Degge Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Generally smooth surface, somewhat overgrown in spots. Eroded, loose trail ascending the slope next to Mesa reservoir.

From the Broadway street trailhead, the Degge Trail covers the pleasantly rolling plains of Boulder Valley Ranch. Begin by heading east on a slight descent over grassy, dry fields. Not much shade to be found here, but you'll see prairie dogs frolicking about and warning each other of your approach. Run up and over a short ridge and continue straight through the intersection with Hidden Valley Trail. Take in views of the foothills to the west.

The partly doubletrack Degge Trail sometimes becomes faint, narrowing down to an path overgrown with grasses, but it is never hard to follow. Cross the valley bottom, ignoring the Mesa Reservoir Trail and climb the very short but eroded hill to the top of the mesa. Take a minute to appreciate the prime views of Mesa Reservoir and the flatirons. The Degge trail joins up with the Eagle Trail along the northern side of the reservoir and ends at the rain shelter.

Historical factoid: this trail was named for a cattle rancher from this area, W.W. Degge, who grazed his cattle here, and then ran them up over Rollins Pass to Steamboat Springs to feed on the grasses there.

Eagles, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, deer, coyotes, prairie dogs, rattlesnakes, bull snakes. Yucca, grasses.