Mount Sanitas Trailhead

Hiking area · Boulder

Mount Sanitas Trailhead

Hiking area · Boulder

1

Sunshine Canyon Dr, Boulder, CO 80304

Photos

Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by beklaus
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null
Mount Sanitas Trailhead by null

Highlights

A popular local hiking gem near Boulder, this steep and challenging trail offers stunning views that reward your effort with every climb.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Placeholder
Placeholder

Sunshine Canyon Dr, Boulder, CO 80304 Get directions

bouldercolorado.gov

Information

Static Map

Sunshine Canyon Dr, Boulder, CO 80304 Get directions

+1 303 441 3388
bouldercolorado.gov

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@cntraveler

"The classic Sanitas 3.2-mile loop uses Mount Sanitas Trail to ascend, East Ridge Trail to descend, and the Sanitas Valley Trail to cool down. It's popular with hikers, runners, and dog walkers, and its likely that an ultra-fit Boulder local or two will pass you on the climb. The moderately steep ascent up to Sanitas Mountain features high steps on logs and boulders, but shade offers a bit of respite. Don't let the false summits fool you, when you get to the top you'll know it: All of Boulder is spread out to the east and you'll also see views of the foothills and Indian Peaks mountains to the west. A more technical section—the East Ridge Trail—makes for a tricky down, but the trail eventually spreads out on an easy gravel road with great views of the red-hued Flatirons." - Megan Barber

3 Best Day Trips From Denver | Condé Nast Traveler
View Postcard for Mount Sanitas Trailhead

Bonnie Gagnon

Google
A stunning trail that leads to a breathtaking view. According to the website, it's approximately a 1.4 mile trail. Difficult in that that gives the quads an exceptional workout. I love this trail.

Chris Pence

Google
Like most reviews, I agree that the trail is very popular, and you will wait for people. Exposure is definitely something to consider in the summer months. Parking was easy at 915 am on saturday. A short walk to the trail head and straight vertical. There are a lot of steps, rocks, and people. The trail did not disappoint. I got a heck of a leg workout both up the mountain and back down. Before this hike, I thought I was getting in pretty good shape, but now I'm thinking I got work to do. Enjoy!

Rags Srinivasan

Google
Quick, intense, steep, and fantastic trail. This is a local favorite and it is right at the end of Mapleton, next to a new retirement home and condos. We went before sunrise and the sight at top is beautiful. There were several people and the parking lots were filling up fast. It starts like a staircase and does not let up. You are always climbing with super short flat portions. The trail is steep in some places but easy to navigate up and down. You would think you are dine when you reach the shoulder, just a 100 feet up and you will reach the summit for great views. There is a small section of the trail where work is being done, respect the trail.

Syed S Mehdi

Google
What a wonderful hike. If you wanted a low.key walk with minimal escalation this hike is for you. The mountain range beside you and the views are breathtaking. If you like a challenge at a fork in the road you can take the ridge trail which is a more difficult hike for those more experienced and like a slight challenge.

Carlos Cantu

Google
Very steep, about 1100 ft elevation gain in maybe 1.2 miles. But plenty of shade spots for a pit stop. Prepare for stairs!!

Michael Kucsmas

Google
I'm going to give this five stars only because sometimes you have to challenge yourself. I hike a lot but this particular trail which is ridiculously up-up-up and is predominantly steps and blocks made of sandstone is a major workout. I have nothing against exerting oneself but if you are a person who is looking for a leisurely hike this ain't it! I refer to this as the heroic trail which leads to the view of Boulder from which you can pick out the houses you will never be able to afford. Nice views and it does connect to the Lion's Lair trail or the Sanitas Valley Trails.

Shabana

Google
Loved this hike. It’s up, up, up. It is not a relaxing trial. Definitely a workout but it’s great. Bring lots of water, take breaks and wear your sunscreen.

Aiswarya Abhisek Mohapatra

Google
A beautiful place in South Boulder for half a day hiking. The difficulty level is moderate considering the steepness while climbing up. The view from the top is amazing and worth every drop of sweat. The path down is so scenic and easier. If traveling during Feb, having crampons is a must cause of patches of ice and snow. Summer hikes are recommended for early risers because of lack of shaded areas during descending.