 (I-70 East to Mesa). You might want to stop in the quaint down of Mesa to stretch your legs. Allow about an hour to drive up, and once you are there, plan on spending the day. Getting in is free and dogs are welcome. Human restrooms are found by the major lakes and visitor center.
Boasting 300 lakes and lots of trout, it is a fisherman’s paradise. The water is so crystal clear that we could 
see some big fish swimming by. Once again, dad did not bring his fishing poles or gear. It’s becoming quite comical, but mom and I don’t say a word…not a word.
Grand Mesa is spread out, and you have all sorts of hiking trails and picnic areas to choose from. Or, you can simply take scenic drives. It depends upon your interests, fitness level and time. Last visit, we did the Lost Lake, so we wanted to do something different this time. We chose the Mesa Lake trail as it is an easy hike around a beautiful lake, approximately 2.5 miles total.
Because you are up around 9,000 feet, the temperatures will always be cooler up on the Grand Mesa. That’s one of our favorite things about it! It was 103 down in Grand Junction, but we enjoyed comfortable 70s at top. Practical perfect!
Since the trail head has picnic tables, we decided not to carry our lunch. Truth be told, dad forgot his backpack, too. Stick to the story, though. Anyway, I was so excited to be amidst the pine trees and surrounded by lakes. Yes, I dove in every chance I could get! There is nothing like fresh, cold lake water. Awoof!
It wasn’t very busy, but we met a nice, local couple who said it 
can get pretty crazy during the peak of summer tourism. That being said, there is so much room to spread out, that you never feel like you are on top of people. We appreciate that as well. If we are going to be in nature, we don’t want to be in big crowds.
Grand Mesa is open all-year long, but if you go in the winter, check road conditions. That is now on our list: to see this magnificent place with snow! I do love snow.
The hike was great and just right for this particular day. Mom got our picnic out, and we ate yummy food lakeside. Since Grand Junction had summer rains like Arizona, the wildflowers were extremely pretty, and that made mom smile.
We drove around, stopping at overlooks to take in all the views, and went to the visitor’s center. It’s not located at the entrance but deep within the park. They have a pretty neat store with cute items in it…so I was told. Dogs aren’t allowed in buildings. We just can’t believe how quiet it is on top of the mesa. You truly are on top of the world!
Like clockwork, the afternoon storms started rolling in. We began making our way down the mesa back to Grand Junction. We made a loop of it, but you can come in and out the same road if you like. There are several options.
This is becoming a huge favorite, and we hope we can return during another season. Fall would be spectacular with all the aspen leaves changing color. I don’t think there is a bad season on the Grand Mesa, and I encourage you to make an effort to see it someday. Until next time!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
Ginger Stahl says
Thanks!! Now that I’m a resident of Colorado, I enjoy getting info on places to visit here. “Only in Colorado” shows places that people visit to inspire others, but no one describes adventures like Kuma – the BEST!!