Enchanted Mesa Trail

Route Description for Enchanted Mesa Trail

The Enchanted Mesa Trail presents the ideal excuse to get the family out into nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located within Chautauqua Park, this well-maintained path is highly trafficked. Share the trail with fellow like-minded outdoor enthusiasts or go on an early morning weekday adventure to try and beat the crowds. Summer weekends are undoubtedly the busiest, so arrive early to secure a parking spot at the limited lot at the trailhead or consider taking the free Park-to-Park bus to avoid the annoyance completely. Note this area is laden with wildlife, so be mindful and respectful. Keep an eye and ear out for rattlesnakes and consider wearing a bear bell to deter any unwelcome encounters with black bears or mountain lions.

Revealing sights often reserved for more technical, summit hikes, the Enchanted Mesa Trail goes above and beyond. The ever-changing scenery around the loop exhibits the diversity of the Colorado wilderness, delivering views of the Flatirons, the grassy meadowlands, and dense subalpine forests. This charming adventure is manageable for children and novice hikers alike. Reconnect with nature as you trek amongst deer, prairie dogs, and dozens of species of meadow and forest birds. Note that your pup is allowed on the route except for along McClintock Upper Trail, so just modify the loop trail to suit your needs.

Begin your journey along the Enchanted Mesa Trail from the trailhead off Chautauqua Park Road. From here, track south along the Enchanted Mesa Trail. Walk along this path, crossing a small stream before confronting an intersection. Here, hook onto the McClintock Upper Trail and track south beneath the sparse tree coverage of ponderosa pines. This charming route will travel through the woodlands, along a gurgling creek. The further you trek into the wilderness the increasingly wooded the path will get. As you hike, revel in the sights of the Flatirons looming above through the tree breaks.

Eventually, you will encounter a junction. At this point, veer left onto the Mesa Trail. Shortly after merging onto this path, keep right at the next intersection. As you walk make sure to check out the interpretive signs that line the path, explaining the flora and fauna of the area. At the next fork in the road, take a sharp left onto the Enchanted Mesa Trail. From here the trail will gently descend to the trailhead. Follow the Enchanted Mesa Trail northeast through the magical woodlands. Soon the route will curve through a lovely grassy meadow before delivering adventurers back to the trailhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs permitted along the Enchanted Mesa Trail?

The Enchanted Mesa Trail allows dogs on-leash, but dogs are permitted on the McClintock Upper Trail section of the hike due to natural rehabilitation.

How long is an Enchanted Mesa Trail?

The Enchanted Mesa Trail is 3.1 km long, but it can be extended or shortened based on the hiker’s needs and abilities.

Is the Enchanted Mesa Trail open all year?

Yes, the Enchanted Mesa Trail is open year-round.

Insider Hints for Enchanted Mesa Trail

• When bringing your pup, it is important to remember you will not be able to complete the whole loop. Instead, it will have to be an out and back adventure
• Trade your hiking boots for snowshoes in the winter months.
• Grab a beer at the Sanitas Brewing Company after your adventure.