Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1255 feet
Trailhead: 5520 feet
Hiking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: All seasons
Hike type: Loop
Near: Boulder, CO
Direction: In Boulder, drive north on Broadway Blvd. and turn left (west) onto Mapleton Ave. Passing the hospital on your right side, drive about five blocks further and park on the north side of the road. The trailhead is located on the same side of this road.
Description: Keep in mind that there are several trails meeting this loop, so always look out for the signs and follow them to avoid hiking at a wrong trail. Bring enough water with you, especially during a warm climate.
Starting from the trailhead located on the Mapleton Road, the wide, graveled pathway leads toward the Mt. Sanitas West Ridge trail, where you find the log steps and then continue on the rugged trail, which eventually joins the Sanitas Valley Trail. These trails mark as a ridge line of Mt. Sanitas, giving you both views of Boulder City on your right and the Indian Peaks area on your left, which marks the beauty of this hike.
The Sanitas Valley Trail contains the sandstone slabs, Ponderosa pine trees and bouldering areas. You would see friendly hikers and dog-walkers, the athletics running, and climbers on the bouldering spots. This hike is moderately difficult as it requires a lot of legwork uphill, which may be difficult for beginners or those who are a bit out of shape. But reaching to the Mt. Sanitas summit will reward you with a panoramic view of the Indian Peaks, the city of Boulder, lower foothills and eastern plains. During sunny days, this view is breathtaking and definitely worth the hike.
Crossing north over this summit, the trail leads gets challenging, especially if it’s wet with melted snow or muddy, and requires cautious footing. We recommend wearing gloves and keep both hands free in case of fall, as this trail becomes steep, rugged and rocky. This trail gets tricky, so continue looking out for the Sanitas Valley trail signs and follow them. Hiking down the large boulders, the trail leads toward the graveled trail through spacious hills east of Mt. Sanitas. Over a mile and a half of walking on this path will lead toward the end of the loop on the Mapleton Road.
Keep your camera close to you for you may have an opportunity to spot animals, including deers, foxes and coyote. Although it’s rare, beware of any possible encounter with mountain lions and bears, especially if you are hiking at dawn or dusk. Since it gets dark fast at dusk, we recommend wearing a headlamp and flashlight(s) or glow sticks. Going in a group of hikers instead of alone is also safer.
