General description of Mesa Trail: The Mesa Trail is a very popular in Boulder. It runs ~6.5mi along the base of the flatirons, from Eldorado Springs to Chautauqua Park, with several access points.The trail connects to many other side trails to Flagstaff, Eldorado State Park, Marshall Mesa, South Boulder Creek, or climb steeply to the top of the flatirons. The trail is a series of rolling ups and downs, some steep, with a mix of smooth and technical terrain. Much of the trail is forested, so it can be wet or icy over the winter. The trails are well signed. Dogs are allowed, but not bikes. There's water and bathrooms at Chatauqua, bathrooms only at Eldorado.

above Trail map: see also below trail maps

• South mesa
• NCAR
• Shananhan Ridge
• South Boulder Creek
  
  
  

Chautauqua (note spelling) Directions:

Take US 36 towards Boulder. Take the Baseline exit, the last exit before 28th. Go left, towards the hills, about 1.3mi. Enter Chautauqua park on the left. If the lot is full, parking is available on the surrounding streets. Meet at the ranger/info house, just above the lot, near the start of the trail.

From Golden, take hwy 93 N towards Boulder. Turn left at Baseline, and go about 1mi.


Eldorado Dir:
Take hwy 93 to Eldorado Springs Dr. Turn left at the light. Go about 2mi to the park entrance, on the right.

Or, take hwy 36 to McCaslin. Turn left off the highway. Take the first right, Marshall Dr, hwy 170, towards the shopping area. Follow Marshall about 3.5mi, to hwy 93. Cross hwy 93; it becomes Eldorado Springs Dr. Continue to the park.