Question about Grand Mesa

[Delo]

I know it sounds bad but already starting to plan trip out west for next year. I was reading about the Grand Mesa area and I see that the the average snowfall seems to be a lot. How many different riding area are there & how is the riding. I am MN and the average drive for us is around 16-18 hours to get out to where we are heading. I like to try different places. Have only been to the Snowies, Dubious, West Yellowstone, Revelstoke, & Cooke. We went back to West Yellowstone again for the 2nd year in a row this year (like the Lion Head area). I want to go back to Revelstoke but not sure everyone is up for another 24 hour drive, I am. So I saw in Snowest that Grand Mesa averages like 300" of snow a year. Very impressive. Just looking to see what is out there for next year. Thanks.

 

[corpeleven]

Yup. It's good.

800 sq. miles of awesome terrain.
420 inches of annual snowfall average.
10,000-11,000 feet elevation.
The terrain and snow are as good as anywhere - I've ridden quite a few of the best spots in the state - Rabbit Ears, Flattops, Kebler/Irwin, Lake City, South Fork, etc......and Grand Mesa is every bit as good as any of these.
Check out the "Thunder Mountain" thread in the Colorado section.
That should tell you what you need to know.

 

[Delo]

Is there boondocking, jumping, and climbing places to ride? Or is it more one vs. the other?

 

[Spike38]

MR DELO , CORPELEVEN pretty much says it all. the place is great. Riding varies by which part of the Mesa you play on. I will say if you go to the Mesa, bring your bungees and shovels. Another thing is STAY AWAY FROM THE SPRUCE LODGE personnel and various bad experiences. For lodging try Grand Mesa Lodge. Ken and Connie have good comfy cabins; you have to cook as they have no lodge kitchen. Mesa Lakes Lodge is off the trail system.