The Twobit Mesa Trail in San Isabel National Forest climbs from the Arkansas Valley to a flat-topped mesa with panoramic views of two major Colorado mountain ranges. The five-mile round trip is a moderate hike accessible from Salida that delivers excellent scenery for its effort level: 1,000 feet of gain over 2.5 miles to a mesa top with wide-open views.
The flat-topped mesa character is distinctive in a landscape dominated by pointed peaks and ridges. The broad summit surface supports wildflower meadows in summer and provides unobstructed sightlines in all directions.
The Route
From the US-285 trailhead, the trail climbs the mesa's south face through a mix of sagebrush-grassland and pinyon-juniper forest at lower elevations, transitioning to ponderosa pine and mountain shrubs as elevation increases. The mesa rim is reached at 2.5 miles.
The mesa top is relatively flat and allows exploration beyond the formal trail end. The views from the rim encompass the full Arkansas Valley and the mountain ranges on both sides. Return on the same trail.
What to Expect
Wind is a feature of the exposed mesa top. The trail itself is sheltered in the canyon approach, but the mesa rim can be breezy even on calm valley days. Carry a wind layer. The mesa surface is generally dry; bring water from the trailhead.
Spring and fall are pleasant for this trail given its lower elevation and southern exposure. Summer visits work well in early morning. The combination of wide views and accessible terrain makes this a good introduction to San Isabel hiking for visitors staying in Salida or Buena Vista.
Nearby
Salida, Colorado, is about 15 miles south on US-285 and is one of Colorado's most well-regarded outdoor recreation towns, with excellent restaurants, art galleries, and access to Arkansas River whitewater. The Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort near Nathrop is a short drive south.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.
Safety Considerations
The moderate rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout San Isabel National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.