"The Grand Mesa is a large mesa in western Colorado in the United States. It is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. It has an area of about 500 square miles (1,300 km2) and stretches for about 40 miles (64 km) east of Grand Junction between the Colorado River and the Gunnison River, its tributary to the south. The north side of the mesa is drained largely by Plateau Creek, a smaller tributary of the Colorado. The west side is drained largely by Kannah Creek, which is received to the west by the lower Gunnison River.

"The mesa rises about 6,000 feet (1,800 m) above the surrounding river valleys, including the Grand Valley to the west, reaching an elevation of about 11,000 feet (3,400 m). Much of the mesa is within Grand Mesa National Forest. Over 300 lakes, including many reservoirs created and used for drinking and irrigation water, are scattered along the top of the formation. The Grand Mesa is flat in some areas, but quite rugged in others.

"The mesa is traversed by the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, which includes SH 65, between the town of Mesa on the north and the town of Cedaredge on the south. The route over the mesa provides a dramatic contrast in landscape, climate and vegetation. On the north side, the road climbs the steep terrain near the Powderhorn Resort ski area. The forested top of the mesa remains snowbound much later in the spring than the surrounding valleys, and is a popular location for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling." (Wikipedia)

"Colorado is home to the world's largest flat-top mountain. The Grand Mesa is in Grand Junction's backyard and has lots of beautiful things and activities to offer.There are over 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa, there's Powderhorn Ski Resort, glowing aspen trees and is 20-30 degrees cooler than Grand Junction," the Mix104.3FM says.

The largest flat top mountain in the world is in Colorado, just 45 minutes away from Grand Junction. The Grand Mesa rises to 11,000 feet and is a whole different world compared to the Grand Valley. The Grand Mesa was formed millions and millions of years ago, the top layer was formed about 10 million ago. The Ute Indians considered the Grand Mesa a sacred and magical area.

According to Visit Grand Junction, the Grand Mesa was one of the last places settled in the lower 48 because of how rugged it is. There are so many beautiful things to see and do on the Grand Mesa like wildflowers, skiing, aspen trees, hiking, fishing, and paddleboarding."

"No visit to Grand Junction would be complete without a trip to its biggest attraction: Grand Mesa. This distinctive formation, with its flat top and steep cliff sides, covers hundreds of square miles. It’s the largest flat top mountain in the world — and, consequently, is chock-full of things to do all year long," the Visit Grand Junction says.

"Grand Mesa boasts more than 300 stream-fed alpine lakes at elevations over 11,000 feet, not to mention enough wildlife to keep anglers, photographers, and hikers alike entertained for days.

"Start your visit with a trip to the Grand Mesa Visitor Center, where you’ll find information about the Grand Mesa National Forest. Here, you can purchase maps and check in with USFS rangers. The visitor center is off State Highway 65, and is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily between Memorial Day and the last Sunday in September."

TIPS FOR EXPLORING THE MESA

• Cobbett Lake Campground is the only campground on Grand Mesa where you can make reservations in advance (call 877-444-6777 for more information). All the other area campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
• In the summer, Grand Mesa stays cool even when temperatures are reaching the triple digits down in the valley. It’s at high elevation, so you’ll still need to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, but it’s often up to 20 degrees cooler than the towns below.
• Get an early start (especially in the summer) to avoid the typical Colorado afternoon thunderstorms. Check the forecast and make sure that you’re not on exposed sections, especially high on the Crag Crest Trail, late in the day.
• The last Saturday in July is Grand Mesa Moose Day. This festival, in appreciation of the local fauna, often draws more than 1,000 visitors. The end of September also means Color Sunday, which includes activities at stops all along the byway. If you’re interested in being part of the festivities, it’s a fun time. Otherwise, plan to visit another weekend to avoid the crowds.

       (Source: Visit Grand Junction)

"While Colorado is home to plenty of stunning sights to see, one often-overlooked spot is actually the world's largest flat top mountain – Grand Mesa," The Out There Colorado reports.

"The namesake term 'mesa' is Spanish for 'table', which makes sense given the noticeable shape of the formation. Reaching an estimated 6,000 feet above the city of Grand Junction, no trip to the area is complete without exploring this destination.

"The size of Grand Mesa is truly shocking, encompassing about 500 square miles between the Colorado River and the Gunnison River – two powerful bodies of water responsible for eroding parts of the formation, giving it its unique shape. It's said to stretch for about 43 miles from east to west."

"Grand Mesa National Forest covers roughly 540 square miles in Western Colorado, centering on the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world! Many parts of the national forest are accessible from Grand Junction," the Uncover Colorado reports.

"The Grand Mesa itself rises to an average elevation of around 10,000 feet, with Crater Peak being the tip at 11,333 feet. Despite being bordered on three sides by arid valleys and lowlands, the mesa is covered in dense vegetation, lakes, ridges, and spectacular scenery.

"There are opportunities for a multitude of recreational activities in this beautiful forest, from winter snowmobiling and cross country skiing to summer hiking and fishing. You can reach the national forest from Grand Junction, Delta, Cedaredge, Paonia, Parachute, Mesa, Collbran, and Palisade."

"Flat Top Mountain is the highest summit of the Flat Tops in the Rocky Mountains of North America.

"The prominent 12,361-foot (3,768 m) peak is located in the Flat Tops Wilderness, 19.1 miles (30.7 km) south-southwest (bearing 201°) of the Town of Oak Creek, Colorado, United States, on the drainage divide between Routt National Forest and White River National Forest. The summit of Flat Top Mountain is the highest point in Garfield County, Colorado." (Wikipedia)

"They have camp grounds, fishing spots, and hiking trails that wrap all around the small lakes. The views are great and the weather was amazing."

"The drive to top of the Grand Mesa is a treat. The views are spectacular and the experience, memorable. We are going back in September as I want to photograph the Aspen trees in fall. We saw so many interesting things and made a few stops to take a closer look. You will need more than a day if stop and try to take a closer look at every interesting thing you see along the way and there are so many of them!!"

"This is one magical place. We will be back for more."

"This is a great U.S. Forest Service Area with beautiful views. You have easy access to flat trails and nice lakes. Bring your mosquito spray though!!!"

"This had to be one of the most relaxing places to spend a weekend of camping under the stars! The elevation provided a wonderful escape from the heat of the lower elevations, and the stars are so much brighter.The natural beauty is breathtaking."

"About an hour+ outside the Grand Junction, Grand Mesa is lovely, especially in the summer when it is 20 degrees cooler than GJ. The drive is lovely, and the hiking is fabulous."