Boulder is just 30 miles northwest of the hustle and bustle of Denver and is home to a treasure trove of natural beauty, delicious restaurants, and of course, epic hiking trails. The area boasts some of the most picturesque and rewarding hiking opportunities in all of Colorado. Here’s a list of the best Boulder hikes. I’m sharing 10 of the top day hikes, combining both well-trodden paths and hidden gems. Happy hiking!
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Table of Contents
Easy Hikes near Boulder
Looking for a quick easy stroll during your time in Boulder? These easy hikes in Boulder are a great way to get outside without breaking too much of a sweat.
1. Fowler Trail
- Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 410 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 1 hour 30 min.
- Trailhead: Fowler
- Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
This hike into Eldorado Canyon State Park offers a gentle ascent on a wide path. Hikers enjoy wildflowers in summer and spectacular canyon views year-round. Keep an eye out for rock climbers on the north canyon wall.
Know before you go: There are no facilities at the Fowler trailhead. However, there are restrooms at the turnaround spot (Rattlesnake Gulch Trailhead). If you are looking to create a longer (and more challenging) hike, you can continue onto Rattlesnake Gulch Trail (hike #5 on this list).
2. Chautauqua and Bluebell-Baird Loop
- Distance: 1.5 miles loop
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 456 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 1 hour
- Trailhead: Chautauqua
- Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
This loop is perfect for families and those looking for a leisurely hike. It offers a gentle walk through meadows and pine forests, with stunning views of the Flatirons and ample opportunities for picnicking. This one also connects with the Royal Arch trail (#9 on this list), if you are looking for a bit more of a challenge.
Know Before You Go! Parking at Chautauqua can be challenging on weekends and other peak times. Instead, leave your car behind and take the Park to Park free shuttle. After your hike, you can visit the Chautauqua Dining Hall, serving Colorado bistro food and offering lovely views from the deck.
Moderate Hikes in Boulder
Looking for a bit more of a challenge? Here are my favorite moderate hikes in Boulder!
3. Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop Trail
- Distance: 3.2 miles loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,256 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 2 hours 15 min
- Trailhead: Centennial
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on leash
This is a popular city trail combining challenging climbs and rocky scrambles to the summit. After being challenged with the many stairs on the trail to the summit, hikers are rewarded with views over Boulder and the plains beyond. The loop descends gradually down the Sanitas Valley Loop Trail.
An easier alternative is the Lion’s Lair Trail (hike #4), which leads to the same summit. You can also walk up and down the Sanitas Valley Loop Trail, going as far up as you’d like. It’s the perfect hike for your summer getaway to Colorado!
Know Before You Go: Parking can be a challenge on weekends. Arrive early to get a spot. You can also park along Mapleton St, though check road signs for no parking areas. While you are hiking, be aware of loose rocks and gravel in the initial stages of the descent.
4. Lion’s Lair Trail
- Distance: 4.1 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 826 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Lion’s Lair
- Pet Friendly: No
Offering a less crowded and less strenuous alternative to the Mt. Sanitas trail, Lion’s Lair Trail meanders through serene forests and meadows. This provides a tranquil hiking experience with splendid views of Boulder and the mountains from the summit. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Know Before You Go! You can do this as an out-and-back or combine it with the Mount Sanitas Trail to make a loop. If no parking is available at the trailhead, park at the Centennial Trailhead and walk to Lion’s Lair Trail.
5. Rattlesnake Gulch Trail
- Distance: 2.9 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 728 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 1 hour 30 min
- Trailhead: Rattlesnake Gulch/Crags Hotel
- Pet Friendly: Yes, on a leash
This moderate hike leads to the ruins of the Crags Hotel and an overlook with sweeping views of the continental divide. The Craigs Hotel was open from 1908 until 1912 when it burned down. Hike 10 minutes past the hotel on the Rattlesnake Gulch Loop trail to the overlook for spectacular views. Completing the whole loop trail adds 1.4 miles to the hike if you would like to extend your hike.
Know Before You Go! Eldorado Canyon State Park has an entrance fee of $10/vehicle, unless you have a Colorado state park pass. Eldorado Canyon also has a time entry system. Reserve your spot in advance or look on the website for late-release entry spots.
To avoid the timed entry system and fee, park at the Fowler Trailhead outside of the park and hike the Fowler Trail to the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail.
6. Green Mountain West Ridge Trail
- Distance: 3.8 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 682 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Green Mountain West
- Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash
Starting from Flagstaff Road, this trail offers a moderate hike to the summit of Green Mountain. Much of this trail is in the shade, running through a pine forest. Wildflowers are spectacular in summer. Hikers are rewarded at the summit with views of the Front Range, Boulder, and the Continental Divide.
