7/30/2019 grand mesa trails
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FeetAboveSeaLevel Elevation Profile
High Point: 10,839 ft
Starting Elevation: 4,790 ft
Total Climbing: 6,049 ft
Plateau Creek5,193 ft
Map, profile and descriptions were all created by
John Hodge during the winter of 2009, while all ofthis area was
pretty much a winter wonderland andnot fit for road riding, at
least not by me. If you haveany suggestions, gripes, comments about
this mapor any ideas how I can go up this hill faster on abicycle,
let me know at [email protected]
Turn AroundHere
Hwy65
H w
y 6 5
Hwy330
Hwy65
Molina
Rest roomsbut no water
at the top
Riding DirectionsThis one is pretty simple, youre going to be on
the same roadthe whole time. Start out by heading east up Hwy 65.
Dont worry ifthere is a fair amount of traffic, the shoulder is
pretty good until Hwy
330, and most of the traffic turns at 330 anyway. At the
intersectionwith Hwy 330 stay on Hwy 65 and start climbing. When
you go throughthe town of Mesa a mile later, be sure and get water
as this may beyour last opportunity. Then just climb, climb, climb.
At the very top, atthe county line, turn around and head back down
the hill.
This is the biggy. Its a simple out-and-back ride, witha round
trip distance of just under 63 miles. But thatdoesnt tell the real
story. The ride starts out parallelingPlateau Creek on Highway 65
for 10 miles, then it crossesthe creek and starts up hill. And
keeps going. All told, itclimbs for 21 miles at an average gradient
of 5%.
Grand Mesa
National Forest
Getting to the Start
Take I-70 east from Grand Junction to theHwy 65exit. This turn
off is 17.8 miles fromthe HorizonDrive / I-70 interchange (if
thathelps). Within the first 1/4 mile on Hwy 65there will be a
large pull out on the righthand side of the road with a big
interpre-tive sign. This is where this ride startsfrom.
Warning: Hwy 330 has anarrow shoulder and truck traffic
WARNINGCattle Guard on Curve
Careful While Descending
Distance: 62.6 miles out and backTotal Climbing: 6,049 feet.Yes,
Six thousand and forty nine feet of climbing.Ride Difficulty:
Difficult. But thats pretty obvious.
Grand Mesa Hill Climb
KERoad
Mesa General StoreFood and drinks
Water
Start / FinishMesa
Water may notbe available
for the rest ofthe wayto the top.
Alternative RouteKE Road is a very pleasant,
paved road that makes anice alternative, but
returning on Hwy 330can be ugly.
Pl ateau
Cree
k
Miles5
Suggested Route
Legend
Other Roads
Dirt Roads
Gravel Roads
Paved Roads
State Highway
Grand Mesa National Forest
