Gateway Mesa Open Space

With a similar environment to Castlewood Canyon, this open space is a pleasant place to experience scrub oak and rimrock habitats south of the Denver metro area. These habitats are home to migratory birds, raptors, and Wild Turkey, among many others. Three trails lead you to explore the area; look for birds like Rock and Canyon Wrens, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Virginia’s Warbler, Ovenbirds and Bushtit. Be sure to check out the forested canyon on the south edge of the open space, where you can find Mitchell Gulch (a tributary of Cherry Creek) and head out on the Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail for more discoveries.

Restrictions: Obey local rules and regulations.

County: Douglas

Directions: From Denver: take I-25 south to Castle Rock and exit at CO 86/Founders Pkwy. Go west on CO 86; it will curve to the right and continue south. In 4.5 miles at the 5th Ave. intersection, go east to continue on CO 86. In 1.5 miles the parking area will be on the east side.

Alternate Directions: From Denver: take I-25 south to Castle Rock and exit at CO 86/Founders Pkwy. Go west on CO 86; it will curve to the right and continue south. In 4.5 miles at the 5th Ave. intersection, go east to continue on CO 86. In 1.5 miles the parking area will be on the east side.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Municipal
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Gravel parking area

Lodging: Hotels in Castle Rock

Handicapped Access: Limited

Latitude: 39.387975
Longitude: -104.802413

Visit the Website for Gateway Mesa Open Space »

Additional Resources

Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1456563