Boulder Open Space

Before creating a trip, click “Activities” below to make sure there isn’t already a trip booked to the same place on the same date.

For further information and any restrictions see:  Open Space & Mountain Parks | City of Boulder (bouldercolorado.gov)

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Bear Peak: 5 miles -  2,700 ft elevation gain

There are various routes on Bear Peak; this is via Fern Canyon. Bear Peak is a steep mountain overlooking south Boulder with fine views of the Boulder, Denver and the plains. Fern Canyon is steep and rocky, but well designed.

There are various trailheads.  This route begins via Shanahan Ridge, and climbs a mile to Fern Canyon, and a mile up Fern Canyon leads to a saddle at Nebel Horn. The trail turns south up the north ridge of Bear Peak approximately one half mile to the summit.

Shanahan Loop: 4 miles - 850 ft elevation gain

A gentle wide trail for most of the route connects to many of the trails in Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks. Creates a nice loop if you connect the north and south forks of Shanahan trails.  Partial shade and nice views of the plains to the east.

South Flatirons Vista:  8 miles - 600 ft elevation gain

Great views of the peaks above Boulder and towns to the north. Begin at the Flatirons Vista Trailhead. Remember to pay the $5 parking fee/car for non-Boulder, Co residents.  Take the South Flatirons Vista trail until it intersects with the Dowdy Draw trail.  Dowdy Draw to the Community Ditch trail.  Cross Hwy. 93 and continue until it intersects with the Greenbelt Plateau Trail.  Turn south on this trail and return to the parking lot, crossing Hwy. 93 one more time.

Doudy Draw: 6.5 miles - 1,500 ft elevation gain

Mount Sanitas: 3.2 miles - 1,323 ft elevation gain

It has high foot traffic and meanders both sides of the ridge leading to the Mount Sanitas summit. The terrain varies from open meadows to rugged boulders and projected rock outcrops. This hike has great rock formations, views above Boulder and optional bouldering areas. Option to take the Sanitas Valley Trail or Mount Sanitas Trail. 

Anemone Point via Red Rocks and Anemone Trail: 2.8 miles - 741.47 ft. elevation gain

Try this 4.5-km out-and-back trail near Boulder, Colorado. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 34 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and rock climbing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Sanitas to Flagstaff: 8.3 miles - 2600 ft elevation gain

Royal Arch Trail: 3.4 miles - 1,500 ft elevation gain

Hike from Chautauqua via the Bluebell Rd and Royal Arch trails to a spectacular natural arch with outstanding views over Boulder and surrounding area. Relatively easy hike with some steep switchbacks. 

Mallory Cave: 1.6 miles - 627 ft elevation gain

Springbrook Trail: 5 miles - 353 ft elevation gain

Fowler Trail: 2.6 miles - 280 ft elevation gain

Enchanted Mesa Trail:  2.3 miles - 413 ft elevation gain. 

This easy hike in the Chautauqua area climbs gently through dense pine forest to an overlook with great views of the flatirons.  Connects to a number of other Boulder Trails.

Woods Quarry Loop Trail:  2.5 miles - 643 ft elevation gain. 

This moderately challenging trail in the Chautauqua area leads to an abandoned quarry that provided sandstone for Boulder's buildings and sidewalks in the 1890s before it closed in the 1920s.  Connects to a number of other Boulder Trails.

Flatirons Vista Loop: 3 miles - 285 elevation gain

An easy, 3.3 mile, 285’ gain loop hike located just south of Boulder.

Boulder Sunset, Moonrise from Bear Peak - 6 miles - 2500 ft elevation gain

Ascend Bear Peak for the sunset and the moonrise.

South Boulder Peak - 8 miles - 2900 ft elevation gain

South Boulder Peak from the S. Mesa TH/CO-170 via Mesa, Homestead, and Shadow Canyon Trails

Woods Quarry - Skunk Creek Loop - 3.5 miles - 678 elevation gain

Boulder and Bear Peaks - 10 miles - 3400 ft elevation gain

South Mesa TH, Tag S. Boulder Peak and then Bear Peak.  Return via the Fern Canyon Trail to the Mesa Trail

• Suitable Activities: Biking, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Trail Running
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Land Manager: City of Boulder Parks
• Parking Permit Required: Other
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 16
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 16