Straddles the Mesa-Delta county line, the western boundary about 20 miles east of Grand Junction. Due to the broad elevation range of the mesa, an excellent variety of birds can be expected. There are many interesting trails crisscrossing the mesa. In winter, many of these trails are groomed as excellent cross-country ski trails, allowing access to good birding areas. Target birds in winter include American Three-toed Woodpecker and White-winged Crossbill. Spring is a good time to see Dusky Grouse, and from March through May Boreal Owls are frequently detected. When the snow melts in early June, access is easier for finding the spruce/fir species. In fall, when the aspens are changing to golden yellow, birding for higher-elevation migrants can be excellent. Good and varied birding during all seasons.

Habitat: Mixed-Conifer Forest, Scrub Oak Forest, Aspen Grove, Spruce-Fir Forest, Mountain Meadow

Directions: Access is via Colorado 65, which traverses the 10,000-foot, flat-topped mountain north to south, between 1-70 Exit 49 and Colorado 92 just east of Delta and via the Lands End Road which leaves U. S. Highway 50 twelve miles southeast of Grand Junction. Grand Mesa National Forest campgrounds are open in summer, and lodging is available year round.

Acknowledgments: Hotspot information was originally compiled on Birding Colorado, a service of Colorado Field Ornithologists. CFO thanks all the original contributors.