Dakota Ridge Trail

First off, these are two different hikes but both stem from the same parking lot and Settlers Park is a mere 5 minutes away from where you park so why not kill two birds with one stone? One of the more popular hikes in Boulder, Mount Sanitas is a 3 mile hike that quickly scales nearly 1,350 feet. From the parking lot off of Mapleton Road, cross the bridge and stay to the left at both of the fo...

This is a mix of trails that will bring you on an easy loop to the peak of Mt Sanitas, but will keep you away from the usual crowds of the more well-known paths up. The hike is a clear path that brings you 5+ miles from around 5,500 ft in elevation to 6,800.  You'll start at the Centennial Trailhead, which offers free parking, and focus on the Sunshine Canyon Trail going west up the canyon. Yo...

This loop takes you up Sunshine Canyon, a milder and less crowded grade when compared to the popular Sanitas ridge. You'll head up the canyon for a bit before reaching the terminus of the canyon trail -- where you'll cross the road to pick up on the Lions Lair connector. Continue following this up, and you'll eventually reach the summit of Mount Sanitas. You can return the way you came, or take...

Red Rocks and Anemone Trail Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Boulder, Colorado.

Parking is available on either Canyon or Sunshine Roads. During the weekends it tends to get crowded around sunset so plan accordingly. The entire trail is a loop and is a little over 1 mile in length so it doesn't take too long. The main feature is the massive red sand stone rocks that jut out of the earth like fins. They are extremely easy to climb in some parts and on the top provide great v...

Starting at the ever-popular and ever-populated Chautauqua Trailhead, take the main trail (a highway version of a dirt trail) straight towards the Flatirons. Continue going straight passed the Ski Jump trail to your right (0.2 mi.), then at a crossroads with the Bluebell-Baird trail (0.3 mi.) turn right onto the 1st/2nd Flatiron trail (0.7 mi.). Follow this trail over a rock slide, twice, and p...