Overview
Grand Mesa rises 6,000 feet above the surrounding valleys to form a broad volcanic plateau at just over 10,000 feet elevation. The Grand Mesa Loop takes advantage of the plateau's flat character to provide an easy 6-mile circuit that crosses open tundra, passes several alpine lakes, and delivers the sweeping views that make this mesa one of the most distinct geological features in western Colorado.
The loop is well-suited to a morning outing, a family day trip, or as a complement to a longer stay at Island Lake Campground. Unlike the more demanding routes in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, this trail prioritizes scenery and accessibility over athletic challenge. The elevation gain of just 400 feet over 6 miles is minimal for a high-altitude route.
What Grand Mesa offers that lower trails cannot is the peculiar sensation of walking across a mountaintop that feels like open farmland, wide, flat, and quiet, while surrounded by views that extend to distant ranges on all sides. The Book Cliffs to the north, the Elk Mountains to the northeast, and the San Juan range to the south are all visible on clear days.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.0: Island Lake to North Mesa
From the Island Lake Trailhead, the loop heads north along the lakeshore before climbing slightly to the open plateau surface. The views expand almost immediately, and the terrain transitions from lake-edge willows to open tundra grasses. Several informal fishing paths branch toward the lake; the main loop trail is signed and avoids these.
Miles 2.0 to 4.0: West Side Traverse
The trail crosses the western portion of the mesa with consistent views into the Grand Valley below. Patches of conifer forest alternate with open meadow in this section. Wildflowers are strongest in mid-July through early August. The trail surface varies from packed dirt to rocky stretches; both are manageable for most hikers.
Miles 4.0 to 6.0: South Return and Leon Lake
The return leg passes near Leon Lake before reconnecting with the Island Lake Trailhead. This section is slightly more wooded and sheltered from wind. Leon Lake offers another fishing opportunity before the loop concludes.
When to Visit
Late June through October. CO-65 typically opens by late May or early June, giving a wider season than higher trails. Fall is excellent for this route, aspen groves below the mesa rim turn color from late September through mid-October. Winter access on snowshoes or Nordic skis is possible when CO-65 is maintained.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. The flat, open plateau offers little shelter from lightning. Morning hiking (start by 8 a.m.) is the reliable approach during thunderstorm season. Check forecasts before heading out.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry:
- 1.5 to 2 liters of water
- Sun protection (the open plateau has no shade for extended sections)
- Light layers for wind on the exposed mesa top
Consider bringing:
- A fishing license and gear if you want to combine hiking with lake fishing
- Binoculars for the distant views
Practical Details
Vault toilets at the Island Lake Trailhead. No backcountry facilities. Cell service is limited on the mesa but sometimes available. Parking is free (as of 2026). The Island Lake Campground adjacent to the trailhead provides developed camping with reservations through Recreation.gov.
For trail courtesy and environmental practices, see Leave No Trace principles. Stay on the marked trail to protect fragile tundra vegetation.
Getting There
From Grand Junction, take I-70 east to Palisade, then CO-65 south approximately 35 miles to the Grand Mesa plateau. Island Lake and its trailhead are well-signed from CO-65. From Delta, take CO-65 north approximately 20 miles to the mesa. The road is paved throughout.