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Mt. Sanitas Loop

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Highlights:

classic Boulder trail close to downtown. Great views at summit.
Near:Boulder, CO
Scenery:
Distance:3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1255 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: Very popular trail close to downtown Boulder. A classic trail for the area. Take the loop either way, each way is a good workout. The valley is fairly flat with lots of dogs around. Views from the ridges are astounding in all directions. Horses are allowed on trails, but I would not recommend them on the steep ridge trails.
Trailhead: In Boulder, take Broadway to Mapleton and turn west. This intersection is just north of downtown. Go about 5 blocks, just past the hospital, there will be the parking area on the north and one further west on the south side. The trailhead is on the north side of the road. (Lat:40.02063 Lon:-105.296)
Trail Guides for Mt. Sanitas Loop:
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses,
Ranger Contact: City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks Department, 303-441-3440.
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dennis Camell, who has posted  21 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 4   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Huntman on 6/29/2009
I am 9 years old. It was sooo cool because you got to see all of these butterflies and ladybugs that were all over you. It was hard because there were lots of difficult steps. It took my Dad and me about 2 and 1/2 hours.

Reviewed by URWhimps on 6/23/2009
Most kids shouldn't have trouble with this 3 mile stroll- 30+ year olds who "lose" the trail here probably get lost in their local supermarket. This trail is a joke- it probably seems "hard" to the people who are expecting an escalator to carry them up. Note how these reviews only reccommend "good shoes" - not hiking boots, not crampons...suck it up. If you think this trail is hard you probably find it difficult exerting yourself to bring your garbage to the end of your driveways. Toughen up, folks.

Reviewed by Larry on 5/3/2009
Hiked Sanitas today going clockwise up the ridgeline and descending the east side. If you are in shape and used to walking up and down boulders then this is a moderate hike. If you have slippery shoes then there will be potential to lose your footing. If Longs is hard and Betaso is easy then this is only moderate. The majority of the hike is on a groomed trail or on very nice steps that are built into the trail. What I like best about this hike is that it is minutes from downtown Boulder and instantly you leave the city behind. Thank you Boulder open space!

Reviewed by Tracy on 3/17/2009
I would agree that this is a difficult hike, with only a couple of flat spots. I've done it a few times before when I lived in Colorado and it wasn't as difficult as it was this time, probably since I've been living at sea level the last 8 months. But it's a great hike and a great workout!

Reviewed by F,L, M, C on 11/1/2008
"Hike" is a four letter word when referencing Mount Sanitas to flat landers from Florida. But it is an "adventure" that we will always remember. Go with good friends,sense of humor,lots of water and good knees.

Reviewed by Annie on 8/12/2008
This is a great hike if you are looking for real workout. I agree with the other comments here that it is NOT MODERATE. But the reward of the views is well worth it. Good sturdy hiking shoes are definitely necessary, as it it slippery on the descent. Very enjoyable!

Reviewed by Grant on 8/6/2008
I could have benefitted from the reviews on this site prior to hiking this trail w/ my family. My kids are 6 & 8 and we have enjoyed many easy/moderate hikes in the boulder area. However, I would rate this closer to difficult than moderate (especially for the kids). The ascent up the west side was moderate, shaded, and provided many scenic views. The descent on the east side was difficult, steeper, and slippery in places. We lost the trail briefly on the descent (in the boulders where others have reported the same issue). We hiked on a Weds morning and saw many people on the trail (my kids counted 26 dogs!). Overall, a fun and challenging hike, but make sure your kids can handle a bit of scrambling if you descend on the east ridge.

Reviewed by Nancy on 7/19/2008
This hike is a great work out, safe to do alone as there are plenty of people around. My favorite way to hike is starting up the west side, looping down on the east side. Always see wildlife in the early a.m.'s. Today I did the loops twice and enjoyed the summit views x 2. I recommend it! Wear good shoes with good soles.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Boulder County Hiking, Boulder County Trails, Boulder County Hikes

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