Date Hiked: May 4, 2024

Distance: 1 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Elevation Min/Max: 8,050 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long: 38.30558, -107.96309

Managing Agency: U.S. Forest Service

Fee: None

DESCRIPTION:

From the intersection of Hwys 550 and 90 in Montrose, head west out of town on Hwy 90. Follow 90 as it turns left, then right. Then turn left (south) onto Dave Wood Road. Follow Dave Wood Road for about 11 miles to the Simms Mesa Trailhead as you enter Uncompahgre National Forest. Dave Wood Road is a good dirt road and most cars shouldn’t have a problem in good weather.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

The Simms Mesa Trail aka the Dave Woods Interpretive Trail is an easy introduction to the forested sub-alpine environment of the Uncompahgre Plateau. The trail sits at the eastern edge of the Uncompahgre National Forest and marks a stark change in the biome of the scrub brush plains, foothills, and canyons closer to Montrose and the Pine and Aspen forest of the Uncompahgre Plateau.

The Simms Mesa Loop is a short little nature hike through mostly pine and spruce. There are some views east towards Montrose but mostly, this is a shaded walk in the woods. The trail connects to the Aspen Grove Trail and the Simms Mesa Trail continues past the loop for another 2 miles as it drops down into Happy Canyon.

This was hike number 4 of the day for me so I just did the smaller loop. This is a pleasant spot and I would love to return (maybe in the fall) and explore Simms Mesa further. However, if you just want a little taste of the area, the Simms Mesa Loop trail should satisfy you.