Boulder Hikes

There are many, many reasons to live in Boulder, Colorado.  Hiking just happens to be one of them.  But oh, what a reason to live here.  If you're just visiting or new to the area, it can be a challenge to figure out where the best hikes are.  Here is a local's perspective on the hikes we love best.  I hope to add detail and commentary to this list over time.  Comment if you have suggestions, and enjoy!

First, the usual disclaimer: Hike at your own risk, and don't blame me for anything.  Ever.

Maps: the OSMPTrail Map is a great resource. Use the zoom button to zoom into the area you are interested in and the trails will appear. Once you zoom in and the trails appear, drag the map to find the right trailhead and go from there. Specific OSMP maps are linked to each section below.

Chautauqua Trailhead:

Chautauqua is probably the most popular hiking area in Boulder based on it's convenient location, massive web of amazing trails, and easy to pronounce name.  Park at Chautauqua Park if you can find a spot; if you show up after 9am, you'll probably be relegated to parking along Baseline.

First/Second flatiron:

• Type: out and back
• Distance:2.5 miles
• Elevation: 
• Trailhead: 5,694ft
• Summit: 7,126ft
• Total Climb: 1432
• Level of Effort: strenuous
• Duration: 60-90 minutes
• Coverage:75% - the first .3 miles of the Chautauqua trail are exposed, but you enter the forest after that; the majority of the rest of the hike is covered
• Trail Progression: Take the Chautauqua trail up, stay on Chautauqua (left) at Ski Jump, stay on Chautauqua at Bluebell Mesa (right/straight), take Flatiron Loop (left), and watch for the fork to 1st/2nd Flatiron (right).  Stay on, and you'll end up right behind the first flatiron

Detail: this one’s a major workout, which is why we love it.  Once you hit the 1st/2nd trail you'll quickly find yourself hiking between two majestic flatirons.  There are a number of switchbacks as you gain elevation.  You'll reach a spot that feels like the top with some large boulders in front of you - the trail continues just to the right through these rocks, jogs down to your right and then climbs along the backside of the 1st Flatiron.  Keep an eye over your shoulder and you'll be treated to an excellent view of the 2nd Flatiron from the back/side. 

Royal Arch:

Guess what’s at the top of this one?  That’s right, an arch.  Pretty damn good views of Boulder.  Also a bitchen workout, but less than the 1st/2nd flatiron. 

Mesa Trail:

Once you get used to the elevation, this one’s fun to run.  There’s an initial climb from the trailhead, but it evens out a bit and you meander through the foothills.

More Info on the Chautauqua area.

Gregory Canyon Trailhead

Gregory Canyon 

The Gregory Canyon trail is epic – really beautiful.  There’s some good elevation, especially at first, and some rocky terrain, but not crazy.  Take Gregory Canyon to Ranger to Long Canyon for a great view of the range.

Flagstaff Amphitheater Trailhead

Mt. Sanitas Trailhead

NCAR Trailhead

Mallory Cave 

I haven’t done this one in a while, but memory is it’s a bit of a climb up.  Also ends in a cave that you used to be able to climb into – but I think has been fenced over to afford the bats a little peace and quiet.

Mesa Trail 

You can also catch the mesa trail from the back of NCAR, and there are a number of loops you could do – south fork to north fork for example.  If you’re badasses, make your way all the way to Bear Peak – another big workout.  If you’re really badasses, keep going to South Boulder Peak – highest peak in this area, and you’ll see everything.  You’ll definitely need some gear for this if you’re going to do it – recommend Camelbak and plenty of protein.

Eldorado Canyon (South Mesa Trailhead)

The South Mesa Trailhead is a locals favorite as it's just outside of Boulder but still very easy to access.  It's generally less congested than the Chautauqua area, but the parking lot still fills up easily on the weekends.  To get to the S.Mesa parking lot head South on Broadway (Hwy 93) for about 2.6 miles past Table Mesa. Take a right onto Eldorado Springs Drive / HWY 170 (there will be a gas station at the corner on your right). Follow Eldorado Springs Drive  for 1.8 miles towards Eldorado Canyon State Park and look for the parking area on the right hand side of the street. I have a habit of missing the S.Mesa parking lot and turning around at the Dowdy Draw parking lot which is on your left about 50 yards down the road.

