Mesa, Colorado is hands-down one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the entire state! Locals only think of it as home to Powderhorn Ski Resort, but Mesa has so much more to offer—especially once ski season ends. This small mountain town boasts over 60 trails for hiking, horseback riding, ATVing, and four-wheeling. If you love exploring the outdoors, Mesa is paradise.
What makes Mesa truly special is its unique mix of desert and mountain landscapes. Hike a rugged desert trail, then drive twenty minutes southeast and you’re surrounded by lush pine forests and elk farms on the Grand Mesa. The mountains are stunning, of course—but the desert hikes here? Absolutely breathtaking.
Now, my husband teases me about this, but I think rocks are beautiful. And Mesa has some of the most gorgeous rock formations I’ve ever seen. My absolute favorite desert hike—actually my favorite desert hike anywhere—is The Big Wash at the foothills of the Grand Mesa.
Top 5 Reasons Why I Love This Hike:
- The Rocks – Call me crazy, but these formations are works of art.
- It’s in a Canyon – Desert shade is a rare gift, and the canyon walls offer plenty of it.
- Wildflowers – Go at the right time of year and the trail bursts with blooms and honeysuckle.
- Kid-Friendly – My toddlers managed it with minimal help (good hiking shoes for little feet make a big difference!).
- Short & Sweet – At just 1.8 miles round trip, it’s the perfect adventure without being exhausting.
What you need to bring on this hike:
- Good Hiking Shoes – This rocky, sometimes slippery trail is no place for flimsy sneakers.
- Camel Hydration Pack – You’re in the desert—carry water hands-free.
- Sunscreen – I prefer spray sunscreen because it’s lighter and less greasy. Much of the trail is exposed to sun.
- Toddler Hiking Carrier – Great to have when little legs get tired.
- Baby Carrier – Essential if you’re hiking with a baby, there are several small rock scrambles where arms need to be free.
Best time to hike this trail:
Spring is the absolute best season for this hike. Not only is it cooler than the blistering summer heat (trust me, you don’t want to hike in 100° weather), but the canyon comes alive with color. White blossoms line the canyon walls, while red desert flowers and honeysuckle brighten the path.
For the time of day, go in the morning—you’ll beat the heat and might even spot a bighorn sheep!
Where Is It?
There is a dirt parking lot at the trail head just around the curve of the road.
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What To Expect On The Trail:
The trail begins fairly flat, winding through brushy terrain with plenty of flowers and desert plants. It’s well-marked and easy to follow, which makes the first stretch a pleasant warm-up. This is where you’ll see the most plant life, but don’t count on it for shade—most of the vegetation is low to the ground. Sunscreen is a must because the sun can be relentless in this section.
Soon you’ll cross a dry, rocky riverbed several times. Even without much water, the smooth river rocks can be slick and tricky to walk on. This is where good hiking shoes make all the difference—they help you grip the rocks, keep your balance, and save your feet from soreness later.
As you move deeper into the canyon, the walls close in and the landscape changes. The farther you go, the narrower the canyon becomes, and the more shade it offers. This is also where the trail gets interesting—you’ll begin hiking past a series of small pools, each more beautiful than the last. The pools are surrounded by larger, wetter rocks, which makes footing more slippery and the terrain more challenging.
Here’s where the adventure really kicks in: short cliff scrambles appear, requiring a bit of climbing to stay on the trail. Hiking shoes with solid traction are invaluable in these spots, giving you a secure grip and preventing slips.
As you continue, the canyon tightens even more, the pools grow larger, and the cliffs become steeper. But with every step, the scenery gets more stunning. This hike has a wonderful mix of terrain—easy paths, rocky crossings, shaded canyon walls, and small climbing sections—that keeps it exciting from start to finish.
Hiking with kids:
Though rated moderate on AllTrails, most of the hike is quite easy. I took my three kids—ages 3, 2, and 2 months—and they did great. Both toddlers hiked the first half on their own. We used a hiking carrier for the return trip to make things easier.
Toward the end, where small cliff climbs appear, you’ll need to help little ones. A pair of kids’ hiking shoes helps them grip the rocks and stay safe.
How we kept our toddlers happy on the trail:
- We packed plenty of snacks—my secret weapon! (Okay, full honesty: I bribe my kids with snacks to do just about anything. 😆)
- Favorites include squeezable applesauce, fruit leather, Nutri-Grain bars, Dum-Dums, and fruit snacks.
- Let the kids explore—climbing boulders, jumping rocks, tossing pebbles into pools, and even tasting honeysuckle along the path kept them engaged.
If you’re new to hiking with toddlers, I’ve got more tips [here].
What to Do After Your Hike
- Little Book Cliffs Wildlife Area – A 5.9-mile hike with wild horses roaming free. Perfect if you want a second adventure.
- Kodiaxe – Finish the day with some axe throwing for a shot of adrenaline.
- Graff’s Dairy – Because nothing says “we earned it” like ice cream (try the banana split!) and maybe a chili cheese dog.
- Rocket Park – If you hiked with kids, let them burn off the last of their energy at this space-themed playground.
- Moyer Pool – The best way to cool off after a hike? A refreshing swim.
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