Open Space Enjoyment and Social Distancing
As you anticipate an enjoyable day on Douglas County Open Space properties, please be aware that some trails, due to the location and terrain, have limited space for remaining socially distant from those other than in your immediate party. Please be aware when you encounter these circumstances, adjust accordingly, and help keep our community safe by adhering to
COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
Hidden Mesa is a vast property. An adventurous trail system connects the meadow and the mesa. The trail names say it all “Rocky Pass” is literally a trail within a vein of ever-changing cobblestone. Whereas, “Pleasant Pass” is a challenging yet pleasant alternative. The Upper Rim Loop takes people through a meadow and along a rocky outcrop. The property adjoins Gateway Mesa, for a total of 276 acres of open space that is managed and owned by the Town of Castle Rock. Gateway Mesa is open to hikers with a parking lot and 3.5 miles of trails on the south side of Hwy. 86.
Hidden Mesa is also home to the County’s research and demonstration orchard.
Size: 1224 acres
Hours: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
Trail Information:
- Natural surface and crusher fines, moderately easy in the lower Cherry Creek valley to moderately difficult as you ascend the mesa and traverse over some rocks on the south side of the mesa top and put on some miles.
- 4.7 miles of trail, plus trail additions, are natural surface, plus .3 mile of the trail is shared with the Cherry Creek Trail. On a ride or hike up onto the mesa loop and back, you would cover almost 7 miles.
- Multi-use: horses, mountain bikes and hiking.
- Dogs must be on leash.
Wildlife:
- Respect the wildlife including coyote, pronghorn, prairie dogs, elk, mule deer, as well as raptors and other bird species.
Amenities:
- Picnic shelter
- Restroom (portable)
- Handicap access and interpretive signs
- Benches
- Water spigot
- Unpaved parking lot for cars and 15 horse trailers
- Round pen