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.
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.
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Municipal
Admission: Free
Restrictions: Obey local rules and regulations.
Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Hotels in Castle Rock
Handicapped Access: Limited
Latitude: 39.387975
Longitude: -104.802413
Amenities
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Drinking Fountain | No |
| Gravel Trails | Yes |
| Paved Trails | No |
| Platform/Blind | No |
| Boardwalk | No |
| Concession | No |
| Visitor Center | No |
| Gift Shop | No |
| Primitive | Yes |
| Camping | No |
| Picnic | No |
| Hunting | No |
| Fishing | No |