Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in CEDAREDGE, Colorado
Cedaredge sits at the base of Grand Mesa, one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world, and that geography shapes nearly every hike accessible from town.
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Cedaredge sits at the base of Grand Mesa, one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world, and that geography shapes nearly every hike accessible from town. The 44 trails and roads in and around Cedaredge range from mellow mesa-top walks to longer backcountry routes like the Crag Crest Loop Trail, which traces the narrow spine of the mesa with exposure on both sides and views stretching toward the San Juan Mountains on a clear day. Closer to the valley floor, routes like Cedar Mesa Road offer more gradual terrain, while trails like Blue Grouse Trail and Hay Park Trail push deeper into the forested interior where you are more likely to have the trail to yourself. The Trout Lake Trail and Baron Lake Trail give hikers destinations with water at the end, which matters when afternoon temperatures climb in July and August. Connecting routes like the Scotland Cutoff Trail, Eureka Cutoff Trail, and Cobbett to Ward Trail make it possible to string together longer loops rather than retracing your steps. Most trailheads require a short drive up onto the mesa, so plan for the elevation gain before you even start walking. This is high-country hiking, and the conditions change fast.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike around Cedaredge?
Late June through September is the reliable window for most mesa-top trails. Snow can linger on Grand Mesa well into June, and routes like the Crag Crest Loop Trail may be partially snowpacked before then. By October the weather turns quickly, and early snowstorms are common above 10,000 feet.
What is the best time of day to hike here in summer?
Start early. Grand Mesa builds thunderstorms almost every afternoon in July and August, often by 1 or 2 p.m. Exposed routes like Crag Crest Trail put you on a ridgeline with little shelter, so getting there at sunrise and finishing before noon is a practical goal, not just a preference.
How difficult are the trails near Cedaredge?
The range is wide. Road-based routes like Cedar Mesa Road and Leon Lake Road are flat enough for most fitness levels and work well for families. The Crag Crest Loop Trail is the standout challenge, with narrow ridge sections and meaningful elevation change. Trails like Hay Park Trail and Baron Lake Trail fall somewhere in between, with moderate grades through forested terrain.
What gear should I bring for a day hike on Grand Mesa?
Layers are non-negotiable even in summer. Temperatures on the mesa can be 20 degrees cooler than in Cedaredge, and a rain shell is worth carrying given the afternoon storm pattern. Bring more water than you think you need since many trailheads have no facilities, and traction devices are useful in early and late season when snow or ice can appear on shaded sections.
Are there any access or permit considerations I should know about?
Most trails on Grand Mesa fall within Grand Mesa National Forest, which does not require a permit for day hiking. Some road-based routes like Trickle Park Spur 3F Road and Military Park Gravel Pit Road may have seasonal closures for wildlife or road conditions, so checking with the Grand Junction Ranger District before your trip is worth the five-minute call, especially outside of peak summer.
