Hidden Mesa - Mesa Rim Loop

While the Komoot tour is categorized for touring bicycles, the Hidden Mesa Open Space trail system, particularly the Mesa Rim Loop, is primarily designed for mountain biking and hiking. It features challenging sections like the steep, loose rock climb of "Rocky Pass" and technical "Moab-type rocky areas" with rock ledges up to a foot high. These sections are generally not suitable for typical touring bicycles, which are designed for paved or well-maintained gravel roads. Mountain bikes are recommended for the best experience.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll encounter a mix of natural surface and crusher fines trails. The approach to the mesa can include flat doubletrack or paved sections. Once on the mesa, the loop features "Moab-type rocky areas" and "quasi slickrock sections," with some rock ledges up to a foot high. There's also a steep, loose rock climb known as "Rocky Pass" to reach the mesa top, though an easier alternative, "Pleasant Pass," is available.

The full Hidden Mesa Loop, which includes the Mesa Rim section, is approximately 6.7 to 7 miles long. For cycling, the Komoot tour estimates a duration of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but this can vary significantly depending on your pace, skill level, and whether you're on a touring bicycle or a mountain bike due to the challenging terrain.

The trail is located near Franktown, Colorado. Parking is available at the trailhead for the Hidden Mesa Open Space. Specific parking details are usually available on the official park website or local trail resources.

Yes, the Hidden Mesa Open Space is multi-use and generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you follow all posted regulations regarding pet waste and control to protect the wildlife and natural environment.

The Hidden Mesa Open Space is a public property managed for preservation and recreation. Typically, open spaces in this region do not require specific permits for day use or charge entrance fees. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Douglas County Open Space website for the most current information on regulations or any potential changes.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for cycling and hiking. The area is known to remain dry, making it a good option even when other trails might be muddy. After rain, small pools can form in the slickrock sections, adding to the unique scenery. Be mindful of summer heat and potential winter snow or ice, especially on the technical sections.

The Hidden Mesa Open Space is rich in biodiversity. You might spot a Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Town along the Hidden Mesa Trail. The area is home to various wildlife, including coyote, pronghorn, elk, and mule deer. The landscape features grasslands, shrublands, pines, and junipers, with wildflowers and cacti adding color, especially in spring and early summer.

Absolutely! Once you reach the mesa top, the views are expansive. You can enjoy vistas of the Front Range mountains, including Devil's Head and Pikes Peak to the west, as well as the eastern plains. The Hidden Mesa Open Space viewpoint offers great panoramic sights, and you can also see Founders Parkway and towards Castlewood Canyon State Park.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several official trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Colorado Front Range Trail, the Cherry Creek Trail, the Hidden Mesa Trail, and the Pleasant Pass Trail, among others, as you navigate the Hidden Mesa Open Space system.

Yes, if you prefer to avoid the challenging "Rocky Pass" section, which is a steep, loose rock climb, you can opt for "Pleasant Pass." This is a newer addition to the trail system and offers a much easier, green difficulty singletrack climb to the Mesa Rim Loop, making the ascent more accessible for various skill levels.