Hidden Mesa Trail via Cherry Creek Trail Loop

The trailhead for the Hidden Mesa Trail via Cherry Creek Trail Loop is located within the Hidden Mesa Open Space. There is a dedicated parking area available at the trailhead for visitors.

The overall difficulty of this loop is rated as moderate. While the initial sections in the Cherry Creek valley are relatively easy, the ascent to the mesa involves a significant climb with steep, loose sections. The Rim Loop Trail on the mesa top is mostly flat but includes rocky patches.

The trail features a varied terrain, including natural surfaces, crusher fines, and rocky sections. You'll encounter steep, loose rock climbs, particularly on the ascent to the mesa, and some 'quasi slickrock' sections on the mesa top. The route also winds through grasslands, mixed shrubland, and near cottonwoods along Cherry Creek, with a portion shared with the paved Cherry Creek Trail.

Hikers can enjoy expansive views of Castle Rock and the eastern plains. The mesa top provides panoramic vistas of rock outcroppings, grasslands, shrublands, pines, and junipers. Key viewpoints include Hidden Mesa Open Space and Hidden Mesa Open Space viewpoint.

The Hidden Mesa Open Space is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot elk, pronghorn, black-tailed prairie dogs, and various raptors throughout the area.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and adhere to any specific regulations posted within the Hidden Mesa Open Space to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all users.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access the Hidden Mesa Open Space, which is a preserved area managed by Douglas County, the Town of Castle Rock, and the Pinery Water and Wastewater District.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be hot, so an early start is recommended, while winter hikes are possible but may involve snow and ice, especially on the mesa.

Yes, this route integrates with several other trails. It includes sections of the Cherry Creek Trail, the Colorado Front Range Trail, the Hidden Mesa - Mesa Rim Loop, the Hidden Mesa Trail, and the Pleasant Pass Trail.

Yes, when ascending to the mesa, hikers have an option. The 'Rocky Pass' connector is a notably rocky and steep 1/4-mile climb. As an alternative, you can take 'Pleasant Pass,' which offers a different, though still challenging, ascent.

The trailhead at Hidden Mesa Open Space provides several amenities for visitors, including a picnic shelter, portable restrooms, benches for resting, and a water spigot.