Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Trail

For further information and any restrictions see:  Mestaa'ėhehe Mountain : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Directions to parking lot:  Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain fire lookout - Google Maps

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure due to winter weather conditions. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/home/?cid=fsm91_058362

Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain was renamed at the end of 2022 from Sq**w Mountain. This racially charged term has been a dehumanizing slur against native women for generations. “Renaming is much more than physically changing a sign,” said the  Mestaa’ėhehe Coalition. “It is a process of acknowledging the harm and trauma of the past and bridging the way for a peaceful future together.” Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain, located in Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, is now named after a prominent Native woman in Colorado history: Mestaa’ėhehe, also known as Owl Woman in the Cheyenne language. 

The hike takes participants through beautiful new- and old-growth forest. Generally best enjoyed March - October, this is a very popular area for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This is also a good hike for children or less experienced hikers to get a relatively easy approach for amazing 360 views of mountains both near and far. Chief and Papoose mountains are two 11,000 summits next to Mestaa’ėhehe. These can be combined for a longer hike.  

Alternate title data:

Mestaa’ėhehe and Chief Mountain

Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain and Fire Lookout

• Suitable Activities: Hiking, Snowshoeing, Trail Running
• Snowshoeing Category: Basic
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Length: 4.1 mi
• Elevation Gain: 861 ft
• High Point: 11,431 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Clear Creek Ranger District (ARNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 15
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 15