South Trailhead, Mesa Trail

 

Click on the map at left for a larger image.

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 on the north side of Eldorado Springs Drive. Parking is not allowed on Highway 170.

TRAILS

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 Trails Accessibility Guide (TAP) (3.44 MB).

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

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

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. McGilvrey 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

Trail system overview

Stay Safe, Know the Hazards

Wheelchair Accessible Trails guide

 

Last Updated on Friday, 29 January 2010 13:43