---

Directions:  From Denver take I-70 West to the Exit for the Park and Ride.  Head south on 93 and make a quick right turn into the parking area.

This is a wonderful hike, close to Denver, with a lot to offer.  You get an incredible view looking down on Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, and a fun hike with enough elevation gain to get the heart rate up.  From the parking area follow the Village Walk trail to the Red Rocks trail.  This first part of the hike rolls along an open meadow and leads to the switchbacks heading up to a mesa below Mt. Morrison.  There you follow the edge of the mesa with great cliff-side views down the valley.  When you get to the far side of the mesa you are greeted by a wonderful view of Red Rocks.  From here you descend via more switchbacks through an area with abundant red rock formations.  When the trail splits, head left towards the red rock saddle.  Follow the Red Rocks Trail back underneath the mesa cliffs and return back to the parking area.

The trail is popular, but well worth it, the top of the Mesa is one of my favorite spots in the foothills.  make sure you don't rush through this spot, take your time and enjoy...