Mission Statement
In partnership with citizens, Mesa County will maintain and enhance quality of life by effectively providing community services that ensure public health, safety, and well being in a transparent and equitable way.
BY THE NUMBERS: Mesa County lies on the Western border of Colorado and covers 3,309 square miles. Five municipalities sit within its boundaries:
The remainder of the county (3,268 square miles) is unincorporated land, outside of the municipal boundaries. Approximately 71% of the county’s total land mass is public land, managed by Federal and State agencies.
SCENIC WONDERS: The county’s geography ranges from high desert to alpine tundra, varying in elevation from 4,300 feet to 11,236 feet. The area consists of semi-desert landscapes, irrigated farmland, rolling hills, rangeland and red rock canyons. The central part of Mesa County—the Grand Valley—was carved by the Colorado River. The majority of the county’s population lives on the main valley floor. The valley is bordered on three sides by impressive geographic landmarks:
- On the southwest by the red rock cliffs and canyons of the Colorado National Monument;
- On the north by the Bookcliff mountains, which stretch the entire length of the valley and beyond into Utah, and are the only east-west mountain range in Colorado;
- On the east by the Grand Mesa, which is the largest flat-top mountain in the world, with hundreds of high-alpine lakes stretching over approximately 500 square miles.
ACTIVITIES: These diverse and unique terrestrial biomes give Mesa County a wide variety of land uses, activities and recreational opportunities—such as fruit orchards, vineyards, alpine and cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and both summer and winter off-road vehicle activities. With world class mountain bike trails, the area has become a leader in recreational and competitive events in the western U.S.
The Colorado and Gunnison rivers converge in Mesa County, meander through the Grand Valley, and exit Colorado—making this an area for a variety of water-based activities including fishing, rafting and kayaking. The Colorado Riverfront Trail provides many recreational opportunities, as well as an alternative transportation corridor—both with stunning views. Wildlife is abundant in all regions of the county allowing the opportunity for wildlife viewing as well as seasonal hunting.
CLIMATE: Mesa County enjoys a mild climate with 280 days of sunshine per year, low humidity and moderate temperatures in the lower elevations. This contrasts with the higher elevation areas that can receive more than 10 feet of snowpack and experience sub-zero temperatures.
ECONOMY: Mesa County is home to the largest urbanized area between Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver, Colorado. The region serves as a hub for services, entertainment, shopping, education, transportation and health care. Read more about our business environment.
Additional Resources