Lands End Observatory: Grand Mesa's Crowning Vista

Lands End Observatory, a historic ranger observatory, sits majestically on the rim of Colorado's Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain. Constructed between 1936 and 1937 by the U.S. Forest Service, with support from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the observatory showcases a rustic architectural style, harmonizing with its natural environment. Basalt stones, carefully selected from the mesa, form the walls and terrace of the building. Originally built as a ranger station and visitor center, Lands End Observatory provided essential services to travelers, including a primitive phone line and management of the nearby Wild Rose Campground and Picnic Area. Although the observatory building is currently boarded up, the site remains a popular destination for its unparalleled views. From this vantage point, visitors can see the Book Cliffs, the La Sal Mountains in Utah, the San Juan Mountains, and the Uncompahgre Wilderness. The road leading to Lands End Observatory, originally named Veteran's Road, was constructed by World War I veterans in the 1930s. These veterans, employed through President Roosevelt's New Deal programs, blasted and cleared the path, creating a legacy that continues to inspire awe. Today, visitors can drive to the observatory via Lands End Road or the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Grand Mesa National Forest along the way.