Trail Name: Airport Mesa Trail
Best Use: Hiking, Trail Running, Mountain Biking
Best Time for Use: All-Year
Difficulty: Beginner for all users
Length: 3.4 miles 5.5 km) out and back from the trailhead
Start Elevation: 5,900 ft (1,798 m)
Maximum Elev Gain and Loss from Start Elev: 0 ft, (0 m) gain – 110 ft. (34 m) loss
Trail Surface and Use: A lightly used 2-track gravel and dirt road.
Trail Head Access: Suitable for 2WD auto. Park at the intersection of DD Rd and DD25 Rd
Trail Head Coordinates: 712,710E; 4,235,430N UTM WGS84 Zone12
Best Feature: Great expansive views of the Uncompaghre Plateau, San Juan and La Sal Mountains. Very convenient to the towns of Nucla and Naturita. Excellent spot to take a break from driving, walk the dog, take a quick run, etc.
Caution: Few – can be muddy in wet weather, a short stretch is eroded with exposed cobbles.

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Description: From the trailhead, follow a graveled road on the west perimeter of the airport, then veer right onto the dirt 2-track road. The road descends to a lower bench and then makes a small loop with overviews of the San Miguel River valley. There are many spur 2-tracks that shorten or lengthen the distance and add a little diversity.