Some of the finest groomed cross-country ski trails exist on the Grand Mesa, just east of the Grand Valley and Grand Junction. It's truly grand.

Not all trails on the Mesa are groomed, however, and if you're looking for a little bit more adventure, why not try the West Bench Trail.

It's easy to find: Take Interstate 70 east into Debeque Canyon and take exit 49, the turnoff to Powderhorn/Grand Mesa. This is Highway 65, the Mesa’s Historic and Scenic Byway. Travel another 28 miles through the town of Mesa, past the Powderhorn ski area and up a couple of switchbacks past the sledding hill at the old ski area. Keep going up the switchbacks above the sledding hill, and after the road flattens out a bit, you'll find a wide spot on the right side of the road at Jumbo Lake.

Jumbo, the lake really isn't. In fact, it's quite small, but it's a great jumping-off place for both the West Bench Trail, which travels generally west, and Waterdog Ski Trail, which is across the highway and heads north, then east.

Follow the West Bench Ski Trail around the north end of the lake, behind the recently installed cement restroom facilities. This trail is very popular and offers a wide single-track ride for mountain bikers when there's no snow on the ground. It’s also open to horseback riders, but closed to motorized vehicles year 'round. During the winter, it's a great place to cross-country ski or snowshoe.

The elevation never changes much – it ranges from between 9,760 feet and 9,860 feet above sea level. In about five miles, you’ll be looking over the Powderhorn ski area, a magnificent view.

You can ski down if you're good enough, and if you've left a shuttle vehicle in the Powderhorn parking lot. Most people I know simply turn around and head back to their vehicles at Jumbo Lake.

The snow is great right now, but remember this is not a groomed trail like those on top of the Mesa at Skyway, County Line or Ward Lake. It's more of a backcountry trail and, as such, dogs are allowed.

Since this is a backcountry ski experience, please take precautions. Make sure you've told someone where you're going and when you'll return. Make sure you have food, water and fire-starting capabilities, just in case. A GPS wouldn't hurt.

Don't ski alone out here. Always ski with a partner. Remember, the weather can turn nasty in a blink of an eye, so be prepared, but you can have a great time – especially in the middle of the week when there's no one else around.

If you're looking for more of a backcountry experience, check out the West Bench Trail. It's an adventure – only 50 miles from town.