Kessler Canyon Magic

I wasn’t at all familiar with the area north DeBeque, east of Grand Junction, until just a few days ago when visiting Kessler Canyon with a group of media from all over the United States.

I took the scenic route over Grand Mesa (believe it or not the lakes are still frozen up high!) and the DeBeque Cutoff (being more careful this time—it was the locale of my first speeding ticket).

Kessler Canyon is tucked back on a dirt road about 20 miles from DeBeque and encompasses an incredible 22,000 acres surrounded by stunning mesas. You know you are entering something special when you see a string of bigger-than-life copper horse statues “running” across the ranchland before reaching the Homestead and Guesthouse.

This is just the start of the amazing art you will see at the property, collected by Richard Kessler. His son, Mark, was on hand to tell us firsthand about the property that opened to the public in September 2008 and to join in all the activities such as ATVs, fly-fishing, shooting clays, biking, jeep rides, spa, horseback riding, canoeing, cooking classes and hunting.

What all of us liked most was the interaction with very friendly staff such as Chef Lenny, who even plays guitar and sings with a big dose of good humor by the table or campfire.

You can’t help but walk away with a grin on your face and a taste of wild game after time with Lenny in his kitchen. Lance, the head guide and a three-time Olympian in shooting, will get you out of your comfort zone with ease before you know it!

This property works best for smaller meetings and events, with nine rooms in the Homestead and six in the Guesthouse along with cabins sprinkled around the backcountry of the property. The Safari Boardroom, Wine Cellar, Media Room and a large game room with garage doors all along the sides to make it open-air, and an outdoor pavilion with a large patio provide plenty of opportunities to meet in very unique and well-appointed spaces.

We all left exchanging cards and pledging we would be back for more. What more could you ask for?

Beth Buehler
Editor
Colorado Meetings + Events

Photo (1) Beth with a rainbow trout; (2) copper horse statues that almost look real; and (3) cooking class with Chef Lenny.

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