Know Before You Go! If you get an early enough start, you can watch the sunrise at the Sunrise Amphitheater further down Flagstaff Rd. before your hike. Then, you can find free parking on the road near the trailhead.
7. Walker Ranch Loop
- Distance: 7.9 miles loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,610 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 4 hours
- Trailhead: Walker Ranch Myers Homestead
- Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash
This loop offers a longer hike with varied landscapes, including forests, meadows, and creeks. The trail runs through Walker Ranch Park and portions of Eldorado Canyon State Park. It’s perfect for experiencing the broader natural beauty of Boulder County, without the crowds you might find at Sanitas or Chautauqua.
Know Before You Go! Parking for visitors whose vehicles are not registered in Boulder County is $5 daily or $25 for an annual permit. Pack a picnic as the South Boulder Creek Picnic Area is a great place to cool off and stop for a picnic lunch.
8. First and Second Flatirons Loop
- Distance: 2.7 miles loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,450 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Chautauqua
- Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash
This moderately challenging loop takes hikers up close to the iconic Flatirons. The notch between the 1st and 2nd flatiron is a great place to take a break and have a picnic lunch, with spectacular rock formations and expansive views of Boulder and beyond. Make sure to stay on the trail as there is quite a bit of poison ivy on the sides of this trail
Know Before You Go! Parking at Chautauqua can be challenging on weekends and other peak times. Instead, leave your car behind and take the Park to Park free shuttle. After your hike, you can visit the Chautauqua Dining Hall, serving Colorado bistro food and offering lovely views from the deck.
Difficult Hikes in Boulder, Colorado
For those of you who are realllllly ready to break a sweat, here are two hard hikes in Boulder! Don’t worry, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views!
9. Chautauqua Trail to Royal Arch
- Distance: 3.3 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Trailhead: Chautauqua to Royal Arch
- Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash
Starting at Chautauqua Park, this classic Boulder hike leads to the Royal Arch. This trail has tight switchbacks and loose gravel. The trail ends at Royal Arch, which is a natural stone arch, offering breathtaking views of Boulder and the Flatirons.
Know Before You Go! This trail can be a bit confusing, be sure to download a map or bring a physical copy along for reference. Parking at Chautauqua can be challenging on weekends and other peak times. Instead, leave your car behind and take the Park to Park free shuttle. After your hike, you can visit the Chautauqua Dining Hall, serving Colorado bistro food and offering lovely views from the deck.
10. Bear Peak via Shanahan Ridge
- Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 2,673 feet
- Average Hiking Time: 4 hours 15 min
- Trailhead: Shanahan Ridge Cragmoor Road
- Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash (However, not recommended)
For those seeking a strenuous hike, Bear Peak offers unmatched panoramic views from its summit. This is a steep and technical hike, requiring scrambling especially near the summit. The terrain varies from ponderosa pine forests to exposed terrain. The incredible views from the top make the challenge of this hike worthwhile.
Know Before You Go! The last 0.7 mile is exposed to the sun. Try to avoid hiking during the heat of the day, especially during summer. Bring extra water and a hat. Given the technical nature of this trail and long exposed sections, it may be better to have your dog sit out this hike.
As always, know your limits and know the trail conditions before attempting this ascent.
Hiking in Boulder Tips:
- Altitude: All of the hikes described here begin above 5000 ft. If you’re not accustomed to higher altitudes, give yourself time to acclimate. Bring more water for your day hikes than you think you’ll need.
- The sun’s rays are much more intense at altitude. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself.
- Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before heading out and always bring a raincoat. Plan your hikes to be off the mountain or below the timberline by noon to avoid lightning.
- Wildlife Awareness: There are bears and mountain lions in the mountains around Boulder. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals and know what to do in an encounter before heading out.
Boulder Hikes Recap
Boulder County’s diverse landscape offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, suitable for those looking for a gentle walk or a challenging mountain summit. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, these trails offer a rewarding way to experience the great outdoors in Boulder County. I recommend spending one day in Boulder and then continuing on to check out the amazing hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
You May Also Like
- One Weekend in Boulder
- One Weekend in Denver
- Where to Stay near Rocky Mountain National Park
- Denver Date Nights
- Colorado Day Hiking Bucket List
- Dog-friendly Restaurants in Denver
About The Author!
Sonia, a local of Boulder, shares off-the-beaten-path itineraries on her blog, Carey On Travels. Follow along with Sonia’s adventures on Instagram!
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