Grand Mesa Land Ends Road, Whitewater, Colorado

## Overview Tucked along the winding switchbacks of Lands End Road on Grand Mesa, this public drinking spring delivers fresh water from a pipe just off the dirt road at the corner of a switchback. Grand Mesa — often called the largest flat-topped mountain in the world — rises to over 10,000 feet and is underlain by layers of volcanic basalt capping softer sedimentary rock, creating ideal conditions for natural springs to emerge along its flanks. The spring sits at roughly 7,800 feet in elevation within the Grand Mesa National Forest in Mesa County, Colorado, offering a refreshing stop for travelers exploring one of western Colorado's most scenic byways. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, and the water has been reported to taste clean and cold. The spring flows year-round, though access is dependent on road conditions — Lands End Road is typically closed during winter months due to heavy snowfall on Grand Mesa. ## Directions 1. From **Grand Junction**, head southeast on **US Highway 50**. 2. Turn left onto **Kannah Creek Road / Lands End Road**. 3. Continue on Lands End Road. When you reach a **Y-intersection**, stay left. 4. Follow the road for several miles as it climbs through switchbacks up the side of Grand Mesa. 5. Watch for a **pipe emerging near the road** at the corner of a switchback — the spring is at approximately **GPS: 39.020634, -108.215286** (N 39° 01.238′, W 108° 12.917′). 6. There is a **small pullout** where you can park just off the road. *Note: Lands End Road is a maintained dirt/gravel road but can be rough in spots. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially after rain. The road is typically closed from late fall through late spring due to snow.* ## What to Expect The spring flows from a pipe set into the hillside right at the edge of the road, making it one of the more convenient roadside springs to access — no hiking required. Simply pull into the small dirt pullout at the switchback corner and walk a few steps to the pipe. The surrounding landscape is classic Grand Mesa: dense stands of aspen and spruce-fir forest, with sweeping views of the valleys below as you climb the switchbacks. In autumn, the aspen groves along Lands End Road put on a spectacular golden display, making this a popular seasonal drive. The spring is accessible **24/7, 365 days a year** — with the important caveat that Lands End Road itself closes seasonally when snow makes it impassable (generally November through May, depending on the year). There are no facilities at the spring, so plan accordingly. Cell service is limited to nonexistent along much of Lands End Road. If you're continuing up the road, Lands End Road eventually reaches the top of Grand Mesa and connects with the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway (Highway 65), offering access to numerous alpine lakes, campgrounds, and trailheads.