Ascending Hikes – Davidson Mesa Short Loop

These outings are meant for anybody who loves being outdoors but wants to SLOWLY work their way back to full health and fitness, or anyone who just feels like taking it very easy this week by enjoying a short walk outside. 

Say hello to a social group of folks who are jonesing to get OUT THERE despite everything that life has thrown at us -- maybe check out flowers and trees along the way, or even take a few pics of the view … and breathe a little more freely.

If you find yourself wondering if even the other 'Ascending Hike' series may be a little too aggressive for you, or you simply want to get out for an easy amble for fun, to de-stress *despite* any issues, then our 'Walking Wounded' Rehab Outings are meant for you.

As long as you’re good to go (and, if injured or have some medical condition, have a thumbs-up from your physical therapist or doctor), then come join your hike leader (who has, for too long, been in the same boat) for an EASY, SHORT, CASUAL-PACE outing that’s pretty much on-the-flat without a lot of elevation change … a walk on which NOBODY has to worry about holding up the group, because we're all right there with ya, and don’t mind waiting.

After a short session of stretches (or whatever rehab exercises help you), we’ll head up the trail. And since we're the 'walking wounded,' not the 'walking dead,' we’ll take an easy amble up the trail at maybe a couple of mph ... turtle slow, but not DEAD slow.

 This Particular Hike

This is the SHORT version of the Davidson Mesa Loop Trail, about a 1.5-mile loop using the Davidson Mesa Connector.  This leisurely, easygoing urban nature trail offers a nice view of Boulder and the foothills and mountains beyond it from a high vantage (It lies next to the ‘vista point’ on Highway 36.)  We can and will shorten the outing as participants prefer and can manage.  The point is to be accommodating and not push anyone beyond their limits.

Resources Worthy of Credit and Your Reference, Describing this Trail:

https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7009693/davidson-mesa-loop

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/davidson-mesa-short-loop

https://www.trailforks.com/region/davidson-mesa-27839/?activitytype=1&z=13.7&lat=39.97290&lon=-105.17921&content=trails,labels,region,poi,directory,polygon,waypoint,nst,routes_featured

Meet at the Trailhead at 5pm.  Please don't be late, since we may take a few moments to stretch, loosen up and warm up, as people feel wise for their conditioning.

Getting to the Trailhead:

Note that free parking is available on BOTH sides of McCaslin Boulevard.  One lot is next to the trailhead on the west side of McCaslin, and the other is on the east side of McCaslin Blvd next to Harper Lake.

The Davidson Mesa Trailhead lies just south of the fenced, off-leash dog park area.  

From Denver, Take Highway I-25 North, then Highway 36 northwest toward Boulder. Keep on going until you reach the exit for the town of Superior (McCaslin Boulevard).  From the exit, head RIGHT (north) along McCaslin for 1.4 miles, crossing over Highway 36 and continuing to your LEFT turn (west) into the Davidson Mesa Open Space parking lot .

From Boulder, head southeast for 2.4 miles on Highway 36 to the South Boulder Road South exit.  From the exit, go LEFT (north) in any lane onto Table Mesa Drive, then continue onto South Boulder Road.  Go east 3.6 miles before turning right onto North McCaslin Boulevard.  Turn right (south) onto McCaslin, and go about half a mile (go past Majestic View Drive) to the Davidson Mesa Open Space parking lot.