S.Boulder Peak via Shadow Canyon

• Type: out and back
• Distance: 7 miles
• Elevation: 
• Trailhead:5,646ft
• Summit: 8,468ft
• Total Climb:2,822ft
• Level of Effort: Friggen strenuous
• Duration: 3-5 hours
• Coverage:50% - you're pretty exposed until you get to the Shadow Canyon spur
• Trail Progression: take the mesa trail to your right from the trailhead; stay on Mesa until you reach Shadow Canyon South (stay left at each spur, but don't take the steps on your left towards Homestead/Towhee - you'll end up back in the parking lot);  you'll walk under Devil's Thumb and ultimately come to a small house/shelter on your right; the trail continues across a little creek bed and you'll head left into Shadow Canyon where the real fun begins.  Head up the canyon until you come to a T - head left to S.Boulder Peak.

Detail: this is absolutely one of the best and more aggressive hikes along the front range.  We like to stay on the Mesa trail at the beginning as it meanders through a gorgeous meadow and provides some of the most spectacular views of the Flatirons.  The first 2 miles climb about 1,000 feet in elevation, and the last 1.5 miles climb 2,000 feet.  You'll climb through a forested canyon with a number of amazing rock formations and random house sized boulders on either side of the trail.  If you cruise up, don't dally at the top, and run the mesa trail down, you're probably looking at 3 or 3.25 hours.  I've spent 5 hours on this trail however with less aggressive hikers and loved every minute of it.  

Note the last 50 yards or so to the summit takes you over a boulder field.  It's not as technical as it might look, just stay a bit to the left of the ridge if heights make you nervous.  Small or young dogs will have a challenge with the boulders, especially near the top - my 1.5yr old lab prefers to hang about mid way up.  But, once you make it to the top, you will be sitting on the highest peak along Boulder's front range and treated to one of the finest views you will find, including a great view of the Continental Divide.

Here are a few general observations on hiking in and around Boulder:

Colorado has 300+ days of sunshine a year, which is one reason it's often referred to as the 'Kick Ass State'.  If it's going to rain, it's generally going to rain after noon.  It is hot in the Summer (Mayish to Septemberish) - hiking between 10a and 4p can be rough on most local trails, especially the exposed ones.  

Many trails get busy during the day, especially on weekends.  Start your hike by 7 or 730 and you'll beat most of the crowds.

Respect the runners.  If you're not familiar with the local hiking scene, know that Boulder is home to nearly all of the world's elite athletes.  Don't be surprised if you're huffing up a hill and hear 'on you're left'.  Seriously, these folks are friggen running up the hill - it's awesome, give them room.

Expect dogs.  I'm personally a dog person, myself.  That said, most everyone in Boulder loves dogs (those that don't pay a hater's tax).  Most of the public trails around Boulder allow dogs to be off leash as long as they are under Site and Sound commands (i.e. you must be able to see your dog, and it must come immediately if you scream at it).  Not all dogs are well trained, and most will sniff you.  Don't freak out, they're just dogs.  If a dog makes you freak out, I won't judge (hater), I'd just recommend you find a trail that requires dogs to be on leash.  There are some.

Make sure you are geared up.  For me, that means at a minimum: the right footwear, more water than I need, a cell phone, sunscreen, and protein/Gel if I'm hiking more than an hour.  Footwear should be a stiff soled boot or trail runner.  I prefer boots on the steeps for the ankle support and confident footing, but lots of Boulderites hike in trail runners.  Also, I recommend a Camelbak  for all hikes - you never ever want to find yourself rationing water.  It sucks.  You also never know what may happen on the mountain - having more water than you expect to need can let you explore areas you hadn't anticipated when you started.  A Camelbak will let you carry more water than the standard 32oz water bottle most people tend to bring.

Winter hiking is awesome, but requires some extra gear - specifically, micro spikes.  These things are critical if you are going to hike on icy trails, which are common between Nov and Feb at least.  Winter also requires more clothing than Summer.  Just saying.