Backcountry Turns with a Side of Nostalgia: Skiing Old Powderhorn (Mesa Creek)
On the quiet flanks of Grand Mesa, just past the bustle of Powderhorn Mountain Resort, lies a hidden gem for adventurous skiers and snowboarders: Mesa Creek, often referred to by locals as "Old Powderhorn." This now-abandoned ski area offers a rare combination of accessible backcountry/ side country terrain, deep snow, and a quirky dose of Colorado ski history. Once a functioning ski area before Powderhorn expanded uphill, the terrain is now open to anyone willing to earn their turns.
Where is Mesa Creek (Old Powderhorn)?
Mesa Creek is located just west of the main Powderhorn Mountain Resort parking lot, across Highway 65. There's a clearly marked pullout and trailhead along the road, and a well-traveled skin track usually leads up the hillside during winter months. The bottom of the hill is also heavily used by locals as a sledding hill. While you're technically skiing outside the bounds of the resort, the area is popular with local backcountry users and easy to access with the right gear.
Off-Resort Skiing Terrain Overview & Skill Level
The skiable terrain at Mesa Creek includes open glades, tighter tree shots, and mellow rollers that descend nearly 1,000 vertical feet. Because this is a former resort, the fall lines and trails are still naturally intuitive and easy to navigate. Most skiers use it as a yo-yo zone for multiple laps throughout the day.
However, this is not beginner terrain. There are no chairlifts, no ski patrols, and no avalanche control systems. Riders should be experienced in backcountry travel, capable of navigating tree-covered slopes, and prepared for variable snow conditions.
You should carry:
- Beacon, shovel, probe
- Avalanche training
- Partner with backcountry experience
Check the Grand Mesa Avalanche Forecast from CAIC
Shuttling & Access for Backcountry Skiing Near Grand Junction
Some locals arrange vehicle shuttles with friends, or even thumb it, to quickly get back to the top of the hill. But for most users, a single car and up-and-back skin laps are the norm.
You can expect to find:
- A well-worn skin track most weekends
- Options to explore beyond the main slope (use with caution)
- Opportunities for solitude on weekdays
History Meets Powder
Mesa Creek originally opened in the 1940s and operated for decades as the Powderhorn Ski Area until the newer lifts were built uphill. Remnants of the old lift towers and equipment are still visible among the trees, lending a mysterious and nostalgic vibe to the ski runs.
If you’re looking for Colorado ski history you can ski through, this is it.
More historical info:
Family-Friendly Options: Sledding at the Bottom
Not everyone in your group ready to tour uphill? No problem. The lower access area near the Mesa Creek pullout is a popular sledding hill for local families. Kids can enjoy short rides, and there's often a welcoming vibe at the trailhead where locals gather to tailgate and enjoy the snow.
This makes Mesa Creek a great place to combine backcountry skiing for the adults with low-key winter fun for everyone else.
Know Before You Go Skiing or Boarding in the Backcountry on the Grand Mesa
-
No avalanche control: Always check the CAIC forecast and make conservative decisions.
- Cell service can be spotty; offline maps and GPS recommended.
- No services: Bring your own water, food, and emergency gear.
- Respect the terrain and others: Uphill etiquette applies.
Mesa Creek is a gift to those who seek turns outside the ropes. It’s not just a hill—it’s a living piece of Colorado ski history, a local favorite for a reason, and an ideal spot for those looking to escape the crowds without driving hours into the backcountry.
If you’re geared up, trained, and ready to explore, Old Powderhorn just might become your new favorite winter haunt.
Want more Western Slope winter info?
Check out our blog posts on Powderhorn Mountain Resort and Nordic trails on Grand Mesa.
