Imagine walking up a steep mountain and being greeted by 360 degree panoramic views. If that sounds like the ideal trail to you, then you’re going to want to read my list of the best hikes in Boulder Colorado. Blue skies, sights of the Rocky Mountains, and nice trails are some of the things you can expect from the trails in this mountain town.
Over the past six months, I have completed over 60 hikes on my journey through the US. The hikes that I did in Boulder were some of my absolute favorites! I did not expect to be floored by this mountain town, but it really captivated my heart. I only hope that you can enjoy some of the same experiences that I had and that you get to see what these great trails have to offer.
Boulder sits at 5,000 feet above sea level, so remember to acclimate before you try to do any of these hikes. Many of these hikes are right near the downtown area, so they are easily accessible and popular trails. Expect to see other hikers and try to get to spots early to snag parking, because it can be hard to find. As always, you’ll want to pack the ten essentials and practice the Leave No Trace principles when you explore.
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5 Amazing Hikes in Boulder
#1 First and Second Flatiron
This is probably the quintessential hike in Boulder! It’s one of the most well-known and you can see these mountains from all around town. The Flatirons stand imposingly over the whole city and so it’s really exciting to get to climb to the top of these impressive peaks. There are three Flatirons in total, and on this hike you’ll get to go to two of them!
At the top of this trail you will be greeted by incredible views on both sides of the Flatirons.
To one side, you can see the whole town of Boulder and on a clear day you will even be able to see the city of Denver. On the other side, you can see the Rocky Mountains and the continental divide. Climb up onto the Flatirons and you will even get to see that you made it to the very top of them. I was in awe the entire time that we were at the peak.
While the trail starts off relatively easily, it steadily makes its way uphill. We thought that it would be a relatively easy trail, but we were huffing and puffing the entire way up the mountain. There are some areas of the trail, where you will have to climb on rocks, but there is no intense bouldering or rock climbing. As long as you are in good shape and you have acclimated, then you should be able to reach the top.
In order to get to the trail, you will need to go to Chautauqua Park, which is in the town of Boulder. It’s free to enter the park, but parking costs money from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
This is a very popular trail, so you may have to park on the street near the park and you will definitely see other hikers along the way!
This was by far my favorite hike in Boulder, so I definitely think you should add it to your hiking bucket list.
Quick Trail Stats:
Length: 3.6 miles
Elevation: 1,446 Feet
Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re visiting from abroad, make sure to get an eSIM from Holafly with unlimited data, so you can download all the trail maps!
#2 Wonderland Lake
For those looking for a nice easy stroll, then this hike is for you! This trail loops around Wonderland Lake, which is a beautiful area in the foothills. When you walk, you will most likely see others running, biking, or fishing around the trail. It’s the perfect way to get outside and get some exercise after a long day of work or before you take on the day!
To get to this easy trail, you will need to drive down Broadway and past the downtown area to get to the park. Once you get to the lake, you will see the small parking lot, but note there are no bathrooms at the trailhead. It’s quite an easy walk, but it is a great way to see something new and beautiful! If you want to add more, then you can hike up the hillside by the lake.
Quick Stats:
Length: 1.8 miles
Elevation: 88 Feet
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
#3 Lion’s Lair to Green Mountain
Mt. Sanitas is one of the major peaks in Boulder and a spot that you will definitely want to see! Most people take the Mt. Sanitas trail, but this trail climbs more than 1000 feet in just 1.3 short miles. That’s an incredibly steep climb! Instead of tiring yourself out, you can do the much easier Lion’s Lair path to reach the same point and be greeted with fantastic panoramas over Boulder!
The Lion’s Lair trail starts with a mile or so of switchbacks through the forest. Once you have gotten around 1.5 miles in then you will start to see nice views of the surrounding area. This trail is well maintained and well marked, so it is incredibly easy to follow. Finally, you will reach the short and steep rocky climb to the top of the Mountain. From the peak, you can get views over Boulder and you can see the Flatirons to your right!
