The Homestead – Cherry Creek Trail loop from Hidden Mesa Trailhead
The Homestead – Cherry Creek Trail loop from Hidden Mesa Trailhead
2.6
(23)
40
riders
The Homestead – Cherry Creek Trail loop from Hidden Mesa Trailhead
02:08
34.2km
160m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 32.0 km for 134 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
314 m
Hidden Mesa Open Space
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
7.52 km
The Homestead
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
14.8 km
Hidden Mesa Open Space
Highlight • Natural
Showing Translation
Tip by
18.5 km
Cherry Creek Trail through Bayou Gulch Open Space
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
22.2 km
The Cherry Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
24.1 km
Cherry Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
27.6 km
Cherry Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
34.1 km
Hidden Mesa Open Space
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
34.2 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
25.5 km
4.43 km
1.80 km
1.14 km
1.13 km
136 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
25.3 km
6.00 km
2.83 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,910 m)
Lowest point (1,800 m)
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 11 July
34°C
14°C
18 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're considering The Homestead – Cherry Creek Trail loop from Hidden Mesa Trailhead for a road cycling adventure, let's set expectations straight: while Komoot rates it as a moderate 21.2-mile (34.2 km) racebike route with 531 feet (162 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 7 minutes, much of this loop is decidedly not for traditional road bikes. This route is better suited for mountain bikers or very adventurous gravel riders looking for a challenge, rather than those seeking a smooth, paved road cycling overview.
What to expect on The Homestead – Cherry Creek Trail loop from Hidden Mesa Trailhead
The route offers a journey through varied terrain and scenery. You'll start with the paved surfaces of the Cherry Creek Trail, which winds through lush green valleys and riparian areas. However, the experience shifts dramatically as you ascend to the mesa. Here, the Hidden Mesa Trail portion becomes predominantly natural surface and crusher fines, featuring steep, loose sections and even some "quasi slickrock" areas. Expect panoramic vistas of rock outcroppings, grasslands, and shrublands, with expansive views of the Rocky Mountains stretching from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. This challenging ascent requires good fitness and might even necessitate pushing a road bike in some segments, making it a tough ride for anyone not on a mountain bike.
Planning your visit
The Hidden Mesa Trailhead serves as your starting point, offering access to this diverse loop. While the Cherry Creek Trail segment is generally accessible and paved, be prepared for the significant change in terrain on the Hidden Mesa portion. There are no specific permit requirements or seasonal closures mentioned, but the difficulty of the unpaved sections means you should plan your visit considering your bike type and skill level. Wildlife such as elk, pronghorn, and various raptors are often spotted, adding to the scenic viewpoints on this route.
Trail details
- Distance: 21.2 miles (34.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 531 feet (162 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 7 minutes
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