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Gateway Mesa Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 228 Google reviews · Running trail in Castle Rock, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1.6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gateway Mesa Open Space's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area featuring a loop trail along rocky cliffs with views of the surrounding valley, plus wildlife.
What runners say about Gateway Mesa Open Space
“Very unique place with an almost flat slabby mesa and beautiful conglomerate rock formations around the edges, similar to the nearby Castlewood Canyon.”
“We did the Legacy Trail which led down into the trees and shaded area (I'm assuming there is also a river or stream here when it's not as terribly dry) which was really cool.”
“It's an easy trail and took us less than 2 hours to complete the legacy trail, we were stopping to look around and admire it.”
Pretty nice little hike for a sunday afternoon! We did the Legacy Trail which led down into the trees and shaded area (I'm assuming there is also a river or stream here when it's not as terribly dry) which was really cool.
If you’re in the Cadtle Rock, CO area, come visit this hiking trail that is for a nice family leisurely stroll in the open space. The hike is simple, some areas are fascinating, there are elevation changes but not not consider difficult at all, and is great for the dogs to accompany you.
Nice and empty on Tuesday. Guy and his dog could spend hours meandering the trails and rocks. Not the easiest place to get on or off the highway.
I missed the Mesa! I was in Texas for a little over a year and never found a place I liked to walk as much as the Mesa! I like to take the Legacy Trail and head off to the edge of the cliffs on the backside. Enjoyed lunch there today!
Trail conditions & character
“Very unique place with an almost flat slabby mesa and beautiful conglomerate rock formations around the edges, similar to the nearby Castlewood Canyon.”
“The top part of the trail (Chuck's Loop) was very open with no shade and hot in the sun today.”
“We did the Legacy Trail which led down into the trees and shaded area (I'm assuming there is also a river or stream here when it's not as terribly dry) which was really cool.”
“The hike is simple, some areas are fascinating, there are elevation changes but not not consider difficult at all, and is great for the dogs to accompany you.”
“The hike is simple, some areas are fascinating, there are elevation changes but not not consider difficult at all, and is great for the dogs to accompany you.”
“Definitely a little technical with lots of rocky steps and hands needed to navigate and balance.”
“The parking area is small, so it is a hit and miss if you come during a weekend.”
Plan your run at Gateway Mesa Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1.6 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecrgov.com
- Phone+1 303-814-7444
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Castle Rock
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
Kid-friendly park featuring hiking trails.
Hidden Mesa Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 226 reviews
Kid-friendly park featuring 7.5 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, plus scenery.
Memmen Ridge Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
Park with 43 forested acres and an 8-ft.-wide concrete trail that connects to unpaved paths.
