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.
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.
Entry is by combination lock; call Grand Valley Ranger District office at (970)242-8211 for combination lock Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (please provide your reservation #) Heavy snowfall may cause cabin rental cancellation; call ranger district for updated conditions and restrictions Collection of firewood is not permitted; please bring firewood or purchase at Jumbo Campground Please bring garbage bags; this is a "pack in-pack out" facility Please clean cabin before leaving; cleaning supplies are provided No fireworks No smoking allowed No pets or livestock allowed This facility does not meet accessibility standards Bears frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating No cell service in this area. Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
