Western Colorado's Grand Mesa experienced rain, hail, and snow, in a relatively short amount of time on Sunday, October 23, 2022. With that, the Plateau Creek was flowing in rare form over the weekend.

Sunday's drive along Plateau Creek looked like something out of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Do you remember when Augustus Gloop fell in the chocolate river?

Get our free mobile app

Following Plateau Creek on Western Colorado's Grand Mesa

Plateau Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River, runs a good 50 miles or so through Mesa County, Colorado. According to Wikipedia, the creek rises in the Grand Mesa National Forest. It then flows mostly west past Molina along highway 330. It then follows State Highway 65, ultimately joining the Colorado River in Debeque Canyon, roughly 15 miles east of Grand Junction.

Grand Mesa Weather On Sunday, October 23, 2022

Upon arriving in Collbran on Sunday morning, the town had already received a small amount of snow. The thermometer on my car read 39 degrees.

If you make your way down Main Street in Collbran, you can walk a short trail following Plateau Creek. While this trail was not flooded on Sunday, evidence suggested Plateau Creek had recently overflown at that point.

Can You Float Plateau Creek?

Absolutely. According to Marc W. McCord via the website Southwest Paddler, boaters tend to run the eight-plus miles between the town of Mesa and the confluence with the Colorado River.

The website adds Plateau Creek drops from 5,500 feet at Vega Reservoir to 4,800 feet at the Colorado River.

Make The Drive, If Only For the Creek

Driving up the Grand Mesa is fun. You can head to Collbran, Mesa, or even Powderhorn. One of the pleasures of the drive would be following Plateau Creek up and down the Grand Mesa. There are several locations where you can safely pull over and enjoy the view.

Upon reaching Collbran, I recommend walking the trail along Plateau Creek. It's a short, pleasant little walk, located right off Main Street. There's plenty of parking nearby. The trail is paved and accessible to wheelchairs. When done visiting the trail, be sure to stop by one of the local restaurants or coffee houses.

Western Colorado's Plateau Creek During Rain and Snow October 23 2022

It's here. Western Colorado experienced a hefty dose of rain, and depending where you were, snow, on Sunday, October 23, 2022. The winter weather warranted a trip up the Grand Mesa. Check out the typically "mild" Plateau Creek making its way down the Grand Mesa.

Photos: Enjoy the Fall Weather on Grand Mesa's Mesa Top Trail

The fall months bring some cooler temperatures and more chances to get out and enjoy the trails on the Grand Mesa. Scroll on for a look at the Mesa Top Trail. This 14.6-mile hike leads all the way down to Flowing Park Reservoir.

Watching for Grand Mesa Wildlife Near Water Dog Reservoir

Looking for wildlife and fall colors on the Grand Mesa? Check out the photos from a little walk I took to Water Dog Reservoir/ Long Slough Reservoir. Fall colors will soon be showing up in this area and that's just one more reason to spend some time enjoying the southern slide.

More From KUBC Gold