BEST LAND O' LAKES: GRAND MESA UTE MYTH BRINGS GRAND MESA ALIVE.(Entertainment/Weekend/Spotlight)

Byline: Bruce Caughey and Doug Whitehead

One of the world's largest flattop mountains, Grand Mesa lures travelers with its high alpine vegetation and thick forests dotted with more than 300 lakes and reservoirs.

At an average elevation of 10,000 feet, Grand Mesa soars above the surrounding valleys and provides sweeping vistas from its perimeter. It remains a most spectacular place to view in the early and late hours, especially if a storm looms nearby.

The mesa lies sandwiched between the orchards of Palisade to the west and Cedaredge to the east. Formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity, the 53-square-mile mesa is situated atop a deep lava bed. The passage of geologic time with massive glaciers, steady erosion and violent uplift has created wide variations of terrain for backcountry enthusiasts.

Before the 1880s this area was an original Ute hunting ground. The Utes called the region Thigunawat, or home of departed spirits, and a story recounted in the WPA Guide to 1930s Colorado tells how the Utes saw the formation of so many lakes.

The story goes that the north rim of the mesa was home to great eagles that feasted on deer and antelope and sometimes carried off Ute children. One day the chief's son was taken away to the eagle's nest, and the vengeful father climbed up, pulled out young eaglets and threw them down the hill to a giant serpent who lived at the base of the cliff. When the eagles returned, they were full of rage and suspected only the serpent. They carried it high up in the air by their talons and tore it to shreds. The dismembered body of the serpent fell to the Earth with such force that it formed deep pits that later turned into lakes.

OK, so it's a bit of a stretch, but it's more interesting than any other explanation we've heard.

Fishing continues to be a major draw on the mesa, and the lakes and streams get stocked each year. The lakes with easy access draw many visitors and can be a drag for those interested in isolation.

Check out the 13 public campgrounds and reserve by calling (800) 280-2267. Hikers can head out on a 10-mile circular trail providing sweeping views of the entire southwestern corner of Colorado and into Utah from high on an undulating spine on the mesa top. The 78-mile (one-way) Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway and the memorable Land's End Road provide added enticements for motor travelers.

For information contact the Forest Service's Grand Junction Ranger District Office, (970) 242-8211.

BEST LAND O' LAKES: GRAND MESA UTE MYTH BRINGS GRAND MESA ALIVE.(Entertainment/Weekend/Spotlight)

Byline: Bruce Caughey and Doug Whitehead

One of the world's largest flattop mountains, Grand Mesa lures travelers with its high alpine vegetation and thick forests dotted with more than 300 lakes and reservoirs.

At an average elevation of 10,000 feet, Grand Mesa soars above the surrounding valleys and provides sweeping vistas from its perimeter. It remains a most spectacular place to view in the early and late hours, especially if a storm looms nearby.

The mesa lies sandwiched between the orchards of Palisade to the west and Cedaredge to the east. Formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity, the 53-square-mile mesa is situated atop a deep lava bed. The passage of geologic time with massive glaciers, steady erosion and violent uplift has created wide variations of terrain for backcountry enthusiasts.

Before the 1880s this area was an original Ute hunting ground. The Utes called the region Thigunawat, or home of departed spirits, and a story recounted in the WPA Guide to 1930s Colorado tells how the Utes saw the formation of so many lakes.

The story goes that the north rim of the mesa was home to great eagles that feasted on deer and antelope and sometimes carried off Ute children. One day the chief's son was taken away to the eagle's nest, and the vengeful father climbed up, pulled out young eaglets and threw them down the hill to a giant serpent who lived at the base of the cliff. When the eagles returned, they were full of rage and suspected only the serpent. They carried it high up in the air by their talons and tore it to shreds. The dismembered body of the serpent fell to the Earth with such force that it formed deep pits that later turned into lakes.

OK, so it's a bit of a stretch, but it's more interesting than any other explanation we've heard.

Fishing continues to be a major draw on the mesa, and the lakes and streams get stocked each year. The lakes with easy access draw many visitors and can be a drag for those interested in isolation.

Check out the 13 public campgrounds and reserve by calling (800) 280-2267. Hikers can head out on a 10-mile circular trail providing sweeping views of the entire southwestern corner of Colorado and into Utah from high on an undulating spine on the mesa top. The 78-mile (one-way) Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway and the memorable Land's End Road provide added enticements for motor travelers.

For information contact the Forest Service's Grand Junction Ranger District Office, (970) 242-8211.