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Mount Sanitas Loop

 58 votes
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Boulder
  5. Mount Sanitas
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Length

3.2 Miles 5.2 Kilometers

61%

Runnable

Elevation

1,281' 390 m

Ascent

-1,280' -390 m

Descent

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

43%

Max Grade (23°)

6,780' 2,067 m

High

5,521' 1,683 m

Low

Conditions

All Clear 8 days ago
Dry History
Getting forecast...

“Very popular and scenic loop right from the edge of town.”

— Nick Wilder
GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview

This is a steep but rewarding trail, with great summit views of the foothils to the high peaks, and all of Boulder. It is virtually always crowded with all kinds of runners, hikers, and dogs.
Features: Views
Dogs: Off-leash

Need to Know

In typical Boulder fashion, there are some crazy speed records on the various trails.

Runner Notes

Many large steps and off-camber rocks make you keep an eye right ahead of your feet.

Description

From the beginning of the Sanitas Valley Trail, take your first left on the Mount Sanitas Trail and immediately start the very steep ascent of the mountain. The trail is mostly shaded, but there are tons of high steps, both on logs and boulders, which make the trail tiring. You'll pass some large rock outcroppings that are popular with climbers and boulderers and several nice places to rest and enjoy the views both east and west.

After several false summits, you finally gain the true summit and have unobstructed views of all of Boulder to the east, and partially obstructed views of foothills and Indian Peaks to the west.

Head down the very steep East Ridge Trail, which has several tricky sections of steep rock. It eases up as you descend, and finally widens and becomes much easier as you get to a saddle and intersection with the Sanitas Valley Trail.

As you descend this nice, easy gravel road, enjoy the spectacular views of the Flatirons, seen from a unique side-on angle. You'll pass the historic Silver Lake ditch (which supplies water to Boulder farmers and has been in use since the late 1800's) and soon end back where you started.

Flora & Fauna

Mountain lions are common in the area, and the trail is occasionally closed if there is a fresh kill. You'd be lucky to see one though!

History & Background

The peak is named for the Boulder Sanitarium that sat at the current site of the Boulder Community Hospital. The building was completed in 1896 and was primarily used to treat tuberculosis patients. The original smokestack still stands.

There is also an old quarry halfway up the slope (a spur trail will lead you there) that was used for several early University of Colorado buildings.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Boulder, Colorado - Parks and Recreation

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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Apr 1, 2018
Zade Faraj
3.2mi
Mar 10, 2018
Kaylee Mickens
4.2mi
Dec 16, 2017
Kaylee Mickens
3.2mi
Nov 24, 2017
Lindsay Simmons
Took the folks!❤ 3.6mi
Oct 15, 2017
Aaron Potts
more of a hike for me, plus 10 lbs. getting back into it
Sep 20, 2017
Becky Campbell
Jul 6, 2017
Jen McMurtrey
Hot! 3.2mi
Jun 15, 2017
Anna Klochak
Some work to do on that ascent... 3.2mi
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 58 votes

#2

in Mount Sanitas

#33

Overall
  4.1 from 58 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
53%
3 Star
16%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#2

in Mount Sanitas

#11

in Colorado

#33

Overall
485 Views Last Month
6,277 Since Nov 15, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
2%
38%
52%
8%
0%
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Photos

Sunrise from Mt Saintas
Sunrise from Mt Saintas
 6
The top of Mount Sanitas looks out at the beauty of Boulder and the Flatirons.
The top of Mount Sanitas looks out at the beaut…
 4
View from the top of Dakota Ridge
View from the top of Dakota Ridge
 3
Beautiful broad valley views to the south
Beautiful broad valley views to the south
 3
Steep upper section of Goat Trail can be trecherous
Steep upper section of Goat Trail can be treche…
 3
Late season flowers on the Sanitas Valley Trail
Late season flowers on the Sanitas Valley Trail
 3
One of the two large boulder formations that the East Ridge Trail threads through
One of the two large boulder formations that th…
 3
Trail runners enjoy their winter workout
Trail runners enjoy their winter workout
 2

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