OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Of course, Battlement Mesa offers the “traditional” outdoor activities. We have nearly 6 miles of “in-town” trails for hiking, jogging and biking. We offer fishing on the Colorado River which form the north boundary of our community. A wonderful golfing experience is available at our award-winning golf course, designed by Joe Finger and Ken Dye, and tennis courts are awaiting you at the 53,000 sq. ft. Battlement Mesa Activity Center, but our outdoor activities don’t stop there!
Since Battlement Mesa’s “back door” is western Colorado’s Great Outdoors, many additional opportunities abound. Here are just a few Outdoor Adventures that might appeal to you.
BACK COUNTRY WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
If you love the out-of-doors and really want to “get away” from cell phones and the crowds, explore the Flat Tops Wilderness area a short drive northeast of Battlement Mesa. The 235,406 acre Flat Tops Wilderness was established in 1975 and is the next to largest Wilderness area in Colorado. Arthur Carhart’s 1919 visit to Trappers Lake in the Flat Tops prompted him to be the first U.S. Forest Service official to initiate a plea for Wilderness preservation which lead to the establishment of a Flat Tops Primitive Area designation in 1932. If you are seeking a wilderness experience, you’ll love the Flat Tops Wilderness area’s majestic volcanic cliffs, vast subalpine terrain, dozens of lakes and ponds, many of which are still unnamed, and its miles of fishable streams.
FOUR-WHEELING AND ROCK CRAWLING
The trailhead to one of Colorado’s most challenging four-wheeling and rock-crawling trails is minutes away from Battlement Mesa. Drive out on 302 road until the civilized road ends and you will have found the trail head. Officially known as U.S. Forest Service Trail #2160, this trail experience will reward the successful with a beautiful view of Battlement reservoir at the end of a grueling trail. Be forewarned, it isn’t for the inexperienced or the unprepared!
GLENWOOD CAVERNS
Admittedly it is an indoor, or more correctly “in-case” experience, but for those seeking a real cave crawling adventure are sure to love the Wild Tour at Glenwood Caverns; a mere 30 minute drive east of Battlement Mesa. Explore the “almost unexplored!” The Wild Tour will give you opportunities to “skinny through” passageways as small as eighteen inches square. This tour is not recommended for those that are claustrophobic or have problems crawling on their hands and knees for extended periods of time. If the Wild Tour exceeds your limits, the Cavern’s Walking Cave Tour, may be more to your liking.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Remember, Battlement Mesa is “on the Colorado River” so excellent white water rafting can’t be far away. This part of Colorado is a white water rafting mecca. Enjoy the area’s challenging rafting opportunities while you watch some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado “flash by” if you dare glance away from the rapids ahead of you. You’ll find several providers in the area.
SNOW SHOEING
Though we’re close to some of the best downhill and cross-country skiing and snow boarding in the country, many people don’t realize that Colorado’s Great Outdoors – like White River National Forest and the Grand Mesa National Forest – are great nearby destinations for that Rocky Mountain High snow shoeing experience. You don’t own snow shoes? No problem! You can rent snow shoes at many locations.
BIG GAME HUNTING
John Axelson’s “Big Game Hunter’s Guide to Colorado” describes Garfield County (where Battlement Mesa is located) as “another Colorado community that caters to big game hunters. With its close proximity to the White River National Forest, the Grand Mesa National Forest, and the BLM lands, there are literally thousands of acres of public lands…and Garfield County is also a well-known producer of trophy mule deer, and there are large numbers of elk in the area. This area also holds good opportunities for hunters interested in pursuing mountain lion and black bear.” Axelson continues with, …”the Roan Plateau” (immediately north of Battlement Mesa) “offers exceptional deer and elk hunting.”
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
Climbing one or all of Colorado’s fifty-four “fourteeners” (mountain peaks greater that 14,000 ft elevation) is on the “bucket list” of many Americans. If you are among this group, western Colorado is “in your future” and Battlement Mesa is a great place to begin your point of departure.
MOUNTAIN FLYING TRAINING
Pilots with hundreds or even thousands of hours of flight time need to have mountain flying training before they venture into the high terrain in the Rocky Mountain Region. Whether you are an experienced pilot seeking mountain flying training, just want to learn to fly, or own your own airplane and want to have the pleasure of flying without a lot of restricted airspace while enjoying the magnificent west, plan to visit one of our two nearest airports.
COLORADO WINERIES
Palisade, CO is the famous home for over 25 Colorado wineries. The perfect weather, subtle breezes and artesian wells provide a premier environment for vast acres of vineyards to grow. Visitors to Palisade can enjoy guided wine tours, learn about the process of winemaking, enjoy music in the Colorado vineyards or rent a bike for an amazing adventure through the fruit and wine byway.
