Lands End Observatory

Want a spectacular site. It was very interesting to study the various rock formations recording the earth's history and to look at the valleies spread below. It was tempting to take the very steep road down into the valley but we decided against it after looking at the switchbacks. The public outhouse washrooms were spotlessly clean. Highly recommend the 12 Mile drive which was patchy, asphalt and gravel yet very well maintained

Beautiful vantage point overlooking Grand Junction and the surrounding areas. The chipmunks, squirrels, and birds were clearly used to being fed and were remarkably tame, which was clearly the highlight for the children in our group. The area looks rather different than more central areas of the Grand Mesa with plants typical of a semiarid area with lots of sage, plants, and trees of the high desert. On a clear day, we were able to clearly identify a number of peaks 75 miles away.

Came recommended by the Gentleman in the Hightower, Lord of Olathe, a parting suggestion for the drifter. Up one FS/100, a long steep, rocky road that I mounted in the autumn via old FWD Corolla. Discovered a nice campsite nested within one of the switchbacks. Excellent view of Grand Junction from the plateau across the road, a plentiful pile of scrap wood to burn, some tree coverage, lots of flat space for the tent, and very little traffic apart from the odd dirt bike, ATV, Jeep, etc. Enjoyed a powerful sunset, calm campfire quiet, and mostly restful sleep disturbed only by one midnight joyrider who probably didn't even see me and one fox who scared the nightlights out of me on account of I didn't know fox sounds well enough, no idea what monster in the darkness might be making that noise.

Next morning, I head the rest of the way up to this Lands End Observatory, an old, abandoned, locked-down CCC building completely overrun by chipmunk squatters. (I did a little squatting of my own, right in front of the sign that read, "Bathrooms temporarily closed.") The chippers allow you pretty close yet remain somewhat skittish, too, as though they've had mixed experiences with these so-called "sapiens" creatures. A lovely spot to spend the morning, with expansive views, a moving memorial, and spectacular quietude.

Left down 100/A southeast and witnessed this mass migration of army-green grasshoppers soldiering right across the road for miles, thousands of the buggers. Greatly enjoyed the game of swerving all over the road to avoid squarshing them.