Category: Colorado Canyons and Mesas

Colorado Canyons and Mesas

Posted on by Joy

Part 3–Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Well, it has taken me a long time to get this to you, but I know you’ll enjoy seeing geology from the beginning of time in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. No kidding. So what took so long?

I took a four-day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park which I will share another day. The bad news is I’ve spent most of June recovering from altitude sickness and dehydration. I had taken precautions so was very surprised how hard it hit me. This getting old thing is for the birds too! Just can’t fight off ill effects as you can when younger. These high elevations are no joke, so have studied up on most effective preparation for next time, because you know there’ll be a next time my friend!

In the meantime, let’s visit the South Rim of Black Canyon National Park. I know you’ll enjoy this!

Remember your hat and sunscreen!

Colorado Canyons & Mesas

Posted on by Joy

Part 2–Grand Mesa

Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world, stands over 11,000 feet and covers 500 square miles (320,000 acres). It is 6,000 feet above Grand Valley, where we stayed in Grand Junction to explore Colorado National Monument. So here we go, taking Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, CO-65, on a 50-mile, 5,100 foot elevation-gain journey south to the Uncompahgre Valley. Like that word? OK, I’ll help: oon – come – PAH – gray. Ute Native American word meanings include “warm flowing water,” “where water makes rock red,” and “red soil”. It was the area’s waters that inspired the name, but Uncompahgre is also the name of a 1.5 million acre plateau, a 75 mile-long river, and the 6th highest mountain in Colorado at 14,321 feet. Sounds like an exploration for another day but now? Onward to exploring Grand Mesa!

Let’s go . . .

Colorado Canyons & Mesas

Posted on by Joy

Part 1–Colorado National Monument

Finally a Road Trip!!!

Wow, has it been a tough year or what!? I hope you and yours are well and getting back to life as you love it. Needless to say, my traveling came to a screeching halt, but time to be safe and hit the road again. So here we go exploring canyons and mesas in western Colorado. You are going to love this!

We have a five hour trip to Grand Junction to spend four days exploring Colorado National Monument and surrounds. Then heading over Grand Mesa–Part 2 for three days in Cimarron outside Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park which we’ll explore in Part 3. So exciting to be out and about again!

Eastern Entrance Road–Colorado National Monument
Grab your hat and sunscreen–Let’s Go!