Mount Sanitas Trail | Boulder Colorado
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Recreation Trails Mount Sanitas
Mount Sanitas is a popular local hike offering an easy stroll and a difficult hike combined into one loop. The east half of the loop is an easy walk along a wide trail making it's way up Sanitas Valley. The west half of the loop ascends a rocky ridge up to the top of Mount Sanitas yielding one of the best views of Boulder around.
Many people do only half of the loop depending on their goals. This trail area is very popular on weekdays after work hours and weekends with both hikers, walkers, dogs, and climbers practicing grips on the rocks. This is a popular spot for dogs but be careful on the steep / challenging western portion of the loop. This section can be aerobically challenging and many of the "steps" are taller rocks that are difficult for smaller dogs. This is definitely a spot to bring a good water supply for pooch!
- Trail Stats
- Connections
- Photos
- Directions
Distance |
3.3 for the entire Mount Sanitas loop
1.5, West segment along ridge to peak (Hard), roughly 900ft/mile ascent. 1.8, Sanitas Valley trail and steep section from summit. Sanitas Valley is an easy walk. 0.9, Dakota Ridge side trail |
Miles |
Physical Difficulty Technical Difficulty Elevation Gain Starting Elevation Max. Elevation Min. Elevation Facilities Fees Wheelchair Use Mountain Bikes Dogs Horses Fishing Snowshoe X-Country Ski Agency |
Moderate - challenging. East half easy. Moderate - challenging, Steep rocky sections 1343 5520 6863 5520, trailhead Picnic Area None Mostly Not Accessible No Yes, Steep segment can be a challenge Yes None NA / Unknown NA / Unknown |
Feet Feet Feet Feet
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Highlights |
Sandstone formations. Excellent views of Boulder from ridges. |
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Comments |
The east half of this loop is relatively easy while the west half ascends a rocky ridge. Many people do half of this loop depending on their goals. |
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Dakota Ridge Red Rocks / Anemone Hill |
0.9 mile side trail along Dakota Ridge Red Rocks trail area is across CO 119 |
View of Boulder and the east portions of the Mount Sanitas Trail area
Looking south from Mount Sanitas
Mount Sanitas trail segment
Photos courtesy of J. Thomas Colorado Photographer - All Rights Reserved©
Directions to Mount Sanitas
The Mount Sanitas trailhead is on Mapleton street and 4th, at the location of the Mapleton Medical Center and at the mouth of Sunshine Canyon. Parking is generally limited to street parking.
