Black Bear Cabin At Mesa Lakes

Closed

Closed for the season. The cabin operates from June through late September. Heavy snowfall may cause rental cancellations. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO

October 9th, 10:53 AM — October 12th, 6:00 PM

ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.

Grand Mesa National Forest

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

Grand Mesa National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

About

Black Bear Cabin at Mesa Lakes provides an authentic overnight experience in a historic Forest Service ranger station constructed in the 1930s. Perched at 9,500 feet elevation on Grand Mesa's north side, the cabin is surrounded by spruce, fir, and aspen forest with proximity to Waterdog Reservoir, Jumbo Reservoir, and Mesa Creek. The setting offers opportunities to view deer, elk, and moose that frequent the area. The semi-rustic cabin features modern conveniences including electricity for lighting and heat, an electric cooking stove, refrigerator, and indoor plumbing with a flush toilet and shower located in the basement. Sleeping accommodations include three twin beds and a queen sofa sleeper on the main floor, with capacity for up to 8 adults using air mattresses or cots. Basic cooking utensils, plates, cutlery, pots, pans, and cleaning supplies are provided. The cabin is within walking distance of a carry-down boat ramp and West Bench Trail #501, which connects the seven lakes of the Mesa Lakes Recreation Area and is popular for mountain biking and horseback riding. The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway passes nearby, offering 63 miles of scenery climbing from canyon floor to 11,000-foot mesa tops. Grand Mesa Visitor Center at Island Lake is a short drive away.

Directions

From Grand Junction, CO, take I-70 east for 13 miles. Take exit 49 to Highway 65 South toward Grand Mesa. Continue for 25 miles and turn right into Mesa Lakes Recreation Area. Take the second right and follow along Sunset Lake shore. On approach to the lake's spillway, you will come to a gate opened by combination lock. Open gate and follow the single lane road about 100 yards. Cabin is signposted and parking is in front.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed —
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups —
Water Hookups —
Sewer Hookups —
Camp Store No
Price $200

Vehicle

Max RV Length —
Max Trailer Length —
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (970) 242-8211

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

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