The mountain climbing in Boulder Colorado is unbelievable. There are such a lot of mountain climbing trails accessible inside minutes of downtown Boulder. Boulder is really a hiker’s paradise. You possibly can wander the Boulder Open Area and Mountain Parks for days. On this information, you’ll discover ways to navigate all the very best hikes in Boulder.
After a decade dwelling in Boulder, I’ve hiked all the paths and peaks many occasions over. I do know the paths very properly having hiked a number of 1000’s of miles on them. Essentially the most notable, must-see locations are the three tallest peaks: Bear Peak, South Boulder Peak, and Inexperienced Mountain. Flagstaff Mountain and Mount Sanitas are additionally very talked-about for hikes which might be barely much less demanding. And, after all, you will need to try the well-known Boulder Flatirons at Chautauqua Park.
You possibly can entry these mountain climbing hotspots from a lot of angles and trailheads. All of the hikes are superb. You actually can’t go fallacious. I’ve executed all of the hikes many occasions over and my love for the native trails grows stronger with every journey.
Okay, let’s dive in and try the very best hikes to do in Boulder, Colorado!
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High Boulder Hikes + Mountain climbing Trails
What are the very best hikes and mountain climbing trails in Boulder Colorado?
Having hiked the world quite a bit, I feel it makes probably the most sense to debate the place you possibly can hike to, and the paths that may take you there.
In the event you ask me, probably the most satisfying must-do hike in Boulder is as much as Bear Peak Summit.
There are lots of totally different routes you could take. First, I’ll speak about the commonest (and quickest) routes to Bear Peak Summit.
Afterward, I’ll present you some mountain climbing routes that may take you to Bear Peak and a few of the different nice native mountains.
Try this video arriving at Bear Peak Summit on a Spring hike throughout an inversion.
1. Bear Peak Summit Hike
Bear Peak was the primary hike I did in Boulder. It’s the second tallest native mountain however most outstanding of the Boulder skyline. I feel it’s the most satisfying and likewise the very best hike to do in Boulder. The views are unbelievable in all instructions. Particularly West to the snowy continental divide.
There are a number of totally different mountain climbing routes and trails you could comply with to get to Bear Peak Summit.
The most typical routes to Bear Peak are:
Fern Canyon Path (from Mesa Path)
Bear Canyon Path -> Bear Peak West Ridge Path
Shadow Canyon Path -> Bear Peak Summit Path (see the South Boulder Peak part additional down)
When you get to the summit you possibly can take the identical route again or select a special path from the listing above to do a loop again to your place to begin.
The most effective trailheads to start out a hike to Bear Peak Summit are:
Fern Canyon Path
The quickest path to Bear Peak Summit is Fern Canyon Path.
Be ready, this mountain climbing path may be very steep in some sections. Fern Canyon is taken into account one of the crucial troublesome hikes in Boulder. Your health stage ought to be above common. Find out about the advantages of steep mountain climbing trails and mountains.
Begin at NCAR: Take NCAR Path to Mesa Path to Fern Canyon Path.
Or, begin at Cragmoor Highway: Take North Fork Shanahan Path to Shanahan-Mesa Path to Fern Canyon Path.
From both of the above trailheads, it takes roughly 30-40 minutes to get to the beginning of Fern Canyon Path. At this level, you’re a few third of the way in which to the highest of Bear Peak.
From the beginning of Fern Canyon Path you’ll begin to acquire elevation quickly. The hike is steep and slower going from right here on to the summit. The path is rocky. Make sure you put on correct mountain climbing footwear to guard your toes and for good traction.
The path winds and switchbacks Westward for about 30-40 minutes as much as a saddle close to the Nebel Horn. You should have your first views West to the continental divide, and of Inexperienced Mountain to the North. At this juncture, you have got accomplished about two-thirds of the way in which to the summit.
Yet one more steep push to the highest. This part additionally takes about 30-40 minutes. The path turns into rockier as you go. Close to the summit the path turns into completely rock. Fastidiously scramble to the summit, observe the summit markers, and take within the great views. Right here, you possibly can ponder life and the route you’ll take again.
Bear Canyon Path
If you wish to take a much less intense (aka steep) however longer (distance and time) path to Bear Peak Summit attempt Bear Canyon Path.
