Trail Information
Trail Name: Homestead Mesa Trail
Location: Near Boulder, Colorado
Date: November 3, 2019
Time at the Trail Head: 12:30 pm
Trail Length: 3.3 miles (hiked extra 1.0 mile)
Elevation Gain: 613 feet
Elev. at Trail Head: 5,908 feet
# of Hikers Passed: 50+
# of Mnt. Bikers Passed: 0
# of Horses Passed: 0
Mosquitoes: 0
Trail Research
As always, I start out visiting AllTrails.com. This is my favorite source for trail information.
You can see from the map that this is only a 3.3 mile trail with an altitude gain of 613 feet. The trailhead starts near Boulder, Colorado at an altitude of 5,908 feet.
I picked this trail as it seems to be mentioned a lot among the locals. I also like having trails like this that I can take friends and family to that are not use to the altitude in Colorado.
Lastly, I have driven by here several times and was always in awe of the scenery and even stopped and watched the sun set over the Flatirons several times, only to find out that this is a popular trail just south of Boulder, Colorado.
The Drive to the Trail
The drive from Parker to Boulder is through Denver and surrounding suburbs, but as you can see, the views are still fantastic.
The trail is easy to reach and is paved until you enter the parking lot, which is gravel. Make sure you have $5 on you if you are not a Boulder resident, as there is a parking fee. I was told that it is monitored and tickets will be given out.
My Day on the Trail
The trails in this area are very popular, so parking is a challenge.
There are bathroom facilities at the trailhead so you can enjoy some of the benefits of the outdoors. We had three days of snow about 5 days prior to the hike on this trail. We received about 7 inches of nice white, wet snow, so the to 50 degree days made this hike extremely muddy, for at least half of the hike. It was still a beautiful hike.
The first thing I noticed on this hike, due to the snow and mud, was the need for trekking poles. I slipped multiple times going up and down the mountain. I stopped and talked to someone with trekking poles and they said that they were a must, in his opinion.
- Exclusive AERGON grip features a hollow core construction to save weight and create an edgeless, rounded grip for comfortable gripping at all angles especially for "palming" on steeper terrain. Thermo foam grip material for extra comfort, light weight and insulation in colder weather. Built in 8deg Positive Angle in LEKI grips keeps wrist in neutral position and provides more efficient pole plants.
- Air-textured "no bulk" security strap maintains design dimensions of grip; efficient wicking and fast drying; adjusts and secures strap adjustment without buckles. Extended foam grip for traversing and climbing. SPEEDLOCK 2 lever locking mechanism is simply THE strongest external locking system in the world as rated by TUV, and the only locking systems to meet the minimum holding force recommended by TUV.
- 100% High Modulus Carbon shaft sections for reliable, lightweight performance in all conditions. PE coated, Kevlar reinforced tension cord for long term reliability. ELD (External Locking Device) gives easy access to release the assembly tension of the pole for quick knock down and packing. Maximum tension between shaft sections made possible by internal (serviceable) spring in lower shaft.
- Carbon section ends are protected by machined Aluminum sleeves for extra long wear. Machined Aluminum connectors help to center shaft sections for quick, snag free assembly. LEKI's original Carbide Flextips provide secure hold on all terrain and surfaces for years of adventure; easily replaced in the field.
- Interchangeable basket system allows a variety of different sized LEKI baskets to be easily screwed on/off for different seasons/uses thanks to offset threads that keep the baskets securely in place.
The entire hike was gorgeous. Not only was the weather great, but the views were stunning the entire way, plus I think the snow makes it more beautiful.
You start out on a wide graveled trail near the bottom. I chose to go “clock-wise” around the trail, so I started up a single-track trail pretty quickly. There were great views of the mountains to the south of the Eldorado Canyon State Park and also of the Mesa looking to the southeast. It was hard to see the flatirons for the first mile on the trail but soon I started to get some great views of the mountains on the west side of Boulder.
I reached the top of the Homestead and Mesa Trail loop but had not seen the homestead yet, plus I knew I would see some better views if I went a little higher. I was rewarded with some incredible mountain views and, finally the homestead cabin. I’m not sure how old the cabin is but it looks like someone had done some work on it recently.
Near the cabin is a great looking rock outcropping that jets out high above in the mountains. It is a spectacular looking view.
The sun had started setting over the mountains as I started back down the trail, so I was able to get some more great photos and videos.
On the way down, the trail turned back into a wide path and I can see why. There were a lot of hikers on the trail. When I reached the trailhead, I was greeted by at least 10 photographers, taking pictures of families and high school seniors for their senior pictures. I don’t like heavily traveled trails but it’s nice to know where some good ones are if you want to get out quickly.
Trail Recommendations
This is a great trail on the northwest side of Denver, that is easy to get to and has some incredible views. It is heavily traveled and you should get to the trail as early as possible.
Everyone was extremely friendly and I enjoyed the hike and grand view, but there are a few things I would recommend for a hike in Colorado in November:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- Emergency Satellite Messenger
Check out the video of my hike at my YouTube Channel.
I would love to here if you have a great trail to visit. Leave a Comment below or send my an Email.
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Homestead and Mesa Trail (Flatirons)
Pros
- Incredible Views
- Easy Access
- Well Maintained Trails
- Several Trails to Choose From
- Valley & Mesa Views
Cons
- Heavily Traveled Trail
- Difficult Parking Due to # of Cars
I haven’t been to Colorado since I was one. Needless to say, I don’t remember a thing! A lot of my friends have been visiting Colorado lately and raving about how beautiful it is and how it is a must travel to place.
I completed a train ride in Nashville, TN and absolutely LOVED it. I can only imagine the beauty that lies within this Homestead and Mesa Trail.
I am so impressed by your photos here, they are absolutely breathtaking. I am so grateful you were able to share this experience with us. This is simply amazing.
Thanks for sharing!
You are very welcome. I love getting out to the mountains as often as possible and I also enjoy sharing these magnificent trails with everyone else.
I have been making my family and friends want to line up to come her also.
Rick
I’d love to live a stress-free life on those trails in Colorado. That’s my ultimate dream since I was a child, I learned about the place reading Reader’s Digest magazine. That life living a homestead in a countryside, I really love that. Today, you just reminded me of that long-lost dream and I think it’s possible now. One thing that worries me is that you listed there some stats including zero presence of mosquitos. But what about any bad guy or criminal? How is the crime rate of that place? I hope it’s very low.
I’m glad I was able to remind you of a dream of yours.
Let’s just say that I dislike mosquitoes more then criminals. Just joking.
I’m not sure what the crime rate is around here and there are always some parts of town that are better then others but I love living in the Denver area and I always feel extremely safe.
Thank your for the great comments.
Rick
Great looking website along with clear photos amd detailed information! Beautiful!
Thank you. There are thousands more like this. We need to go check out some new ones when you make it back to Colorado.
Rick