6.A.
Open Spaces Commission
- Meeting Date:
- 10/26/2026
- Co-Submitter:
- Rebecca Sayers
- From:
- Robert Wallace, Open Space Supervisor
TITLE:
Observatory Mesa Natural Preserve Management & Objectives
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Informational Item and Discussion.
The Open Spaces Commission will be visiting the city’s Observatory Mesa Natural Preserve to learn about management direction and objectives. Please come prepared with anything you might need for the duration of the field trip and be prepared to walk in rough terrain.
Directions attached.
The Open Spaces Commission will be visiting the city’s Observatory Mesa Natural Preserve to learn about management direction and objectives. Please come prepared with anything you might need for the duration of the field trip and be prepared to walk in rough terrain.
Directions attached.
Executive Summary:
Pedestrian Directions to Matson Tank
Destination: Matson Tank
Coordinates: 35.223062, -111.684656
Location: Forest Service Section 7 & Observatory Mesa Natural Preserve property boundary
Navigation Note
Matson Tank is not a prominent signed destination, so hikers should consider using the coordinates above for navigation. There are multiple trails, administrative roads, and intersections on Observatory Mesa, and some routes can be difficult to distinguish. The City describes the Mars Hill Trail as a 1.9-mile trail connecting Thorpe Park to the mesa, while the Observatory Mesa trail system includes connections with Forest Road 515. See attached map for approximate location of Matson Tank.
Option 1 – Thorpe Park / Mars Hill Trail
Approximately 2.8 miles one way
Park at Thorpe Park, near the ball fields/Bark Park area. Walk to the Mars Hill Trail and follow the trail uphill onto Observatory Mesa. The City identifies Mars Hill as an authorized pedestrian access point to the preserve.
Continue uphill on the Mars Hill Trail until you reach the gate at the top of the trail. At the gate, turn northeast onto the administrative road. Continue for ~0.1 miles and then turn north on the administrative road, following it toward Matson Tank. Continue until you reach Matson Tank at approximately 35.223062, -111.684656.
Approximate distance: 2.8 miles one way / 5.6 miles round trip.
Option 2 – N. Tillie Lane / Flagstaff Loop Trail
Approximately 2.2 miles one way
Park near N. Tillie Lane at the Flagstaff Loop Trail access. Follow the Flagstaff Loop Trail west toward Observatory Mesa Natural Preserve. This is an identified pedestrian access point to the preserve. Continue along the Flagstaff Loop Trail as it enters and crosses Observatory Mesa. Follow the trail until you reach the intersection with administrative road 515A. Turn onto 515A and follow the administrative road toward Matson Tank. Continue until you reach Matson Tank at approximately 35.223062, -111.684656.
Approximate distance: 2.2 miles one way / 4.4 miles round trip.
Destination: Matson Tank
Coordinates: 35.223062, -111.684656
Location: Forest Service Section 7 & Observatory Mesa Natural Preserve property boundary
Navigation Note
Matson Tank is not a prominent signed destination, so hikers should consider using the coordinates above for navigation. There are multiple trails, administrative roads, and intersections on Observatory Mesa, and some routes can be difficult to distinguish. The City describes the Mars Hill Trail as a 1.9-mile trail connecting Thorpe Park to the mesa, while the Observatory Mesa trail system includes connections with Forest Road 515. See attached map for approximate location of Matson Tank.
Option 1 – Thorpe Park / Mars Hill Trail
Approximately 2.8 miles one way
Park at Thorpe Park, near the ball fields/Bark Park area. Walk to the Mars Hill Trail and follow the trail uphill onto Observatory Mesa. The City identifies Mars Hill as an authorized pedestrian access point to the preserve.
Continue uphill on the Mars Hill Trail until you reach the gate at the top of the trail. At the gate, turn northeast onto the administrative road. Continue for ~0.1 miles and then turn north on the administrative road, following it toward Matson Tank. Continue until you reach Matson Tank at approximately 35.223062, -111.684656.
Approximate distance: 2.8 miles one way / 5.6 miles round trip.
Option 2 – N. Tillie Lane / Flagstaff Loop Trail
Approximately 2.2 miles one way
Park near N. Tillie Lane at the Flagstaff Loop Trail access. Follow the Flagstaff Loop Trail west toward Observatory Mesa Natural Preserve. This is an identified pedestrian access point to the preserve. Continue along the Flagstaff Loop Trail as it enters and crosses Observatory Mesa. Follow the trail until you reach the intersection with administrative road 515A. Turn onto 515A and follow the administrative road toward Matson Tank. Continue until you reach Matson Tank at approximately 35.223062, -111.684656.
Approximate distance: 2.2 miles one way / 4.4 miles round trip.