The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway climbs from I-70 to Cedaredge over high country

If you are heading to or from Cedaredge, one of the routes is the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway. It follows State Highway 65 from Interstate 70 in the Plateau Creek canyon up over the top of the Grand Mesa and down to Cedaredge, about 63 miles in all. The state transportation department lists it as a National Scenic Byway, designated in 1996.

This is a different route from the West Elk Loop that runs through the North Fork towns. The Grand Mesa byway is paved the whole way, but it is still a serious mountain drive. It climbs to roughly 11,000 feet, so it gets real snow, ice, and fog while the valleys below are clear. Services between Cedaredge and the town of Mesa on the north side are limited, which matters for fuel, food, and cell coverage.

In winter the top of the mesa is snow country. The highway stays open as a through route, but conditions can change fast and chain or traction rules can apply on a regular car. A clear morning in Delta does not promise a clear pass on top.

Treat it as a real climb, not a shortcut. For the byway route and current road conditions before you drive, check the Colorado Department of Transportation byway page and the state travel site.