Hidden Mesa Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail is accessed from the Hidden Mesa Trailhead just north of Franktown off of Parker Road. The first section is more of an approach than a fun hike. After leaving the parking lot, there is a short doubletrack called Farm Lane across a flat section before crossing Cherry Creek. After crossing Cherry Creek, the route takes a right onto Cherry Creek Trail.

After about 1/4 of a mile on Cherry Creek Trail, a sign marks the junction where the route turns left off of the paved trail, thus beginning the Hidden Mesa Trail. You'll then be on a gradual uphill single/doubletrack for about a mile. Nothing difficult, just a nice steady climb. After a mile of steady climbing, you reach the "Rocky Pass" section. It is about a 1/4 mile steep, loose rock climb. The total climb is about 400 ft vertical.

At the top of the climb, you'll reach "Mesa Top Junction East." This marks the point where you turn around or add on the Rim Loop Trail for more fun.