South Boulder Creek - Mesa Trail - Lower Big Bluestem Loop

This 4 mile loop ascends only a slight amount in elevation, making for a pleasant loop in which opportunities for appreciation of the nature around you and broad vista photography are in plentiful supply. A great hike for those who may still be building their fitness, as so many trails in Boulder are just straight UP. Also great for the fitness buff trail runner who wants something to run in the area that is relatively flat and picturesque. The trail is rocky in many sections and can be narrow, as well as muddy. Excellent trail shoes are a must.

Park at the trailhead just off Hwy 93, signed Thomas Ln., but don't park on this road. You'll see the dirt parking area. Free for Boulder County registered vehicles, otherwise $5. Take the trail that starts directly from the lot, that's South Boulder. It will split very shortly, so bear right. Down the other trail looks just like a maintenance shack for OSMP. From here on you can't really get lost. The first junction will be about 2 miles in, at Mesa trail. Turn right here, and then only stay on Mesa for a few hundred yards, then you'll see the Lower Big Bluestem trail as your first right. Take it back to the parking lot, making sure you don't veer up to the upper trail. You should feel you are headed back down in elevation and toward the east. The trail will dump you on Thomas Ln., northwest of where you parked by a few hundred yards.

No bikes. Restrooms at the trailhead.

Abundant flowers can be seen in Spring. Coyotes and foxes inhabit the area, and mountain lion prints can also sometimes be found. The sound of frogs and birds, as well as the buzz of many grasshoppers is with the hiker almost all of the way (In May, when we hiked).

On a bright and sunny day, the colors will pop and this is truly one of the places that you can feel you are in Colorful Colorado! Morning photography of the mountains can be especially good.