Chautauqua Mesa

Chautauqua Mesa is an abandoned ski area located in southwestern Colorado, representing a piece of regional skiing history from the mid-20th century. Though no longer operational as a commercial resort, the mesa terrain offers historical interest for ski enthusiasts and outdoor historians exploring Colorado's skiing heritage. The area's high-elevation setting provides potential for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing during winter months, with access to surrounding national forest lands that remain popular for winter recreation. Summer visitors can explore the mesa via hiking trails that traverse the region's characteristic high-desert plateau ecosystem, offering panoramic views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains and opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.