Run the Crag Crest Loop

Cedaredge, Colorado

4.0/5

based on 2 reviews

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

10.4 miles

Elevation Gain

1500 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jason Hatfield

This run features 2 miles of breathtaking views on a narrow ridge overlooking Grand Mesa and many of its 300 lakes.

The Crag Crest Trail is a 10-mile loop that takes runners over one of the highest points on Grand Mesa. When traveling in a clockwise direction, the trail traverses a narrow rocky ridge for 5-miles before descending into the dense pine forest below. Grand Mesa's trails are less maintained due to a smaller number of visitors, so be prepared to encounter fallen trees and overgrown sections. Despite being relatively unknown, this is one of the most incredible trails in Colorado with views of the whole mesa and its numerous lakes. Time to complete the run is 2-3 hours with stops to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fitness

Running

Backpacking

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Forest

Scenic

Reviews

Sarah Levant

Run the Crag Crest Loop

11/07/17

I've been traveling the country for over a year and this hike is at the top of the list. If traveling from Grand Junction make sure to plan accordingly, you will drive up 5,000' so it is much cooler at this trailhead. We stopped at Hot Tomato in Fruita for pizza and beer on our way home. Beautiful drive and hike, highly recommended.

5.0

Jason Weber

Run the Crag Crest Loop

05/03/17

I did not run this but the views are truly spectacular.

3.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Grand Mesa County Line Loop

The County Line Trailhead is a great way to enjoy the winter wonderland of the Grand Mesa. Both classic or skate skiing is allowed (along with snowshoeing). This is a perfect family trail since all trails are easy to moderate with a few short climbs and a maximum elevation change of 50 feet. There is parking right at the trailhead but it is a very popular trail so expect a full parking lot on t...

Photograph Fall Colors on Grand Mesa

Despite being one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world, Grand Mesa sees far fewer visitors than other areas of Colorado. Locals only an hour away in Grand Junction frequent the area for its plentiful fishing, camping, and off-roading opportunities, but few take advantage of its photographic potential.Rising over 6,000 ft. to average elevation of over 10,000 ft., the mesa features 3 sw...

Snowshoe around Mesa Lakes

This short loop trail starts and ends at Mesa Lakes Lodge, it is a little less than 2 miles round trip. From the lodge, we walked up the road towards our cabin (Bear cabin). Just past the cabin a trail starts that skirts the edge of the first lake and then winds around a few other lakes (Mesa Lake, Beaver Lake, Glacier Springs). The trail is called Lakeside Trail. Part way around there’s a spur...

Hike Mt. Garfield in Palisade

This hike is approx. 4 miles long and takes between 2.5-4 hours to complete depending on pace and stoppage time. This hike begins at the parking lot located at the base of the trail. Directions to Parking Lot: - Start at the Grand Junction Visitors Center, 740 Horizon Dr, Grand Junction, CO 81506 - Take I-70 Eastbound towards Denver, Take Exit 42 for Palisade - Turn right onto 37 3/10 Rd, Tak...

Backpack along the Gunnison River in the Dominguez-Escalante NCA

If you're looking to take your first backpacking adventure, but want something that is manageable yet thrilling, this is what you're looking for. Located along the Gunnison River in Western Colorado, the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation area is easy to access yet full of adventure and beauty. From Grand Junction, take a drive south down Highway 50 for about 30 miles, until you come to ...

Camp in Grand Junction

This is an awesome stretch of BLM land about five miles from the city with views of the Book Cliffs. Whether you have off-road toys, such as mountain bikes or ATVs, or if you just want a relaxing evening or weekend away, you'll find what you're looking for.Heading north on 25 Rd., you will pass a sign indicating you're entering BLM land. Continuing on 25, there are several miles of pull-offs wh...

Run the Crag Crest Loop

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Grand Mesa County Line Loop

Photograph Fall Colors on Grand Mesa

Snowshoe around Mesa Lakes

Hike Mt. Garfield in Palisade

Backpack along the Gunnison River in the Dominguez-Escalante NCA

Camp in Grand Junction

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps