A short piece of the Mesa Trail connects the McClintock and Enchanted Mesa trails to form a diverting loop through the foothills of Chautauqua Park. This versatile course enjoys mild grades well-suited for families, leisurely strolls, trail runners and winter recreation. Connections with the Mesa, Woods Quarry and Kohler Mesa trails enable further exploration of Boulder’s extensive trail network.

Chautauqua Park is one of only 25 National Historic Landmarks in Colorado; the site for what originally was called the Texas-Colorado Chautauqua was chosen for its exceptional setting

Mule deer bucks shed their antlers by February, and begin regrowing immediately

Penstemon is derived from the Greek pente, or 'five', and stemon, a reference to stamen

High points on the loop offer great views north across the Sanitas valley and Settlers Park area

Red hues in the Fountain Formation - of which the Flatirons, Sanitas Ridge and Settlers Park rocks are all comprised - are the result of iron oxidation in its composite layers

In the fall Wild Rose bushes produce red fruits called 'hips', a vital food source for bears as they stock calories for hibernation

Bear Peak (8,461') from the Enchanted Mesa Trail

Mule deer have relatively small rumen for their body size, which makes them more selective foragers than larger ruminants

Chamomile is an annual wild edible, distinguished by daisy-like flowers that bloom in May

Mule deer fawns are born with white spots and have a nominal scent that help conceal their presence from predators

Mature ponderosa trees can withstand periodic, low intensity fires; prescribed burns in the Boulder foothills keep tree densities and ground fuel in check