07/07/2026
After several weeks of steady progress, the west side has temporarily grown a little quieter. That’s by design. Work within the designated elk calving area was on hold while new calves arrive on the Grand Mesa—a remarkable reminder that while we’re building something new, we’re doing it in a place wildlife calls home year-round.
Since our last update, the final West End towers have been successfully helicoptered off the mountain, bringing us one step closer to new installation. The helicopters have headed home for now, but they’ll return later this summer to fly the new Wild West Express towers into place.
Down the road in Grand Junction, our partners at Leitner-Poma of America are making steady progress as well. Grips and hangers have been inspected, rebuilt, and staged for delivery, lift mechanisms are being sanded and painted, towers are being modified, and electrical control cabinets are moving through refurbishment.
The Wild West Express is coming together in two places at once: on the mountain, where crews prepare the landscape, foundations, utilities, and access, and just 30 miles away, where skilled technicians are rebuilding the machinery that will soon make the familiar climb up Highway 65.
Sometimes progress is loud, with helicopters overhead. Other times it’s measured in inspections, fresh paint, precision machining, and the patience to let nature set the schedule. When the helicopters return, they’ll be carrying the future uphill instead of the past down.
Summer has arrived, and we’re stoked to welcome you back to the Mesa! Please stay well clear of all construction equipment, work zones, and posted closures. The Bike Park and Base lodge are open for the Regular Season, 7/3-8/2:
Friday 12pm-6pm
Saturdays & Sundays 11am-5pm
And open for the Late Season, 7/8-10/4:
Saturdays & Sundays 11am-5pm
