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Black Bear Cabin at Mesa Lakes offers guests the opportunity to experience an overnight stay in a traditional Forest Service Ranger Station. The original Black Bear Cabin was constructed in the 1930s, where rangers worked for years overseeing the expansive forest.
The cabin is about a 45-minute drive from Grand Junction area of western Colorado, and plenty of canoeing, mountain biking and fishing activities are within reach. 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 can be used for family gatherings and weddings. This cabin is not ADA accessible.
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.
The Grand Mesa Scenic Byway is well worth exploring. The byway passes near the cabin and offers 63 miles of scenery 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.
The semi-rustic log cabin has a living area and bedroom on the main floor, and a bathroom with a flush toilet and shower is in the basement. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator and an electric stove. Electric lighting and heat are provided.
Sleeping accommodations for five adults include queen size sofa sleeper and three twin size beds; air mattresses or cots can be brought in to accommodate three additional people for a total of eight guests. No RVs, campers, or tents allowed near facility to accommodate more people. Basic cooking and eating utensils, plates, knives, forks, spoons, cups, and basic pots and pans are furnished. Cleaning supplies are included as well.
Guests should bring bedding, warm clothes, food, a first aid kit, towels, dish soap and typical camping gear. [Click here](https://fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8shd123VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110204&ttype=recarea&recid=41646&actid=24&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110410000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&cid=null&pname=Grand+Mesa+-+Black+Bear+Cabin) for more cabin details.
Black Bear is perched on a grassy lawn, partially shaded by large pines. Spruce, fir and aspen are among the surrounding trees. At an elevation of 9,500, the cabin is in close proximity to several mountain lakes, including Waterdog Reservoir and Jumbo Reservoir. Mesa Creek flows nearby.
A variety of wildlife, including deer, elk and moose, frequents the area.
Grand Mesa Visitor Center is a short drive away at Island Lake. The center offers educational 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.
From Grand Junction, CO, take I-70 east for 13 miles. Take exit 49 to Highway 65 South toward Grand Mesa. Continue for 25 miles and turn right into Mesa Lakes Recreation Area. Take the second right and follow along Sunset Lake shore. On approach to the lake's spillway, you will come to a gate. The gate is opened by combination lock. Open gate and follow through on a single lane road about 100 yards. Cabin is sign posted and parking is in front of the cabin.
Service was friendly. I ordered the California bacon benedict with fried potatoes. I give it a 4 out of 5 just because the potatoes were soft and the bacon was chewy, and I've had it better at other Black Bear locations. Still tasted good. My husband got the pot roast and said it wasn't amazing but still good. Portion sizes are great. The orange juice was delicious as usual. The cornbread muffin was the best I've ever had! Not dry at all.
Service was fast and Matthew was extremely friendly! His personality was a nice pick up to my crazy morning. The food was hot and fresh. The portions are great!! Menu is on a newspaper which I think is super cool. Little bear decor everywhere! It’s located right off academy and easy to find. Place was clean and all employees were happy and seemed to enjoy working.
First time here, and our server was sweet as sweet tea!!! She was so nice, friendly, and all around fantastic! Ordered the chicken fried steak with biscuits, over easy eggs, hashbrowns and pancakes meal and it fed me, my husband and our daughter. They make their own fresh squeezed orange juice and their tea was perfection, 10/10 experience from the staff to the food to the atmosphere!
Mikes was our server this morning. He was absolutely wonderful. He definitely deserves some recognition for his personality, and respect. He was great, helpful, and the food was fantastic. He even found us some hot sauce we could purchase!
Everyone be like Mike! :)
Every time we come here the service is positive, friendly and welcoming. Martha took amazing care of us today!!! She was attentive and super nice! Martha made sure our coffee stayed filled and that we felt welcomed. I get the fit and focused breakfast with chicken sausage, eggs, spinach, tomatoes, avocado and mushrooms. It's always made with fresh ingredients and served hot. We will come again.
