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South Mesa Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 568 Google reviews · Running trail in Boulder, Colorado · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from South Mesa Trailhead'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 with a range of trails from easy to challenging and a parking lot.
What runners say about South Mesa Trailhead
“I have to say, I think the snow really elevated our experience, it made the mountains & trail look even more stunning.”
“If you want some variety in your Colorado hiking, from vast Valley, plain Meadows boring without any shade to wash, wooded walkable areas This trailhead might be for you”
“The area is peaceful, and the trails are well-marked and maintained.”
Easy access to several trails great for hiking and running! Difficulty ranges from easy to challenging. Parking can be gard to find on weekends, and is not free. Dogs are welcome on leash in the area.
Definitely a nice trail for hiking with some really good views. The cell reception was decent, but as on all hikes, I would recommend taking a picture of the trail map. The parking was pretty full, so I would suggest an early start.
Great place to hike! One of my favorites in Boulder. I hiked here last week with my dog and it was amazing. The trail had some mud but everything is currently in bloom and just beautiful. I would recommend spending some time here at your leisure. There are many trails and you can hike whatever distance you would like.
Nice easy hike with about 450 feet of elevation gain. Parking is a little bit limited, but across the street is another trailhead with more parking. Both fill up fast so get there early or later in the day. Great views of the flat irons and devils thumb.
Trail conditions & character
“I have to say, I think the snow really elevated our experience, it made the mountains & trail look even more stunning.”
“If you want some variety in your Colorado hiking, from vast Valley, plain Meadows boring without any shade to wash, wooded walkable areas This trailhead might be for you”
“The elevation gain of roughly 3000 feet and the incline of the last 2/3rd's up Shadow Canyon will test most people's ability for a day hike.”
“If you want some variety in your Colorado hiking, from vast Valley, plain Meadows boring without any shade to wash, wooded walkable areas This trailhead might be for you”
“I hiked here last week with my dog and it was amazing.”
“Restrooms are on site, and trail maps are posted at the entrance.”
“Lost a single grey key here somewhere on Mesa, Bluestem, and shadow canyon loop, if anyone by a miracle come across it =).”
“The area is peaceful, and the trails are well-marked and maintained.”
Plan your run at South Mesa Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebouldercolorado.gov
- Phone+1 303-441-3440
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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