Grand Mesa Nordic Council Trails

About

The Grand Mesa Nordic Council manages cross-country ski trails on the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-topped mountain, located on Colorado Highway 65 in western Colorado. The network consists of three distinct areas: Skyway, County Line, and Ward. The Skyway and County Line systems offer approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) of trails groomed for both skate and classic skiing. These trails are generally easy to moderate, featuring flat sections and short climbs with a maximum elevation change of 50 feet. The Ward system provides 6.7 kilometers of snowmobile-groomed trails and 12 kilometers of ungroomed ski touring trails, totaling 18.7 kilometers. The Ward area includes a 500-foot elevation gain from the trailhead to Baron Lake Drive. All trail systems are situated at elevations over 10,000 feet. The region receives heavy snowfall, averaging over 250 inches annually, supporting a season from November through April. Grooming typically begins with snowmobiles in early winter, transitioning to heavy groomers like the PistenBully 400 by mid-December. Trailheads are accessible via Highway 65, located 45 miles from Grand Junction and 35 miles from Delta. Amenities include parking, restrooms, and warming huts, such as the Skyway warming hut near the Skyway trailhead. The trails pass through high timber, aspen and spruce forests, and frozen lakes, offering views of the West Elk and San Juan Mountains.