However, there is a shuttle you can take from town to avoid having to wait for a parking spot at this state park. You do have to pay an entrance fee to get into Eldorado Canyon State Park. This Hotel was built in 1908 but burned down five years later. Before you get to the top, you’ll pass remnants of the historic Crags Hotel. Bring your camera because these views are stunning. The hike climbs up to an overlook of the Continental Divide. Once you’re hiking the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, you’ll get views of the massive canyon walls around you and Colorado’s eastern plains behind you. As soon as you turn onto Eldorado Canyon road you’ll be surrounded by dramatic, striated rock walls. The Rattlesnake Gulch Trail is a popular trail located in Eldorado Canyon State Park, just south of the city. Rattlesnake Gulch Trail See why this park is so popular by hiking one of Eldorado Canyon’s signature trails.

While you’re on Bear Peak, you can also hike a short distance farther to summit South Boulder Peak. Hiking Bear Peak from this side would be an 8-mile out-and-back hike. You can also reach Bear Peak from the south via the longer Shadow Canyon Trail. You’ll encounter some giant stairs and plenty of switchbacks before the rock scramble to the top. But with the elevation gain, you’ll quickly see the trees thin out. This moderate distance hike climbs through Ponderosa Pine forest at the beginning. That being said, getting to the top does provide rewarding views! It’s an out-and-back hike, though, so you can always turn around before the top if need be. This classic hike has a lot of elevation gain, and it goes up quickly, so be prepared. Hike to Bear Peak via the Shanahan Trail to see what the foothills of Boulder are all about. Bear Peak Summit Hike You have multiple options to summit Bear Peak and they all lead to epic views. This trail is also an ideal section to warm up or cool down at the beginning or end of a longer hike or trail run.įrom the Flatirons Vista Trail, you have several options to extend your hike farther. On this trail, you have constant views of the Flatirons without the elevation gain of actually hiking the Flatirons. The trailhead is near Eldorado Springs, just south of the city. The Flatirons Vista Trail is a relatively flat and very popular trail that follows a loop through a meadow. Flatirons Vista Trail An easy trail for the whole family with continuous views of the Flatirons. Best Hikes Around Boulder: Happy Hiking!ġ.Arapahoe Pass Trail and Lake Dorothy Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Bald Mountain Royal Arch Trail via Chautauqua Trail, Chautauqua Park

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