Gateway Mesa Open Space

I went further along the back trail and found some steeper areas with steps and a chain. This part of the trail is a lot of fun and has tons of rock formations you can run up and scramble. On the back side I have checked out some of the canyon and was shocked to even see there is a canyon there since you would have no idea from the road. This open space is full of things I wouldn't expect to see at the edge of the plains. The hikes, however, are pretty short (maybe 3 miles if you do the longest loop and explore a little) and the one path brings you back along a service road with farms nearby. The mesa top isn't the most exciting, but there are usually a bunch of prairie dogs chirping.

Still one of my favorite trails! Love it on a snowy day because being flat surface there is no danger of slips and falls. It's all sunny so it's a great winter weather trail to be out in the chill but be warmed by the sun rays. It's great in the spring time due to the abundance of wildflowers. I am not sure why other reviews mention quads and horses. I have never seen either. Not bikes. This is not that type of trail. I see some people walking their puppies sometimes...which off course make for some "land mines" on the edge of the trail, but that seems to be a problem on ALL TRAILS here in CO. People are just selfish and rude. No way around that. But this trail is awesome. Exceptional views and such varied geological interesting terrain.

Not very good. Best to head in the other direction towards the meadows and hit the trails over there. This one is overrun and people ride it when it's wet, creating ruts. Horse riders own the place. Most are nice, but some sometimes they give you the stink eye. Single track has turned into quad track from people expanding the trail. People also like to ride and hike off trail, not paying attention to the little arrows signs showing you the correct route. Also, did I mention rattlesnakes?