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This wide service road provides brief views and mellow access to Chautauqua's southern trails.


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Map Key

1.2

Miles

1.9

KM

85%

Runnable

6,155' 1,876 m

High

5,732' 1,747 m

Low

425' 129 m

Up

2' 0 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Runner Notes

Wide, smooth surface. Well graded for easy cruising.

Description

The area around the Enchanted Mesa Trail tends to be less crowded than the main Chautauqua Trail and its nearest offshoots. For this reason, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife here and you may have a more tranquil outing.

Starting from the parking lot just south of the Chautauqua auditorium, head southwest on a wide, fine gravel service road. The ascent starts out pretty gently, briefly paralleling Bluebell Creek and then crossing it over a stone bridge. Immediately after the bridge there is an intersection with the McClintock Lower and McClintock Upper Trails. Head straight east to stay on the Enchanted Mesa Trail. Next, the trail curves around what looks like a large roof but is actually a drinking water reservoir. Continue upwards through open grassy meadows where you'll be treated with views of the Flatirons and surrounding peaks ahead and town/university views behind.

As the trail makes its way up and over the truly lovely mesa, the forest becomes denser and shade returns. Wildflowers make their homes here and change with the seasons. Pass the junction with the Enchanted-Kohler Spur trail and ascend at a steeper grade until the Enchanted Mesa Trail ends at a T-intersection with the famous Mesa Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Deer, occasional bears. Ponderosa pines, wildflowers.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 9 votes

#11585

Overall
  3.8 from 9 votes
5 Star
22%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
22%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1,029

in Colorado

#11,585

Overall
9 Views Last Month
2,843 Since Jun 29, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

30%
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50%
10%
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Photos

Enchanted Mesa
Dec 29, 2023 near Boulder, CO
Flatiron
Jan 28, 2018 near Boulder, CO
Are the views like this what give Enchanted Mesa its name?
Jun 30, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Poppies blooming at the start of the Enchanted Mesa Trail. June 2016.
May 3, 2017 near Boulder, CO
Kinds will enjoy scrambling on the boulders scattered around here
Jun 29, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Great views ahead
Jun 29, 2015 near Boulder, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 45 days ago
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