The original vision for the Mesa as detailed in the adopted 2018 Durango Mesa Area Plan section 1.5 has evolved since 2018 but the core of intended development theme and vision will be honored and is referenced below:

This Area Plan has been developed to meet the vision of the majority land owner, the Katz family, and to support an intended future dedication of land to the City of Durango for public use of the greater community and its guests. The Katz family big idea and stated desire is to preserve a majority of the Mesa land for open space and enjoyment for multiple recreational uses, as well as establish a special mix of uses on appropriate areas of the Mesa that will support the future economy, vitality, health and prosperity of the Durango community and its surrounding environment. Central to the idea is a large scale special events festival venue and grounds with on-site camping anchored by an Arts and Culture Park with a Community Barn associated with the County Multi-Event Center and smaller events venue on the northern end of the Mesa. Additional major uses the Katz family supports that are complimentary to the special events venues are a new County Fairgrounds with a Multi-Event Center, and Mountain Sports Recreation facility with world class cycling, mountain climbing, running, athletic and team sports training, and tournament facilities. In addition to new special events, arts and cultural spaces, the Katz family is interested in land uses that promote the community’s legacy and notoriety in the world of outdoor sports particularly cycling, running, and climbing. This Plan expresses the Katz family vision for the land in a manner that has been vetted by the community and stakeholders, to serve as the basis of negotiations for the transfer of the land, and to guide an incremental path for the phased implementation of the contemplated program of improvements.

To date, the project's organic progress encompasses the buildout of six new soft-surface trails, totaling roughly seven miles, that were completed in September 2023. These demonstration trails include three directional downhill-only mountain bike trails for beginners, intermediates, and up. Additionally, three multi-use, multi-directional trails to connect riders and hikers to the Horse Gulch trailhead and to the Telegraph Trail system have been installed.

Throughout the spring, construction is continued by the Durango Mesa Park Foundation with support from the City of Durango in developing the Hub – a gathering area where trails converge with naturalized boulder seating, shade structures and a map kiosk. Subject matter experts continue to work on the design of infrastructure to the Mesa, including improved roadways, water, sanitary sewer, and electric.

In cooperation the City of Durango, Durango Mesa Park Foundation and future interested partners, envision a multitude of cultural, recreational, and educational uses for the land.

Phase one outlines the following:

• Expanded and accessible trails for hiking, running and cycling
• Regional venue for hosting music festivals
• World-class outdoor recreation complex with Colorado’s largest bike park

Limited use, for now.

In September 2023, Durango Mesa Park Foundation and the City of Durango opened seven miles of new trails, connecting Durango Mesa Park to the Horse Gulch Trailhead and the Horse Gulch and Telegraph trail networks. Visit the Durango Mesa Bike Park page for more information.

In recent years, Durango Mesa Park has been home to Meltdown on the Mesa, which is a Durango bluegrass music festival, the Colorado High School Cycling League State Mountain Biking Championships, portions of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Singlespeed Cyclocross World Championships, and other cycling events. Outside of these events and the new trails accessed via the Horse Gulch Trailhead, the property remains closed to the public until proper roads, restrooms and infrastructure can be built to assure the best and most sustainable use of the land and Southwest Colorado open space. Please respect that the Mesa is currently private property.