When was Lands End Observatory built?
Usa, north-america
18.5 km
3,033 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in western Colorado, about to hit up Lands End Observatory. This place is perched way up high in Mesa County, at almost 10,000 feet!
You'll be cruising along Lands End Road (aka Forest Road 105), which is about 11.5 miles long. It's mostly gravel and paved, so your average car should be fine, especially when the weather's good. Just start from Colorado State Highway 65 (Grand Mesa Scenic Byway). Word to the wise: this road's usually snowed in during the winter, so plan your trip accordingly.
Lands End Observatory itself is this cool historic building built way back in the 30s. While the observatory isn't used anymore, the views are totally worth the drive. Seriously, they're insane! You can see the Book Cliffs stretching all the way into Utah. Then, spin around and BAM – the San Juan Mountains and the Uncompahgre Wilderness are right there. You can also spot the Colorado National Monument, Big and Little Dominguez Canyons, Unaweep Canyon, and a bunch of those epic 14,000-foot peaks. Just past Land's End the road begins a harrowing hairpin-turn descent of 6,000 feet to the valley below. Get your camera ready!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 18.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,033 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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