Mesa Connector

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

From the Horse Gulch trailhead, skirt around the southwest side of the hill on a series of switchbacks. Pass through some ravines with some steep short sections before entering a stand of dense pine trees. Soon you pop out onto the edge of the grassy mesa and the views to the south and west open up. Since the grade is mellow here, you can enjoy the scenery as you gently ascend.

The Mesa Conector trail briefly kisses the edge of the Intermediate Downhill trail as it plunges down towards the trailhead. Before long, you'll leave the mesa and head into a more forested area heading uphill towards the two knobs. The trail passes between the knobs, then downhill for a short time. From here, you'll have views across at the Horse Gulch area, Meadow Loop trail, and the new downhill trails.

Climb up out of a saddle area, then across another dry, brushy hill. with more pines Cross the service road, then a series of short switchbacks takes you to the platform-like junction with Meadow Intermediate Downhill, Telegragph connector and Meadow Beginner Downhill.

Completed in 2023, this trail is part of a new trail system called Durango Mesa Park. This is the first part of a huge build-out of trails, parks and event spaces on newly annexed land into the City of Durango. Since this is a bi-directional trail, keep an eye out for uphill/downhill bikers/walkers. Except for the beginning near the trailhead parking area, the trail is generally wide enough to accommodate passing.