Hiking in Boulder

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Hiking

The City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks administers all of the trails described here. They sell an excellent water- and tear-resistant map of hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails and can give you information on the easy-to-moderate hiking in the area parks. Many trails are open to dogs, provided they are leashed. Be prepared for short thunderstorms during summer afternoons. A parking permit ($3 per vehicle) is required for all non-Boulder County vehicles. You can purchase a daily pass either at self-serve kiosks in the mountain parks or at the office. 66 S. Cherryvale Rd. 303/441-3440. www.ci.boulder.co.us/openspace. Weekdays 8-5.

In Boulder

For a relaxing amble through a riparian environment, take the Boulder Creek Path Trailheads, which wind from west of Boulder through downtown and past the university to the eastern part of the city. Within the eastern city limits are ponds, gaggles of Canada geese, and prairie dog colonies. People-watching is half the fun: you'll see cyclists, joggers, and rollerblading dads and moms with their babies in jogging strollers. You'll have great views of the mountains as you walk back toward downtown. Walk west along the path from Broadway to Boulder Canyon and you'll see kayakers negotiating the boulders and inner-tubers cooling off in the summer heat.

Chautauqua Park

Even a short walk up the grassy slope between Chautauqua Park and the base of the mountains brings out hikers and their dogs to take in some sun. After an early-morning hike, the dining hall at Chautauqua Park fills with hungry people ready to tuck into a hearty breakfast. Afternoon walkers relax on the park's gently sloping lawn with a picnic and gaze up at the foothills stretching along the Front Range. To reach the parking lot, take Baseline Road west from Broadway. The park is on the left just past the intersection with 9th Street.

Locals love the Chautauqua Trail/Mesa Trail (Trailhead: Main parking lot), a 1.6-mi round-trip loop, for its great views of the city as well as for offering a few peeks at the rock climbers on the Flatirons. From the trailhead go up the Chautauqua Trail 0.6 mi to the Bluebell/Baird trail. Go left 0.4 mi and then left again onto the Mesa Trail, which takes you the 0.6 mi back to the parking area. The trail is a long slope at the beginning, but once in the trees you won't gain much more elevation. Allow a couple of hours for a leisurely walk on this easy hike. The 4-mi round-trip Royal Arch Trail (Trailhead: Main parking lot) leads to Boulder's own rock arch. Although it's far from equaling the famous rock formations in Utah, the Royal Arch is worth the steep hike, as are the views of the foothills and cities of the Front Range. The trail spurs off the Chautauqua/Mesa Trail loop and follows along the base of the Flatirons. You'll climb 1,270 feet in 2 mi. Go under the arch to the precipice for the views. If you turn around, the arch frames a couple of Flatirons for a good photo.

In the Mountains

Two popular trails on the edge of town get you into the mountains quickly. The parking areas are across the street from each other and fill fast. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Carry a picnic on the Red Rocks Loop (Trailhead: Mapleton Ave.,1 mi west of Broadway on left) and enjoy the mountain and city views. The Red Rocks Trail goes to the right from the parking lot and takes you through wildflowers and grassy meadows on the way up to the rock outcropping. The 0.5-mi round-trip takes about 20 minutes and gains 340 feet. If you have time for the full 2.3-mi loop allow one hour. You'll gain most of the 600 feet in elevation change on the way back. Sanitas Valley Loop (Trailhead: Mapleton Ave., 1 mi west of Broadway on right. known locally as Mount Sanitas) is an easy 3.5-mi hike and provides constant mountain scenery in Sunshine Canyon while you climb 540 feet going up the west flank of Mount Sanitas. From the trailhead head left onto the Mount Sanitas Trail, which becomes the East Ridge Trail as it wraps around the north side of the mountain. From here you can descend to the right on either the Sanitas Valley Trail back to the parking area or along the Dakota Ridge Trail if you want more city views. Be sure not to take the sharp left at the Dakota Ridge intersection, which leads straight downhill to town. Boulder will be on your left all the way back to the trailhead. Allow two hours to walk and take in the scenery.

Flagstaff Mountain offers hikers several easy-to-strenuous hikes. An easy walk along the Boy Scout Trail to May's Point offers glorious views of the city and Boulder Valley along the way and exceptional views of the Indian Peaks from May's Point. The 1.5-mi round-trip trail starts at Sunrise Amphitheater where it goes to the left into the spruce forest. After about 0.75 mi and only 140 feet elevation gain, head to the right at the fork in the trail. It's a short distance to May's Point. Trailhead: Drive west on Baseline Rd. to sharp curve to right that is Flagstaff Rd., then turn right at Summit Rd. The trail starts from parking area about 0.5 mi in. It's a few hundred ft out to amphitheater.

Green Mountain Loop rewards ambitious hikers with beautiful vistas of the Front Range and the Indian Peaks. The Gregory Canyon, Ranger, E. M. Greenman, and Saddle Rock trails create a 5.5-mi loop that takes three to four hours to hike. It's a 2,344-foot gain in elevation to Green Mountain's summit (8,144 feet). Follow the Gregory Canyon Trail to the Ranger Trail, and go left. Stay to the right at the E. M. Greenman Trail. At the intersection with Green Mountain West Ridge Trail, turn left. Go on to the summit and descend along the E. M. Greenman and Saddle Rock trails after taking in the view. Trailhead (Gregory Canyon Trail): Drive west on Baseline Rd. to sharp curve that is Flagstaff Rd., and then turn left immediately after curve. Parking area is at end of short road where trail starts.