Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Molina, Colorado
Molina sits on the western edge of the Grand Mesa, and the hiking here reflects that position — you get a mix of high-plateau trails, forest service roads that double as walking routes, and lake-access paths that most Front Range hikers never bother to find.
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Molina sits on the western edge of the Grand Mesa, and the hiking here reflects that position — you get a mix of high-plateau trails, forest service roads that double as walking routes, and lake-access paths that most Front Range hikers never bother to find. The 34 listed hikes in the area range from the Dog Loop and its cutoff variants, which work well for shorter outings, to longer routes like Bull Basin Trail and the Lake of the Woods Trail that get you deeper into the mesa's interior. Cottonwood Lakes Road, Lily Lake #509, and the trails around Cottonwood Lake Campground give you water destinations worth planning around, while roads like Webb Flats Road, Long Slough Road, and Forest Service Road 507 are quieter options that see far less foot traffic than the more popular mesa-top areas. Elevation on the Grand Mesa puts most of these routes well above 10,000 feet, so even a moderate-looking trail on paper can feel harder than expected if you're coming from lower ground. The trailheads around Molina tend to be less crowded than those accessed from Cedaredge or Grand Junction, which is a real advantage during summer weekends.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike near Molina?
Late June through September is the reliable window. Snow can linger on the Grand Mesa into early June, and some forest service roads like Big Meadow Road and Bureau Pipeline Road may not be passable until the ground dries out. By mid-July the wildflowers are typically at their peak and the lake trails are fully accessible.
Are the trails around Molina suitable for beginners?
Several of them are. The Dog Loop and Dog Loop Cutoff are good starting points — they're manageable in length and don't involve serious elevation gain. Routes like Forty Acre Road and Webb Flats Road are also relatively flat and straightforward. Bull Basin Trail and Lake of the Woods Trail are longer and more demanding, better suited to hikers who are already comfortable at altitude.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike here?
Most of the trails and forest service roads in this area fall within Grand Mesa National Forest, which generally doesn't require a day-use permit for hiking. That said, regulations can change, so it's worth checking with the Grand Junction Field Office of the USFS before your trip, especially if you're planning to camp near Cottonwood Lake Campground.
What gear should I bring for a day hike on the Grand Mesa from Molina?
Layers are non-negotiable — afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, and temperatures at mesa elevation drop fast when clouds move in. Bring rain gear even on clear mornings. The trails around Cottonwood Lakes and Lily Lake involve some uneven terrain, so supportive footwear matters more than it might on a groomed path. Carry more water than you think you need, since the altitude increases how quickly you dehydrate.
Can I bring my dog on these hikes?
Dogs are generally allowed on Grand Mesa National Forest trails, and the Dog Loop is a reasonable indicator that the area is dog-friendly. Keep your dog leashed near the lake areas like Cottonwood Lake and Lily Lake, both to protect wildlife and to keep your dog out of the water in areas that may have restrictions. Confirm current rules with the forest service if you're unsure about a specific trailhead.
