South Mesa Trailhead

Click on the map at left for a larger PDF map (4.2 MB).

LOCATION

1.7 miles west of Highway 93 on Eldorado Springs Drive (Highway 170). Click on the map above for a larger image.

Please check for temporary or seasonal closures or advisories.

PARKING

Parking lot with parking fee on the north side of Eldorado Springs Drive. Parking is not allowed on Highway 170.

Download this Mp3 for a walking tour (7.89 Mb) of the South Mesa Homesteads.

This audio tour will guide you on a 3.5 mile hike through what remains of some of the homesteads of the settlers who worked the land in Boulder. The loop tour starts at the South Mesa Trailhead.

TRAILS

Photo - South Mesa Trail

Mesa Trail can be taken to Shadow Canyon Trail and to South Boulder and Bear Peaks, or north to NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) and six miles to Chautauqua Park. The Mesa Trail also connects to the Towhee Trail, Homestead Trail, South Boulder Creek Trail and Big Bluestem Trail. The South Boulder Creek and Big Bluestem Trails meander through tall and mixed grass prairie. The other trails lead through ponderosa pine savannah. As you hike upward and westward the montane zone becomes evident in the area of South Boulder and Bear Peaks.

ACCESSIBILITY

This area is identified as being popular with people using wheelchairs. See the pdf Trails Accessibility Guide (TAP) 2.56 Mb. Photo - Meadowlark

RESTROOMS

Located at the trailhead.

PICNIC FACILITIES

Seven picnic tables at parking lot. Grills and stoves are prohibited.

BIKE REGULATIONS

No bicycles are allowed in this area.

DOG REGULATIONS

All dogs must be leashed in the Trailhead Leash Area. Beyond the trailhead, dog control requirements vary from trail to trail, so carefully watch for dog regulation signs at trailheads and trail intersections, and check the Dog Regulations by Area page before your trip. On most OSMP trails in this area, dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times unless they meet the voice and sight control standard and display a City of Boulder Voice and Sight tag. Dog excrement removal is required by law. A dog station is available to aid in the collection of dog excrement.

HORSE REGULATIONS

Allowed on all trails. Off-trail riding is discouraged to protect rare plants and wildlife habitat.

WILDLIFE Photo - The Dunn house

Black bears and mountain lions inhabit this area. The area is rich with wildlife including Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, songbirds, mule deer, and coyotes.

HISTORIC INFO

Historic Dunn House. McGilvery Cabin on Towhee Trail at Shadow Canyon. Old Schoolmarm Cabin on Mesa Trail. Stockton Cabin on Shadow Canyon Trail at S. Boulder Peak Trail.

Before You Go

Please know OSMP rules and regulations.

Please study our six Leave No Trace" Principles to protect the land.

Dog owners: see our special dog page.

Hikers and climbers: Please be aware of all area closures.

Mountain bikers: Follow this link for trails where you can bike.

More Useful Links:

Trailhead summary

Trailhead Summary Matrix pdf

Trail system overview

Stay Safe, Know the Hazards

Wheelchair Accessible Trails guide