South Boulder Creek West and Lower Big Bluestem Loop

This 4 mile loop ascends only a slight amount in elevation, making for a pleasant loop in which opportunities for appreciation of the nature around you and broad vista photography are in plentiful supply. A great hike for those who may still be building their fitness, as so many trails in Boulder are just straight UP. Also great for the fitness buff trail runner who wants something to run in th...

Starting on the edge of a neighborhood in South Boulder, this 3.8 mile loop begins its 869 foot elevation gain by meandering through a pine forest. You can 'choose your own adventure' by exploring the handful of trails that meet up with the Shanahan Ridge Trail, such as the South Mesa Trail, Shadow Canyon Trail, and Fern Gulch Trail. If you keep heading west, the trail will pass by a large slab...

Have you ever reached the bottom of a hike with some friends and thought, 'That was nice, but I'd still like to hike more... a lot more.'? Then the Skyline Traverse is for you. Instead of hiking just Green Mountain or Bear Peak, the Skyline Traverse links South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, Green Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, and Mount Sanitas into one long day. After finishing this 'pleasant stro...

Doudy Draw Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Boulder, Colorado.

Starting at the Mesa trailhead, continue a half a mile through a relatively even grade before arriving at the North Fork Shanahan trailhead, which will take you another half a mile on much steeper grade up to Fern Canyon where you will start a much harder portion of the hike; here, you'll head straight up the mountain through a heavily forested area filled with streams and an abundance of wildl...

This is a great spot for an easy/moderate hike or trail run. The trail is accessible year round and can often be hiked in winter as well as other seasons. You start out at the Mesa Trailhead parking lot off of Hwy 170. There is a parking lot here but this is a starting spot for several hikes into the Flatirons, so plan ahead for a spot on weekends. This is a great trail if you only have a coupl...