This can be a lovely mountain climbing path that travels by means of Bear Canyon and finally ends up on the intersection of Inexperienced-Bear and Bear Peak West Ridge Trails. To the fitting, Inexperienced-Bear switchbacks and winds up in the direction of Inexperienced Mountain. Bear Peak West Ridge Path will take you to Bear Peak Summit.
The journey to the summit by way of Bear Canyon and Bear Peak West Ridge Trails takes roughly 2-3 hours. Maybe just a little longer in the event you take breaks, benefit from the surroundings and take images.
Be ready for some publicity alongside a lot of Bear Peak West Ridge Path. In 2012, elements of the West slopes of Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak have been taken by a forest fireplace. Be sure to have solar safety (solar sunscreen, a solar hat, and sun shades) for this part of the hike. There is no such thing as a shade for stretch.
This path to the summit appears standard with path runners as a result of regular gradual uphill climb in comparison with the abrupt steep Fern Canyon Path.
I usually do Bear Canyon, Bear Peak West Ridge, and Fern Canyon trails as a loop. You are able to do it both path. Take your decide.
Right here is the route ranging from NCAR. On this specific occasion, I went up Fern Canyon Path and got here again down by way of Bear Canyon Path.
So, there you have got it the obvious routes to Bear Peak.
Now it’s time to shift the main focus to the tallest native mountain, South Boulder Peak. After I do South Boulder Peak, I normally do Bear Peak too since they’re shut collectively. It takes solely about half-hour to descend South Boulder Peak and pop over to Bear Peak. So, I’ll present you a few loops that embody each of those summits.
2. South Boulder Peak Summit Hike
The most typical path to South Boulder Peak is to hike up Shadow Canyon.
Shadow Canyon Path
Each time I enterprise up Shadow Canyon, I take pleasure in it extra.
Nonetheless, it’s a robust hike. Like Fern Canyon, Shadow Canyon has a protracted steep part. It is sort of a rocky staircase to the highest.
For the quickest path to the beginning of Shadow Canyon Path start at South Mesa Trailhead. Comply with the Homestead Path after which take Shadow Canyon South Path to Shadow Canyon.
In order for you a extra scenic path to the beginning of Shadow Canyon Path, I like to recommend beginning at Cragmoor Highway or Shanahan Ridge Trailhead. There are some nice views alongside Mesa and Shadow Canyon North Trails as you hike South.
The primary half of Shadow Canyon is a pleasant shady path that winds by means of forest and round big boulders. Regularly, the hike will get steeper and tougher.
Preserve your eyes open for Satan’s Thumb to your proper about midway up the canyon.
In the direction of the highest of Shadow Canyon, you will see that your self extra uncovered and in direct daylight as a result of burnt out space attributable to the forest fireplace in 2012. The path switchbacks by means of the burnt forest to a saddle the place you get your first views of the Continental divide and the Rocky Mountains to the West. Flip left up South Boulder Peak Path for South Boulder Peak summit. To the fitting, Bear Peak Path results in Bear Peak Summit.
3. Inexperienced Mountain Summit Hike
I feel that the mountain climbing trails of Inexperienced Mountain are probably the most lovely in Boulder. So many nice views in all instructions. The traditional Inexperienced Mountain loop hike is likely one of the extra shaded hikes in Boulder which may be very welcome within the hotter months. Inexperienced Mountain is nice for newbies and for extra superior hikers.
Generally, I mix Inexperienced Mountain Summit with Bear Peak Summit. Different days, I’ll do an enormous loop round Inexperienced Mountain.
Both means, begin on the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. There isn’t a lot parking at this trailhead, so in the event you can, get dropped off. Or, Park close to Chautauqua and make your means over to Gregory Canyon Trailhead.
There are a number of routes you could take to Inexperienced Mountain Summit:
Saddle Rock Path -> E.M. Greenman Path -> Inexperienced Mountain Summit
Gregory Canyon Path -> Lengthy Canyon Path -> Ranger Path -> Saddle Rock Path -> E.M. Greenman Path -> Inexperienced Mountain Summit
Gregory Canyon Path -> Lengthy Canyon Path -> Ranger Path -> E.M. Greenman Path -> Inexperienced Mountain Summit
Inexperienced Mountain West Ridge Path -> E.M. Greenman Path -> Inexperienced Mountain Summit
The primary route is the quickest, most direct path to Inexperienced Mountain Summit from Boulder. The second two routes that take you up Gregory Canyon Path are longer routes to the summit. The final route (drive up Flagstaff highway to this trailhead) is the simplest path to Inexperienced Mountain Summit by way of Inexperienced Mountain West Ridge Path.
