Boulder Colorado is home to a seemingly infinite amount of outdoor activities. When I first moved here I was overwhelmed by the number of great hiking options. After four years of living here as a student, I have found my favorite trails.
I love going on short day hikes right in my backyard. Most of my time on the trails is spent chatting with a friend, petting cute dogs, and admiring the stunning views. Most of the hikes below are short hikes that can be completed in under two hours and showcase some of the best views and terrain in Boulder.
AllTrails is a great app for finding hikes in your local area and I would highly recommend you download it. Here are some of my favorite hikes in Boulder that I recommend you check out if you are in the area!
1. Boy Scout Trail to May’s Point
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
My favorite things about this hike… This hike offers gorgeous views of the city of Boulder, the foothills, and the tall mountains in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area northwest of Boulder. The trail is relatively flat and May’s Point is a great spot to sit and enjoy the mountains. I would recommend going just before sunset and admiring the amazing views. There is also a great picnic area near this trailhead for anyone looking for a nice lunch spot.
My top advice… This hike leaves from a very popular trailhead in Boulder on the top of Flagstaff Mountain so try and go early or on a weekday to make sure you can secure parking in the top lot closest to the trailhead. The road up to the trailhead is usually closed in the winter for snow and ice concerns. If this is the case, I recommend continuing up the road for more viewpoints with equally breathtaking views.
2. McClintock Trail and Enchanted Mesa
Distance: 1.9 Miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
My favorite things about this hike… This hike features great views of the Flatirons and is a nice quiet hike through the forest. I have seen beautiful birds on this hike as well as wildflowers in the summer. This hike starts near the Chautauqua Auditorium and is typically a less busy trailhead than the base of Chautauqua and is a less steep hike than those near the base of the park.
My top advice… Take the loop starting left via Enchanted Mesa and finish down the McClintock trail. There are some rocky steep sections coming back down so make sure you wear good shoes. Parking is free at Chautauqua on weekdays so try and go then for a quieter trail and to avoid fees!
3. Walker Ranch, Ethel Harrold, and Canyon Falls
Distance: 3.5 Miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
My favorite things about this hike… This hike takes you down a valley to a beautiful creek and falls. It has a good mix of terrain that keeps you interested. The sound of the rushing falls is also an added bonus.
My top advice… The Ethel Harrold trailhead is typically much less crowded than the Walker Ranch one. I advise you to park here and do this trail as an out-and-back to falls. You can also walk the road for a bit quicker, yet steeper, trip down the canyon. The trailhead has a great picnic area that is rarely busy and has amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
And a final bonus is that the creek is a great spot for fishing and lounging on a nice day. There are many places to sit with a book or fish in the falls and creek. My boyfriend and I frequently hike this route and love spending time by the creek on a sunny day. Pack a blanket and lunch and make a day trip out of your hike!
4. Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa
Distance: 2.8 miles
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
My favorite things about this hike…This is my favorite spring and summer hike in Boulder because it is full of beautiful wildflowers. The hike is also partially shaded which makes it great for a warmer day when you don’t want to experience direct sun for your entire hike. Besides the wildflowers, there are also beautiful views and forest sections that are great on this route.
My top advice… The parking area for this trail is in the back of a neighborhood so just be considerate when parking here and make sure you leave the trailhead nicer than you found it. I also recommend a sunhat and sunscreen for this hike if you are going in the morning because the final section is a bit exposed to the sun and can shine directly on you as you finish your descent.
5. Lion’s Lair
Distance: 4.1 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
My favorite things about this hike… This hike takes you to the top of Mount Sanitas, a beautiful peak in Central Boulder. I prefer taking the Lion’s Lair trail instead of the traditional Sanitas trail because it is more shaded from the sun and has breathtaking views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness northwest of Boulder. I have also seen deer, birds, and other wildlife here.
My top advice… Most of the parking for this trailhead is on the side of the road so be careful when parking as there are some blind corners nearby. I also have experienced spotty cellphone service at this trailhead so make sure you have your directions and trail map set before entering the canyon.
6. Mesa Trail
Distance: 6.4 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
My favorite things about this hike… This is one of my favorite longer hikes to do on a weekend or when I am looking for a flatter trail. This trail is a point-to-point trail that runs from Eldorado Canyon all the way to Chautauqua Park. It takes you through multiple valleys and differing terrain along the base of the Flatirons. This hike can be lengthened to around 13 miles by doing it as an out-and-back trail or shortened by starting at a trailhead closer to Chautauqua. Dp this hike with a group of friends who can bring multiple cars!
My top advice… This hike is best done with two cars, one parked at Chautauqua and one parked at the South Mesa Trailhead. If you drop a car at Chautauqua beforehand then it is super easy to hike the trail one way and then drive back for your car in South Boulder after you finish. I advise starting at the South Mesa side of the trail and hiking towards Chautauqua.
3 quick tips before your adventure!
- Look at the most recent comments for the trail you plan to hike on AllTrails. People give daily updates on trail conditions, closures, and things to know before you go.
- Always check the weather and pack for afternoon showers during Boulder summers.
- Bring tons of water. If you are visiting Boulder and are not used to the dry climate and elevation you may become dehydrated more quickly than normal.
I hope you found this list of my favorite trails useful. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for me to add in the future.
Happy hiking!
- Kieran
