Wilson Mesa - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

San Miguel county in Colorado is a beautiful place to explore. There are many things to do in the area, including hiking, camping, fishing, and bird watching. Wilson Mesa is a great place to start exploring. The mesa offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the mesa also has a number of trails that lead up to its summit. Camping is also allowed on the mesa, making it a great place to spend a night under the stars. Wilson Mesa is just one of the many great places to explore in San Miguel county. With its stunning scenery and abundance of activities, it is sure to please everyone in the family.

The history of Wilson Mesa began long before the first European settlers arrived in what is now San Miguel County, Colorado. The Mesa has been home to a succession of indigenous peoples, each of whom left their mark on the land. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Ute people, who hunted and gathered in the Mesa region for centuries. Around 1200 AD, the Fremont people began to move into the area, and they established a number of villages on Wilson Mesa. The Fremont were eventuality displaced by the Apache, who occupied the Mesa until the early 19th century.

The first Europeans to set eyes on Wilson Mesa were probably members of the Dominguez-Escalante expedition, which passed through the area in 1776. However, it wasn't until 1846 that permanent settlers arrived in the form of a group of Mormon pioneers led by Isaac Morley. Morley and his fellow settlers built a number of irrigation canals on Wilson Mesa, which helped to transform the arid mesa into fertile farmland. Today, Wilson Mesa is home to a small but thriving community of ranchers and farmers. While the landscape has changed significantly over the past two centuries, Wilson Mesa remains an important part of Colorado's history.

Spring is an ideal time to visit Wilson Mesa, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the temperatures are mild. However, the mesa is beautiful at any time of year, and visitors can enjoy fall colors or winter snowscapes. 

1. Pack appropriate clothing and gear for the season. Wilson Mesa is known for its high elevation and large temperature swings, so be sure to dress accordingly. In the winter, make sure to bring plenty of warm layers, while in the summer you'll want to pack light, cool clothing and sunscreen.
2. Choose your activities based on your fitness level. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails on Wilson Mesa, but some are more challenging than others. If you're not an experienced hiker or rider, it's best to stick to the easier trails.
3. Make sure you have a map. Wilson Mesa is a large area and it's easy to get turned around if you're not familiar with the area. A map will help you stay on track and find your way back to your starting point.
4. Be aware of wildlife. Wilson Mesa is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bears. Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and make plenty of noise if you're hiking in areas where wildlife is known to frequent.
5. Leave no trace. Wilson Mesa is a fragile ecosystem and it's important to protect it by following Leave No Trace principles when you visit. This includes packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife habitat.
6.  Wildlife watching is also a popular activity on Wilson Mesa, and there are many different species of birds and animals that can be seen in the area.

1. Wilson Mesa offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  The mesa is also a popular destination for rock climbing and bouldering.
2. Wilson Mesa is home to several notable geological formations, including Coal Seam Cave and Hoodoo Point.
3. The mesa has a long history of human occupation, dating back to the Paleo-Indian period.
4. The views from the top of the mesa are stunning and include nearby mountain ranges and the town of Telluride.
5. Themes from movies such as "Thelma & Louise" and "Goldfinger" have been filmed on Wilson Mesa.
6. Despite its popularity, Wilson Mesa remains a relatively wild and undeveloped place, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience true Colorado wilderness".

However, most visitors only hike for a few hours, as the altitude and elevation changes can make the hike challenging. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, there are several shorter trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. 

To reach Wilson Mesa in San Miguel County, Colorado, take Highway 145 north from Telluride. The turnoff for the mesa is about 10 miles past the town of Ophir. From the turnoff, it's about six miles to the top of the mesa. The road is winding and steep in places, so take your time and enjoy the views. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramas of the San Juan Mountains.

There is no entrance fee to explore Wilson Mesa. However, there may be fees for campgrounds, picnic areas, or other amenities. 

The mesa is open from sunrise to sunset, and overnight camping is allowed with a permit.