One choice is to do a loop and discover a lot of the Inexperienced Mountain trails abruptly. Take Saddle Rock and E.M. Greenman Trails to the Summit. Proceed on E.M Greenman to Ranger Path, to Lengthy Canyon Path, and at last down Gregory Canyon Path again to the Gregory Canyon Trailhead.
Here’s a slight variation of the loop mentioned above. It begins at Chautauqua.
If you’re up for an extended hike you possibly can do Inexperienced Mountain and Bear Peak on the identical day. If you’re feeling actually formidable you possibly can additionally do South Boulder Peak. No matter you determine, simply take heed to your potential, elevation positive factors, distance, and the way you’ll get again. To make sure that you don’t run out of time it’s a good suggestion to get out on the paths early. Dawn if attainable.
Listed here are some routes that I’ve recorded that embody Inexperienced Mountain and Bear Peak.
Extra Inexperienced Mountain loops (recordings and routes) to return this Spring.
4. Royal Arch Hike
This can be a very talked-about hike in Boulder. The most effective place to start out this hike is at Chautauqua Park.
There are some steep sections to the hike, however not practically as intense as mountain climbing the massive three peaks in Boulder. All talent ranges can do that hike. I charge this as a reasonable hike to do in Boulder.
The Royal Arch hike is an in and again hike alongside the identical path. It’s not a loop.
The path ends on the Royal Arch an unbelievable rock formation within the form of an arch. It’s large and really cool. Undergo the arch and sit on the rocks in and across the finish of the path. Watch out, to the South of the arch is a sheer drop off.
5. First /Second Flatiron Hike
The primary and second Flatiron hike is my favourite “brief hike” in Boulder. If you’re touring right here from decrease elevations, it is a nice introductory hike to get adjusted. This hike supplies a fast glimpse of what mountain climbing in Boulder is all about.
It’s a nice intermediate hike that reveals off unbelievable views of the Flatirons, Boulder under, and the Indian Peaks (continental divide) to the West.
6. Mount Sanitas Hike
Mount Sanitas might be the preferred hike in Boulder. It’s a go-to path for path runners, and likewise a preferred hike to do in Boulder with canines.
Is it the very best hike in Boulder? Perhaps not. However it’s tremendous accessible to downtown Boulder and hike to do if in case you have lower than 2 hours.
The West aspect of the loop (Mount Sanitas Path) is tougher than the East aspect. The West aspect of the loop rises at an honest grade and is rocky. The East aspect of the loop (Sanitas Valley Path) is actually a highway down a valley. I normally take the Dakota Ridge Path as an alternative of Sanitas Valley Path which runs parallel to the East.
The views of Inexperienced Mountain and Boulder itself are very good.
Another route that may take you to Mount Sanitas Summit is Lion’s Lair Path. Drive up Sunshine Canyon Highway and park on the trailhead. That is a simple mountain climbing path that switchbacks by means of lovely coniferous forest.
7. Mesa Path
This hike is completely epic. It affords unbelievable views of the Flatirons and Bear Peak as you journey from one finish of the path to the opposite.
If you’re visiting Boulder, and are coming from decrease elevations, this path is a good all-day mountain climbing journey that you are able to do whilst you acclimate. The hike doesn’t exceed 7000 toes in elevation so you’re unlikely to get altitude illness. Nonetheless, it’s a demanding hike that covers 13.2 miles and has over 2600 complete toes of elevation acquire. This can be a hike for hikers which might be already in nice form.
You can begin this hike at Chautauqua Trailhead and journey South, returning North. Or, begin the hike on the Mesa Path South Trailhead and journey North, returning South.
8. Settler’s Park
Settler’s Park is extra of a vacation spot or a really brief hike in Boulder.
The primary attraction of this park is the purple rock formations.
Entry the park on the West finish of Pearl Avenue and do a fast loop. You might additionally pop over and do the Mount Sanitas hike since they’re aspect by aspect. Or, simply hang around on the rocks and take within the view of Boulder.
9. Skunk Canyon Hike
Skunk Canyon is a simple hike in Boulder that’s usually neglected. I feel it is likely one of the greatest hikes in Boulder. It’s hottest with locals who dwell within the space.
It’s a brief loop that presents some unbelievable views of Bear Peak and the Flatirons.
