The byway runs north from Cedaredge along Highway 65, to the top of the Grand Mesa at more than 10,000 feet (3,000 m). It also includes Land's End Road to the Land's End Observatory from Highway 65. The byway continues past Island Lake, one of more than 300 trout-filled lakes in Grand Mesa National Forest. On the north side of the Mesa are the towns of Mesa, Collbran, and Powderhorn Ski Resort. The byway continues along De Beque Canyon, with its colorful sandstone bluffs, and eventually meets Interstate 70 in the town of De Beque.
Historic and scenic byway designations:
National Scenic Byway received in 1996.
Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway by the Colorado Department of Transportation received in 1991.
Forest Service Byway received in 1992.
Scenic Overlooks include:
Cedaredge overlook - an easy access overlook
Land O Lakes overlook - a 1/4 mile moderate walk by foot
Island Lake - an easy access overlook with restrooms and accessible boat ramp
Grand Mesa Visitor Center - easy to moderate access with restrooms
Mesa Lakes Lodge area - an easy to moderate access with restrooms
Jumbo Lakes area - an easy access overlook with restrooms
Skyway Point - an easy access
Powderhorn - an easy access overlook with restrooms
I-70 pullout and interpretation information