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Educational Activities: Colorado > Colorado Community Areas

Quick Facts

Mesa Trail

Beginning Elevation:	4,375 Feet (1363.8 Meters)
Difficulty:	Moderate
Elevation Gain:	80 Feet (24.9 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	4,375 Feet (1363.8 Meters)
Handicapped Accessible:	No
Length, Round Trip:	2.25 Miles (3.75 Kilometers)
Recommended Season:	Spring
Usage:	Heavy in Spring and Fall
Vehicle Accessibility:	Passenger Vehicle

General Description

Visitors will find Mesa Trail at the Vogel Canyon Picnic Area

This trail leads 2.25 miles west connecting the Canyon Trail to the Prairie Trail at Vogel Canyon Picnic Area. Within a few short steps from the Canyon Trail the tread passes the Westbrook Homestead ruins, built during the 1930s. The Mesa Trail passes through two life zones: juniper woodlands and shortgrass prairie. This trail is rated moderate by the Forest Service.

Directions from La Junta: Drive south on Highway 109 for 13 miles to County Road 802. Turn right (west) on to 802 and travel one mile to a sign for Vogel Canyon. Turn left (south) and drive two miles to the picnic area.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Geology	Mesa Trail	Yes
	History	Mesa Trail	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Mesa Trail	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Mesa Trail	Yes
	Bird Identification	Mesa Trail	Yes
	Picnicking	Vogel Canyon Picnic Area	Yes

Related Activities

Canyon Trail - This trail leads 1.75 miles through Vogel Canyon and connects with the Prairie and Mesa Trails.

Overlook Trail - This trail leads one mile roundtrip to an overlook of Vogel Canyon and is wheelchair accessible.

Prairie Trail - The Prairie Trail begins a short distance north of Vogel Canyon Picnic Area on the Barlow & Sanderson Stage Road.

Vogel Canyon Picnic Area - Vogel Canyon Picnic Area provides an opportunity for families and individuals to spend a day hiking, picnicking, viewing scenery and inspecting archaeological sites.