Grand Mesa - Colorado State Route 65 - By GJRonK
Posted By
By GJRonK (2629 McR Points) on Feb 06, 2013
Creator : RonK
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
The first few miles along Plateau Creek are winding and colorful with steep canyon walls on the sides and lush vegetation by the creek. As you climb up towards Mesa, you will pass through ranch country and a ski area before climbing up into the forest of mountain mahogany, gamble oak, and aspen (which all lose their leaves in the fall) and the conifers like pine, spruce, and fir. There are a number of pulloff view areas on the climb to the mesa above. This area is notorious for having deer pop out of the trees, so stay alert.
A stop at top at the visitor center is worthwhile. On the way down (now to the south) you will pass one pretty good view area on the right overlooking the town of Cedaredge and beyond to the San Juan Mountains some 50 miles away. They are apt to have snow on the peaks much of the time.
The temperature on top is usually 20 degrees cooler than the valley all times, so bring a jacket.
A stop at top at the visitor center is worthwhile. On the way down (now to the south) you will pass one pretty good view area on the right overlooking the town of Cedaredge and beyond to the San Juan Mountains some 50 miles away. They are apt to have snow on the peaks much of the time.
The temperature on top is usually 20 degrees cooler than the valley all times, so bring a jacket.