If you’re visiting Boulder it is a lovely hike that’s excellent to get your legs and lungs adjusted to the upper altitude.
Park on Deer Valley Highway or Dartmouth Avenue and go from there.
You possibly can prolong this hike by doing the brief Woods Quarry loop, or a loop round Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Higher Trails. These trails are simply to the North of Kohler Mesa Path. All of those trails take you thru some lovely forest which is nice within the Summer time in case you are on the lookout for some shade.
10. Decrease Chautauqua Park
Okay, now all the upper elevation trails (Royal Arch Path, First and Second Flatirons Path) that you are able to do beginning out at Chautauqua Park.
Nonetheless, there are additionally a number of simple hikes to do in Boulder situated within the decrease space of Chautauqua. These are nice hikes to do in case you are not within the best form, are mountain climbing with youngsters, or in case you are brief on time.
Do a loop round Bluebell-Baird and Bluebell Mesa Trails for nice views of the Boulder Flatirons.
Or, simply to the East, do a loop of Enchanted Mesa Path and McClintock Higher. This can be a good shady hike.
11. Boulder Skyline Traverse Hike
This hike ties nearly all of the hikes in Boulder collectively into one enormous all-day lengthy outing. Let’s name it mountain climbing in Boulder excessive!
The Boulder Skyline Traverse hike covers all of the 5 main peaks in Boulder: Mount Sanitas, Flagstaff Mountain, Inexperienced Mountain, Bear Peak, and South Boulder Peak.
Begin out on the South Mesa Trailhead and hike all the way in which to Mount Sanitas.
You’ll cowl nearly 15 miles of trails and greater than 5000 toes of elevation on this epic hike.
In the event you select to deal with this hike from one finish of Boulder to the opposite, make certain that you have got an abundance of meals and water to maintain you going.
The Greatest Day Journey Hikes Close to Boulder Colorado
There may be a lot mountain climbing round Boulder to do. There are additionally many extra notable areas to hike which might be a brief drive from Boulder.
I’ll undoubtedly cowl these mountain climbing locations in higher element. However for now, it is necessary that you’re conscious of those bonus choices. Throughout your keep, you may like to order a day or two and department exterior of town correct.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Only a 10 minute drive South of Boulder is Eldorado Canyon.
From right here you possibly can hike a couple of superb trails:
Rattlesnake Gulch Path
Eldorado Canyon Path
If you wish to do a protracted day hike, comply with Eldorado Canyon Path to the Walker Ranch Loop.
Brainard Lake Recreation Space
If you’re visiting Boulder in July or August and are serious about some tougher, greater elevation hikes, that provide cooler temperatures, take into account the Brainard Lake Recreation Space.
The most well-liked trails and hikes are:
Lengthy Lake Loop
Isabelle Glacier Path (Lake Isabelle hike)
Mitchell Lake Path (Blue Lake hike)
Mount Audubon Path (13er hike with unbelievable 360° views)
Pawnee Move Path (hike to Pawnee Peak)
In the event you plan to do a hike at Brainard Lake, you should definitely arrive by 6AM or properly earlier than dawn. Parking is restricted and fills up quick.
For extra info, try our information to the very best hikes within the Indian Peaks Wilderness space.
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park (RMNP) is de facto a whole mountain climbing journey or trip by itself. The park is 415 sq. miles in dimension and has over 100 trails you could discover.
Try our Final Information To The Greatest Hikes In RMNP for extra info.
If you’re visiting Boulder you possibly can simply do a day journey. RMNP is a one hour drive from downtown Boulder. Take a drive on Path Ridge Highway, or do a day hike.
Identical to Brainard Lake, RMNP will get busy early. It’s endorsed to reach on the trailhead earlier than dawn.
This concludes our information to the very best hikes in Boulder Colorado.
Images From The Greatest Hikes In Boulder Colorado
Okay, let’s check out some images of what you possibly can anticipate to see whereas mountain climbing in Boulder.
For extra hikes close to Boulder and different elements of Colorado, try our guides to the very best hikes in Colorado, the San Juan mountains, Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, and Indian Peaks Wilderness.
For extra on mountain climbing in Colorado, try these guides: Colorado Path Gear Checklist, Mountain climbing Colorado’s 14ers, Greatest Hikes within the San Juan Mountains, Greatest Hikes in Colorado, Greatest Hikes In Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Indian Peaks, and Greatest Winter Hikes in Colorado.