In order to get to Lion’s Lair, you will drive past the Pearl Street Mall. Then continue until you see Sunshine Canyon Drive. From there, you will take the road for 1.8 miles until you see some areas to park alongside the road. If you go during the day, you will most likely see other cars parked at the same trail. Make sure to only park in the areas that it is allowed! Once you’re there, you can start your walk up the mountain.
Quick Stats:
Length: 4.1 miles
Elevation: 810 Feet
Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
#4 Rattlesnake Gulch
I had to include this hike in the best trails in Boulder Colorado, even though it is technically not in town! It’s just one of those trails that is so amazing, you would travel a little bit further to take it! Once you get to the top and you are greeted by landscapes over the rocks ahead and the continental divide to the other side. It’s always an exciting feeling to see the tall Rocky Mountains ahead and feel how small you truly are in the world!
One of my favorite parts about this hike is the amazing things you see along the way. First, you will walk alongside the river, but once you have made your way up from there you will get to an even cooler spot. There, you will see the remnants of the Crag Hotel, which burned down in the 1800s. All that is left are the fireplaces and stone wall outlines of the buildings. No one even knows how or why this hotel completely burned down! Who doesn’t love a good mystery?
Then, you can continue past the hotel towards the Continental Divide or up to the peak of Rattlesnake Gulch. Sometimes, the peak gets closed due to the wildlife and Golden Eagle’s nests that are on the cliffside. Unfortunately, when we went this part of the trail was closed, but the best views are at the Continental divide anyways! When you get to the Continental Divide viewpoint, you will see amazing panoramas of the area and benches to sit to enjoy the fantastic views!
This trail is in Eldorado Canyon State Park, so you will have to drive out of Boulder for 20 minutes to get here. Once you enter the park, you will have to stop at the entrance station to pay the $10 fee to enter. There, you can get a map of the park, which will show you exactly where to park to access the trailhead.
Quick Stats:
Length: 3.3 miles
Elevation: 816 Feet
Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
#5 Green Mountain
If you like hikes with great panoramic mountain views, then Green Mountain is another great one to do! When you get to the top of this trail you’ll be able to see South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, and some of the Rocky Mountains. It’s incredible to see so many mountains at one time!
The beginning of the trail starts out going through the forest and is relatively easy and remains flat for a while. You’ll walk through clearings where you can catch glimpses of the mountains out in the distance. However, the last half a mile of the trail gets pretty steep and there are some rocky stairs to climb up. You’ll know you reached the peak, when you see the rock structure that sits on top of a little hill. From there, it feels like you can see all around you for miles.
To get to this trail, you should drive past Chautauqua Park and continue onto Flagstaff Road. This road gets very windy and steep, so if you don’t like those kind of drives you may want someone else to do it with you. Once you’ve gone five miles up the road, then you will see the trailhead for Green Mountain. Make sure to park in the designated areas on the side of the road and pay the Boulder fee if you do not have a permit.
Quick Hike Stats
Length: 4.0 miles
Elevation: 721 Feet
Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Let me know if you found this guide to the best hikes in Boulder, Colorado helpful!
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Wow 60 hikes in 6 months is very impressive! These hikes look absolutely amazing from your photos, I would love to do some one day.
We have been doing a lot this year, it’s definitely not our usual pace!
These hikes look seriously amazing! I can’t wait to do them all. Hopefully this summer! Thanks for the inspiration!
Yes of course! Do you have plans to go to Boulder?
These look like some great hikes! I especially like the one around the lake.
That one was very peaceful and a nice stroll!
Lita these are all so gorgeous! I saw the flatirons but didn’t hike them. Definitely need to do that next time!
The Flatirons was one of my favorite hikes! You’ve got to do it
I have a love hate relationship with hiking, I hate the pain but I love the views so I continue to do it 😆 we hike a lot here in the PNW and I’m glad to know there are good spots in other parts of the country like Colorado 😻
I feel that! I am not naturally good at hiking, but I do love all of the views.