When it comes to hiking destinations in the U.S., few places offer the perfect blend of mountain views, accessible trails, and natural serenity quite like Boulder, Colorado. Located at the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a dream for hikers of all kinds — from early morning trail walkers to seasoned mountaineers seeking summit glory. 🌄
With its year-round beauty, Boulder’s trail network caters to every kind of outdoor explorer. Think towering flatirons, hidden canyons, wildflower meadows, aspen forests, and peaceful creek paths — all within minutes of downtown. Whether you’re traveling solo, hiking with your dog, or introducing your kids to the great outdoors, there’s a scenic path waiting for you here. 🐾👨👩👧👦
Top Scenic Hikes in Boulder You’ll Absolutely Love
In 2025, Boulder’s hiking scene continues to thrive, offering improved trail access, well-maintained routes, and new favorites emerging among locals. In this guide, we’ve curated 42+ of the absolute best hiking places in Boulder — including iconic climbs, secret escapes, family-friendly loops, and breathtaking sunrise spots. 🧭✨
Iconic Hiking Places in Boulder You Must Try
These are the classics—the trails every local and visitor should hike at least once.
1. Chautauqua Trailhead
This is Boulder’s hiking heart! Connects to multiple trails like Royal Arch, Flatirons, and Bluebell-Baird. Expect crowds, but also stunning views. 📸
2. Royal Arch Trail
A challenging 3.4-mile round trip leading to a massive sandstone arch. Perfect for photos and a workout!
3. Flatirons Loop Trail
Experience Boulder’s famous flat rock formations. Moderate difficulty and fantastic panoramic views. 🏞️
4. Mount Sanitas Trail
A local favorite. Short but steep — great for cardio with rewarding city views from the summit. 🌇
5. First and Second Flatiron Trail
Rocky climbs and jaw-dropping vistas — one of the most exhilarating hikes in the area.
Easy & Family-Friendly Trails 👨👩👧👦
Perfect for beginners, families, or those looking for a gentle stroll in nature.
6. Boulder Creek Path
Paved and peaceful, this urban trail follows the creek through town. Great for walking, biking, or picnicking. 🚴
7. Bobolink Trail
A flat, stroller-friendly trail with wide open spaces and birdwatching opportunities. 🐦
8. South Boulder Creek Trail
Peaceful, wide trails along farmland and creeks with Flatiron backdrops.
9. Foothills South Trail
Easy elevation gain with scenic prairie views — a great intro to hiking in Boulder.
10. Shanahan Ridge Trail
Gentle forest paths perfect for families and first-time visitors.
Moderate Hikes with Big Payoffs
Great for those who want a little challenge without the mountain marathon.
11. Green Mountain West Trail
A moderately steep trail leading to breathtaking views of Boulder and beyond.
12. Enchanted Mesa Trail
A shady, magical-feeling hike that connects with McClintock Trail. Very photogenic! ✨
13. Doudy Draw Trail
Rolling meadows and dramatic hills. Ideal for spring and early summer.
14. Flagstaff Trail
Offers overlooks of Boulder Valley and access to other top trails like Range View and Boy Scout Trail.
15. Mesa Trail (South to North)
An essential Boulder trail that connects many key routes. Hike a section or the full 6.7 miles!
Advanced Trails for Experienced Hikers 💪
Steep, long, and demanding — but the views and thrill are worth every step.
16. Bear Peak via Fern Canyon
Steep and rocky, this hike brings you to one of Boulder’s highest points.
17. Green Mountain via Gregory Canyon
A serious climb with big-time views and forested terrain.
18. South Boulder Peak Trail
The tallest peak in Boulder! A rugged trail with amazing 360° views at the top.
19. Bear Peak West Ridge Trail
A scenic and challenging alternate route to Bear Peak with fewer crowds.
20. Long Canyon Trail
Quiet, shaded, and ideal for a full-day hike with mountain views.
Dog-Friendly Hiking Places in Boulder 🐶
Bring your four-legged friend along these scenic and pet-welcoming paths.
21. Marshall Mesa Trail
Flat terrain, great views, and off-leash areas — a dog-lover’s paradise.
22. Tenderfoot Trail (via NCAR)
Dog-friendly and fun for kids too, with science exhibits at the trailhead!
23. Crown Rock Trail
Short and sweet, perfect for dogs and catching golden hour light.
24. Sawhill Ponds Trail
Great for birdwatching and dog walking near the wetlands. 🦆
25. Chapman Drive Trail
Wide road-like trail through forested foothills — good for hiking or jogging with pups.
Wildflower & Spring Season Hikes 🌸
Spring in Boulder is magical — and these trails explode with color and new life.
26. Skunk Canyon Trail
Wildflowers, lush greenery, and bird songs — especially stunning from April to June.
27. NCAR Trailhead to Table Mesa
Rolling hills and prairie blooms, ideal for early spring hikes.
28. Eldorado Canyon Trail
Colorful flora and dramatic cliffs — a hidden gem just outside Boulder.
29. Homestead Trail via South Mesa
Seasonal creek crossings and open meadows covered in color.
30. Big Bluestem Loop
A rolling loop trail that’s vibrant with flowers and mountain views.
Best Sunset & Sunrise Spots in Boulder 🌞
Golden-hour magic awaits on these trails, perfect for photo ops and peaceful reflection.
31. Sunshine Canyon Trail
Gentle trail with city overlook — ideal for sunset walks.
32. Red Rocks Trail
Not to be confused with Denver’s amphitheater — this Boulder trail offers fiery rock formations glowing at dusk.
33. Range View Trail
Part of Flagstaff’s network — offers prime sunrises over the plains.
34. Eagle Trail
Gentle elevation and big skies — come early or late for magical lighting.
35. Davidson Mesa Loop
Wide-open skies make this a perfect place to catch a Boulder sunrise.
Peaceful & Less-Crowded Hikes
Want to escape the crowds? Try these quiet corners of Boulder’s trail system.
36. Anne U. White Trail
A hidden, forested trail with a babbling stream. Peaceful and serene.
37. North Fork Shanahan Trail
Less traveled than the south fork, with equally beautiful surroundings.
38. Bluebell Mesa Trail
Rolling terrain with wide-open meadows — perfect for solitude seekers.
39. Rattlesnake Gulch Trail (Eldorado Canyon)
Historic railroad ruins and sweeping canyon views, minus the crowds.
40. Flatiron Vista Trail
A longer loop with big views and fewer hikers. Peaceful and meditative.
New & Unique Trails to Try in 2025 Places in Boulder
Try something fresh this year with these emerging or upgraded trail experiences.
41. Betasso Preserve Loop
Great for hiking or mountain biking. Recently improved and great for 2025 visits.
42. Fourmile Canyon Trail
A peaceful path with dense woods and occasional wildlife sightings. 🦌
43. Sanitas Valley Trail (Optional)
Gentler than the main Mount Sanitas route — a great intro to hiking in the area.
Your Boulder Hiking Adventure Starts Now!
From flat creek paths to sky-high summits, Boulder is packed with unforgettable hikes for every kind of explorer. Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or you’re lucky enough to live nearby, these 42+ scenic hiking places in Boulder will keep your heart pumping and your soul recharged.
So grab your gear, breathe in that crisp mountain air, and explore the natural magic of Boulder—one step at a time.
I’m Lily Wilson, a traveler, storyteller, and soul-searcher from the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. At LilyOnTheGo.com, every journey begins with curiosity, courage, and a trusty carry-on. Travel, for me, has never been about ticking places off a bucket list. It’s about chasing sunrises in unfamiliar cities, sharing laughs with strangers who become friends.