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A wide-open trail featuring sweeping views of the South Mesa area.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Point to Point

6,019' 1,834 m

High

5,770' 1,759 m

Low

249' 76 m

Up

5' 1 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Description

Towhee trail starts directly adjacent to the historic Dunn House, just to the west of the Mesa Trail. From the get-go you'll have wide-open, sweeping views of the South Mesa area.

If you're hiking this trail during Spring, you'll most likely be treated with wildflower views as well as the usual mountain vistas.

Towhee's terrain is pretty straightforward. It starts at a shallow grade until it enters Shadow Canyon proper. From there the trail heads nearly straight up the canyon at a very steep grade. After the trail makes one last steep push in the form of two switchbacks, it flattens out and intersects the Mesa Trail.

Flora & Fauna

There are vast wildflowers on display here during the spring months.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Charles Danforth

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 6 votes

#5

in South Mesa

#23225

Overall
  3.7 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
50%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#5

in South Mesa

#1,799

in Colorado

#23,225

Overall
2 Views Last Month
614 Since Dec 23, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
29%
71%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Devils Thumb seen from Towhee trail with permission from ottomandude
Jan 8, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Towhee
Jan 7, 2024 near Boulder, CO
Great views of the Flatirons can be had from the southern reaches of the Mesa Trail.
Dec 23, 2014 near Boulder, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 22 days ago
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Check-Ins

Mar 7, 2021
Matt Culpepper
0.7mi
Jun 7, 2019
Mary-Frances Main
Oct 21, 2018
Caitlin G
Jul 31, 2018
Rebecca Falgoust
Apr 13, 2018
Mike G
Sep 24, 2017
Drake Williams
Clay sticks to shoes when wet
Aug 5, 2017
Jeffrey Rettig
0.9mi
Apr 12, 2017
Omar Albayati
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