Overview
Moose Manor at Mesa Lakes Recreation Area offers guests the opportunity to stay overnight in a traditional Forest Service ranger station. The original cabin was constructed in the 1930s, housing many rangers before it became a rental cabin.
Located just 45 minutes from Grand Junction, the semi-rustic dwelling is convenient for hiking, mountain biking and fishing. From mid-August through October, guests can enjoy fall colors with extensive golden aspen stands surrounding the area. A large grass yard fronts the cabin, which is ideal for family gatherings and weddings.
Recreation
A popular mountain biking and horseback riding trail, West Bench Trail #501, connects the seven lakes of the Mesa Lakes Recreation Area. The cabin is also within walking distance to a carry-down boat ramp for canoeing and kayaking.
Facilities
Moose Manor greets guests with a grassy lawn and a paved access road. Inside are cozy couches and a fireplace. Electricity is available and provides lighting and heat. A refrigerator, a shower, flush toilet and an electric cooking stove are among the features.
The living and dining room comes with a table and chairs. Sleeping accommodations for six adults include one queen-size sofa sleeper and four twin-size beds. Air mattresses or cots can be brought in to accommodate two additional people for a total of eight guests. Kitchen equipment includes basic cooking and eating utensils.
Drinking water is available. Guests should bring food, bedding, a lighter or matches, trash bags, warm clothing, flashlights, dish cloths, dish soap and all basic camping gear. Click here for more cabin details.
Natural Features
Moose Manor in nestled in a stand of aspen and spruce trees at an elevation of 9,500 feet. Located on the north side of Grand Mesa National Forest, the cabin is in close proximity to several mountain lakes, including Sunset Lake and Jumbo Reservoir. Mesa Creek flows nearby.
A variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose and bear, frequents the area.
Nearby Attractions
The Grand Mesa National Scenic and Historic Byway offers 63 miles of scenic driving as it climbs from the rugged canyon floor up to the forested mesa tops at 11,000 feet. The road passes sparkling lakes and meadows bursting with wildflowers. Many trailheads are found along the byway.
Grand Mesa Visitor Center is a short drive away at Island Lake. The center offers interpretive exhibits, a bookstore and a high-altitude wildflower garden containing over 50 native species.
The town of Cedaredge, 26 miles from the campground, is home to Pioneer Town, a 19th-century village with frontier museums and over 20 structures housing a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, saloon and jail. Cedaredge's Applefest is held annually in October.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area