Route Editor
Route Scout
Great Spring Wildflowers by slegal  The Mesa Trail is probably the most traveled trail in Wildwood Park. The reason is that you have to hike some or all of this trail to get to most of the other trails in the park. Other than that it's not a terribly exciting trail, unless you like dodging cars. Yes, part of this trail is also used by cars traveling to and from the lower parking lot. Unless a park ranger is driving past the gate beside where the public access road leaves the Mesa Trail, you shouldn't have to worry about cars past the gate. After you pass the gate the first trail intersection you'll come to is the Santa Rosa Trail on your right. Just 50 yards or so past the Santa Rosa Trail you'll reach a junction with the North Tepee Trail on your left. After passing the North Tepee Trail junction the Mesa Trail heads up a long gradual hill. There are often mountain bikes on this section of the trail and many of them travel too fast. So keep an eye out for them. After a little over a half mile you will reach another trail junction. If you go straight you are heading to the Box Canyon Trail and the Box Canyon Overlook. If you go left you are continuing on the Mesa Trail toward a junction with the Stagecoach Bluff Trail. This junction is less than a quarter mile away on your left. After passing the junction with the Stagecoach Bluff Trail the Trail heads up a steep section toward Lizard Rock and the Lizard Rock Trail. On the steep section you are treated to a breath taking view of the...... sewage treatment plant. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy this section of trail. You just have to realize that some of the trails in the park include views of the sewage treatment plant. The Mesa Trail ends at the junction with the Lizard Rock Trail. There is one really nice feature to this trail and it is near the junction with the Lizard Rock Trail. During early spring, this section of the trail has some of the best wildflowers in the entire park. As you walk along a redwood fence, you are treated to a spectacular carpet of lupine on the slope on the other side of the fence. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
