Name: National Trails Day at Gateway Mesa Open Space
Start: 2026-06-06T08:30:00-06:00
End: 2026-06-06T11:30:00-06:00
Location: Gateway Mesa Open Space - 4678 E. State Highway 86

National Trails Day at Gateway Mesa Open Space

Step into nature and celebrate National Trails Day® with guided hikes along some of the Town of Castle Rock’s most interesting trails at Gateway Mesa Open Space.
On Saturday, June 6, the Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department will lead five guided hikes at this popular open space. Along the way, participants will learn about the site’s history, unique features, geology, wildlife and native plants while enjoying a beautiful morning outdoors.
Hikers can choose from a variety of experiences on two trails. Legacy Trail offers a more challenging 1.6-mile route along the western loop, taking participants through a narrow slot canyon. These hikes begin at 9, 9:30 (a geology-themed option) and 10 a.m. and are rated difficult due to uneven terrain, rock and stone steps, and tight canyon conditions. For a more relaxed option, guided hikes along Chuck’s Loop start at 9 and 9:30 a.m. and follow a relatively flat 1.6-mile route rated easy.
All hikes begin at the main trailhead parking lot and are recommended for ages 7 and older. Each hike is limited to 15 participants, so register today at CRgov.com/TrailsDay to ensure your spot.
From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., everyone is invited to stop by the main trailhead, 4678 E. State Highway 86, for additional self-guided activities, educational booths and fun giveaways. Representatives from the Town and the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation will be on site to share more about Castle Rock’s open spaces and trails.
Gateway Mesa Open Space sits atop a bluff, with steep, rock-capped cliffs on the eastern portion that overlook Franktown and the Cherry Creek Valley. Visitors will also find expansive views of the Rocky Mountains, extending from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak.
The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is a nationally recognized trail awareness program that takes place annually on the first Saturday in June. The program is intended to inspire the public to discover, learn about and celebrate trails.
For more information about the Town’s extensive trail system, visit CRgov.com/Trails.