Drives Colorado Grand Junction and the Western Slope
Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
CO 65 · Mesa → Cedaredge
The drive
Colorado 65 climbs onto Grand Mesa, one of the largest flat-topped mountains in the world. This drive starts at the town of Mesa and works up the switchbacks onto the top, past Mesa Lakes and through spruce forest, then runs across the high ground at over 10,000 feet.
The state byway page counts more than 300 stream-fed lakes on the mesa, holding rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout. The Grand Mesa Visitor Center is on the top, and Land's End Overlook is on top of the mesa.
From the top the road drops through aspen to Cedaredge. It is a sweeping road with one twisty stretch, climbing about 5,500 feet to a high point near 10,800 feet.
Along the way
- Mesa
- Mesa Lakes
- Grand Mesa Visitor Center
- Cedaredge
Good to know
- Services between Mesa and Cedaredge are limited, according to CDOT.
- The visitor center is open from Memorial Day weekend until the last Sunday in September.
- The road is plowed year-round, but storms are heavy on the mesa; check COtrip.
- Elk and deer cross the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check CDOT COtrip.
Questions about this drive
How long does the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway take?
Mesa to Cedaredge on Colorado 65 is 38.4 miles and takes about 55 min.
Is the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway open in winter?
Yes. Colorado 65 is plowed year-round, though snowstorms can slow or close it.
Are there services on Grand Mesa?
Only a few. CDOT says services between Cedaredge and Mesa are limited, so bring fuel and supplies.
How many lakes are on Grand Mesa?
The state byway page lists more than 300 stream-fed lakes on the mesa.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.