West Bench #501
The West Bench Trail #501 begins at the information sign and travels southward where it crosses a wooden bridge over Mesa Creek. It intersects a natural road and heads northwest paralleling the road. When the road ends the trail goes back to a single track and intersects a fence line. After passing through a rock slide and crossing a stream bed it enters an open meadow and then into aspen and spruce/fir. It continues on through meadows and spruce/fir forests, crossing a stream several times before ending at the forest boundary information sign.
Because the western trailhead for the West Bench Trail ends at the forest boundary on West Bench below the rim of the Grand Mesa, and cannot be accessed through public land, it is recommended that trail users access this trail from its eastern trailhead near the Mesa Lakes Ranger Station.
General Information
Getting There
Directions
EASTERN ACCESS:
From Cedaredge, follow State Hwy 65 for approximately 21 miles to Mesa Lakes. The West Bench Trail #501 starts at the Trailhead across form Mesa Lakes Ranger Station.
WESTERN ACCESS:
The West Bench Trail ends at the forest boundary about 1 mile to the east of FSR #103, the access road to the Rapid Creek Reservoirs. Because this intersection is located on private property, the actual western trailhead is located about 1 mile to the southeast of this location, just below the rim of the Grand Mesa.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
