Gateway Open Space Trail

Gateway Mesa Open Space Trail is a short 10 minute drive from downtown Castle Rock/I-25. It is a great hike with a little bit of everything that Colorado outdoors has to offer, There are scenic views of Pikes Peak to the Southwest and views from the east portion of the trail that overlooks Franktown and Cherry Creek Valley. Going left at the trail head, the trail meanders through areas of Evergreen trees and Oak bushes and loops back through meadow with native grasses. It is home to home raptors, migratory birds, wild turkey, mule deer, elk, fox, coyote, bobcats, mountain lion and rattlesnakes. It is an easy walking trail with little elevation gain or loss and benches conveniently located under trees to provide shade and areas to rest. Since Bikes and horses are prohibited on this loop, it is great for families and dogs. Plan 1 hour to complete the loop at an easy walking pace with time to stop for brief periods of rest and picture-taking.

Take a left at the trail head and you will proceed through the northern section of the trail, known as Chuck's Loop, which wanders through a mix of juniper trees, Scrub Oak and Ponderosa Pines. This is the most interesting part of the trail, which is easily seen and is mostly firm sand. There are some areas of this northern section that traverse over rock and it is easy to lose the trail, although only briefly. Keep walking and you will pick it up again. If wet, the rocks may be slippery.

The eastern portion of Chuck's loop offers good opportunities for scenic views of Franktown and Cherry Creek Valley to the east. There is a drop off of several hundred feet to the valley below. You will pass a mobile phone tower and a building as you round the southeast portion of Chuck's Loop.

The southern section of the trail intersects with the Mitchell Creek Canyon trail that proceeds south away from the loop. This portion of the loop is predominantly meadow that borders private property to the south. This section also turns into a dirt road. There is little if any shade on this part of the loop.

Tips: To get there, from I-25, take the Wolfensberger exit and go east to Wilcox, go right to 5th and make a left, which is also Route 86. Proceed east on 86 for approximately 4 miles. You will pass a King Soopers grocery store on the left at the corner of Route 86 and N. Ridge road. Stay on Route 86 for approximately 1 more mile and you will see a sign indicating the turnoff to the trail head. There is ample parking. Beware of snakes, which should not be a problem if you stay on the trail and keep a lookout, should they be crossing the trail when you pass. Good walking shoes are sufficient for this hike. Bring a camera for great pictures of the surrounding landscape on the trail and views of Pike's Peak and Franktown and Cherry Creek Valley to the east. There is limited shade, so dress accordingly for the hot dry dry summers found in this part of Colorado and the cold wind that can blast through during the winter. Bring water during the summer, especially if you have kids and dogs along with you.

Click here for more information on this loop: http://www.douglas.co.us/openspace/Gateway_Mesa.html