Lands End Observatory

The Lands End Observatory sits within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests, a vast wilderness spanning over 3 million acres across 11 counties. This area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offers more than 3,500 miles of trails and routes carved by indigenous peoples, early explorers, and miners. Visitors access rugged beauty through activities like hiking, fishing, off-highOF-vehicle use, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and backcountry camping. The forest’s history dates back to the Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve established in 1892, with the current GMUG unit formed in 1973 when the Gunnison National Forest was added to the earlier 1954 merger of the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre forests. The landscape features mountains, plateaus, and mesas that provide scenic backdrops for recreation. The observatory itself serves as a key point of interest within this expansive natural setting, offering wheelchair accessibility and parking for those exploring the region’s outdoor opportunities.