The south portion of the Mesa Trail connects with the Big Bluestem Trail to form a short but varied loop through Boulder’s foothills and open space areas. Its 2+ miles of groomed trail are particularly inviting for trail runners and winter recreationalists. Vistors will enjoy sweeping views of Boulder's Front Range Mountains, eastern plains and iconic Flatiron formations.

Thick chokecherry patches along the Bluestem corridor are an important food source for wildlife, especially bears in the fall

While coyotes prefer small game like this mouse here, they'll also eat fruits, grasses, insects and carrion

A mother black bear guards two cubs on the Upper Big Bluestem Trail

Sun rises on the historic homestead of Sylvester Doudy who built the original cabin in 1858

The Fountain Formation was originally laid down flat, but thrust steeply upwards during the Cenozoic Time

Mule deer may jump as high as 2' and as far as 15' in a single bound

A bull snake crosses the Mesa Trail near the Upper Bluestem Trail - Bull snakes mimic the appearance of rattlesnakes and even exhibit the same coiling and striking behavior as a defense mechanism

Black bear cubs are born in winter dens, and will stay with the mother up to 1.5 years before venturing off to find their own territory

The forest gets thicker along the western section of the Upper Big Bluestem Trail

Bear scat is a sure sign of their recent presence - notice the berries and nuts which comprise the scat

Good views of Eldorado Mountain (8,323') from the Bluestem Trail

The blue Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a non-native noxious plant; each plant produces 3000 seeds per year and can rapidly displace native species

A Northern Flicker forages for food on the ground

A turkey vocalizes just off the Mesa Trail

Bear activity and senstive habitat along the Bluestem corridor contributed to a recent re-route of the trail, which now runs higher up the gulch walls and away from primary food sources

Heavy brush along the Bluestem provides food and shelter for dozens of bird and mammal species