Trail Information
Trail Name: Hidden Mesa Trail
Location: East side of Castle Rock, Colorado
Date: December 20, 2020
Time at the Trail Head: 3:00 pm
Trail Length: 2.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 127 feet
Elev. at Trail Head: 6,450 feet
# of Hikers Passed: 7
# of Mnt. Bikers Passed: 15
# of Horses Passed: 0
Mosquitoes: 0
Trail Research
My wife finally bought here new waterproof hiking boots and we wanted to get out on a local trail to try them out.
I used AllTrails to look for a short trail near Castle Rock, where I live and found the Hidden Mesa Trail. This is a flat trail, close to my home, and looks to be an easy hike.
Note: Take a shorter trail when someone tries their boots for the first time.
Drive to the Trail
It was a short drive to the trail, mostly through the town of Castle Rock. Within a mile of the trail we were on a gravel road with homes that were more spread out and finally started seeing some views of the Rocky Mountains as we reached the top of the mesa.
I wouldn’t consider these magnificent views but they are pretty, non the less.
My Day on the Trail
The trailhead is relatively small and will only hold about 10 vehicles, but there are some fabulous bathroom facilities for anyone who cares to check them out.
The trail is relatively flat and wide in the first 1/4 mile. This would be a great trail for someone new to hiking and who is not use to the altitude here in Colorado.
There were a few hikers on the trail but most of the people were mountain bikers. We passed about 15 bikers on the trail but they were all friendly and were great at sharing the trail with us hikers.
The trail is on a mesa on the east side of Castle Rock, so you do get some nice views of the south side of Parker, The Pinery and Franktown. You can also see part of the Castlewood Canyon State Park to the south of Franktown.
We finally came upon a rock rim that has some excellent views of the area around Franktown and a ranch that was right below us on the rim.
As you continue on around the rim of the mesa, you will also see some pretty views to the south of another rim, that is covered in pine trees.
As we started to return to the trailhead, we encountered a lot of rock outcroppings on the west side of the trail. We had taken the trail clockwise. This is possibly the best location to see views of the Rocky Mountains to the west and Pikes Peak to the south.
It was at this point that my wife’s feet really started hurting her, so this seemed like the trail became a 5-mile trail instead of 2.7 miles. It was nice trail for the local neighbors to get away to for some exercise or anyone from out of town who would like to begin getting use to the altitude.
Trail Recommendations
This is an easy trail to hike and to get to. The mountain bikers seem to like this trail a lot, plus I would recommend it to people who are not use to hiking or are not use to the altitude in Colorado.
Lessons Learned
This was the first hike for my wife in here new hiking boots. I thought a 2.7 mile trail was short but it seems like an eternity when your feet hurt.
I think there were two issues. 1st, her boots are new and are always going to feel a little stiff at first. 2nd, I think her socks are to thick, so I will be buying a new pair of thinner hiking socks. Take a look at the socks I will be buying her below.
- WARM INSULATION: Experience durability at its peak with the Women’s Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks. These socks are built for performance in the highest degree, making them ready for any adventure on your list.
- COMFORTABLE FIT: The Women’s PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks feature a 4 Degree Elite Fit System for a dialed, performance-oriented fit with a flex zone at the ankle joint and Virtually Seamless toe for enhanced comfort.
- DURABLE YET BREATHABLE: The Women’s PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks are designed with Indestructawool technology for exceptional durability and comfort. The body-mapped mesh zones featured on these socks offer added breathability for all-day wear.
- LIGHT CUSHION: The lightly cushioned bottom on the Women’s PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks allows you to wear these performance socks on various trails and road terrains without discomfort. these socks will provide you with padded comfort during any season.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Comprised of 58% Merino Wool, 39% Nylon, and 3% Elastane, the Women’s PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks should be machine washed inside out in warm water and tumble dried on low. These socks should not be bleached, ironed, or dry cleaned.
I think we’ll try a 1/2 mile trail next time to make sure her boots fit well and are not bothering her.
Check out this short video of the Hidden Mesa trail on YouTube.
I would love to know if you have had any experience on this trail or have other trails you love to hike. Leave a Comment Below or send me an Email.
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Hidden Mesa Trail
Pros
- Easy Access
- Easy to Hike
- Great for Beginner Mountain Bikers
- Nice Views of Franktown
Cons
- Views are not that Great
- No Trees on the Trail
- Small Parking Lot
I love hiking, and it is my favorite vacation sport as it’s not only source of fun but a very good fitness exercise also. I have not been on any hiking trail in Colorado…..but I have heard a lot about them, and I would love to walk them in the future. Are you limited to hiking only in the summer.
Hiking is my favorite outdoor activity also. It is actually one of the least expensive outdoor sports, as you only need a good pair of hiking boots and some quality outdoor clothing, especially in the summer.
I hike all year long, and that requires a little more money and some great quality hiking gear, including the proper socks, ICETrekkers, Trekking Poles, a good coat, and the list goes on. But don’t forget the hiking emergency beacon. I never go hiking without one anymore. See the link below to learn more about those.
https://hikingemergencybeacon.com/
Thanks for stopping by,
Rick
I grew up at the base of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. I have always wanted to hike parts of “the Rockies” but have not got the chance to yet. I currently reside in the East Texas area and miss the mountains. What people here call a mountain is just a hill. Hahaha! Your many pictures truly captured the scenery for me and has rekindled my interest in this area. Your site is beautiful!
Hi Adam. I to was born in Washington and grew up in Oregon and Washington. I loved it there and spent the last 33 years in Oklahoma, which I loved, but I couldn’t wait to get back to the mountains.
You should join the hundreds of thousands of your fellow Texans and come and visit Colorado. I have a lot more great hiking trail reviews on my website.
https://hikingtrailsincolorado.com/
I hope you make it here soon to get your mountain fix.
Rick
Thank you for this beautiful post and it was lovely seeing all the spectacular photos of the Colorado flats. It’s great to know there are still some great hikes in the area that are suitable for beginners.
It’s always great to have some hiking trails that are flat and great to take visitors to without tiring them out too much.
Thanks Michel,
My wife kept telling me I was saying it was flat to often in the videos, but it wasn’t derogatory, it was a description of the trail, and as you said, not everyone wants a steep trail in the Rocky Mountains.
Rick