Grand Mesa Scenic Byway (CO-65)
Colorado State Highway 65 traverses the Grand Mesa National Scenic Byway across 63 miles from Cedaredge north to Interstate 70 Exit 49 near Mesa, crossing the world's largest flat-topped mountain at more than 10,849 feet. The route climbs through Plateau Creek Canyon on the north slope, then breaks out onto a high plateau dotted with over 300 lakes before descending through aspen groves toward Cedaredge in the south. A spur forest road leads to the historic Land's End Observatory perched on the western escarpment. Traffic is consistently light and the pavement is smooth.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Saunders
Small agricultural community at the southern foot of Grand Mesa where the scenic byway begins.
Cedaredge
Quiet mesa-edge town with services, local shops, and views back toward the Uncompahgre Valley.
Colorado Gold Distillery
Local craft distillery in Cedaredge offering a chance to stretch and sample Colorado-made spirits.
Mesa
Small community on the northern slope of Grand Mesa marking the byway's descent toward the Grand Valley.
No runs logged on this road yet — be the first.
Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.