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A switchbacking trail that leads from the bottom of Skunk Canyon to the Mesa Trail.


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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.2

KM

84%

Runnable

6,262' 1,909 m

High

5,715' 1,742 m

Low

548' 167 m

Up

2' 0 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

Access this trail from the NIST Service Road or from NCAR - Skunk Canyon trail.

Skunk Canyon Trail switchbacks its way up the hillside above the creek through exposed grassland. After an initial set of switchbacks, the trail begins to contour further into the canyon. On your right, you'll pass the Skunk Canyon Spur that leads up to Kohler Mesa. Continue on Skunk Canyon and enjoy the change in scenery (and shade) as you enter the woods. Push up the hill and eventually you'll intersect with the Mesa Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Grasslands transition into dense (for Colorado frontrange) forest.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 8 votes

#8419

Overall
  4.3 from 8 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#659

in Colorado

#8,419

Overall
24 Views Last Month
2,951 Since Dec 16, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
90%
0%
10%
0%

Photos

Coyote along the Skunk Canyon Trail
Dec 16, 2014 near Boulder, CO
View of NCAR from up on the Mesa Trail near Kohler branch.
Jul 5, 2023 near Boulder, CO
Looking out to U. Colo. Boulder from Mesa Trail.
Jul 20, 2020 near Boulder, CO
Wildflowers and butterflies are plentiful along portions of Mesa Trail during the spring and early summer months.
Dec 24, 2014 near Boulder, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Aug 14, 2021
Kaylee M
Jun 22, 2019
Jake Dickerson
4mi
Feb 25, 2019
jeff borchardt
Challenging run but quick access to the Mesa Trail from South Boulder neighborhoods. All runnable.
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