Our Story
The Wagon Wheel has been here for more than 30 years. It was completely remodeled and is more beautiful than ever. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful community.
The Grand Mesa National Forest, located in west-central Colorado and lying between the converging Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, was established by President Harrison on December 24, 1892. This reserve was the second to be created in Colorado and third in the United States. The present forest covers 360,960 acres,
The Grand Mesa, one of the largest flat top mountains in the world, rises abruptly above the valleys on the north, south and west. Valley floors vary in elevation from 4,500 to 5,500 feet. The top of the Mesa varies from 10,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level.
Winter begins early atop the Mesa and snow falls frequently. By May a packed snow depth of 5 to 10 feet is common. During the summer months, snowmelt fills the vast storage vaults of the 300 alpine lakes to a capacity of 58,000 acre-feet of water, supplying seven of the cities on the valley floor. Farms, orchards, and ranches also depend on the Mesa water for irrigation.
Geology – The Grand Mesa was once a lake bottom. Until about 20 million years ago molten volcanic rock oozed from cracks in the rock beneath the lake, building up layers of erosion-resistant material. Six distinct eruptions resulted in what is now the cap rock on the Mesa.
After volcanic action ceased, the rivers began eroding away the softer material and some of the underlying shale and sandstone, leaving a flat top mountain almost a mile above the surrounding country. Some portions of the lava cap have broken and slipped. As the cap slipped it tilted back forming depressions in the earth’s crust. These depressions, aided by glacial scouring, formed the bowls which have filled with water, creating many of the lakes on the Mesa.
Wildlife – Deer, elk, black bears, small mammals and birds use the forest for food and shelter. In addition there are four species of major sport fish in the forest water bodies.
Activities – The forest provides area for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding and many other activities.