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A straightforward run on some of the best trail Boulder has to offer.


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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.3

KM

83%

Runnable

6,504' 1,982 m

High

5,672' 1,729 m

Low

831' 253 m

Up

831' 253 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

22%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Please check bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/cl… for closure data.

Overview

This route is classic front range "up, then down" running. The highlight of the "up" part being the segment atop Shanahan Ridge (Mesa Trail - Shanahan Ridge), from which the views are incredible.

Description

Start at the small parking area on Bear Mountain Drive. In order to get the road section out of the way ASAP, start heading uphill on Bear Mountain Drive (southeast). Next, take a left on View Point Road and then a right on Cragmoor Road to reach the Cragmoor Connector as it heads to North Fork Shanahan Trail (stay straight here). Runners will get great views of the City of Boulder and the Flatirons.

North Fork Shanahan Trail ascends steeply, not contouring at all. Pass Shanahan Connector on your left and continue straight. Eventually, after the steepest portion, this trail terminates at the Mesa Trail.

Turn right onto the Mesa Trail, which is nestled between Bear Mountain and Shanahan Ridge. After ~.4mi, turn right to head up the Mesa Trail - Shanahan Ridge to get some sweet views, or turn left to stay on the Mesa Trail. Shortly after staying on the Mesa Trail, you'll pass Fern Canyon on your left. Continue down Mesa as it switchbacks steeply past the Bear Canyon Trail.

Finally, you'll come to a fork. Take a right here to take the NCAR - Bear Canyon Trail. Follow this wide singletrack as it winds past the NCAR - Bear Connector trail on your left and follows Bear Canyon Creek on your right. Once you're past the connector, you're almost to the trailhead!

After some quick downhill running, you'll approach an obvious intersection with Bear Canyon Trailhead, a small connector trail joining the canyon to Bear Mountain Drive. This short trail crosses a stream and may include some mud, so stay on your toes!

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 24 votes

#2

in NCAR

#2847

Overall
  3.4 from 24 votes
5 Star
8%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in NCAR

#423

in Colorado

#2,847

Overall
54 Views Last Month
10,864 Since Dec 17, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
4%
87%
4%
4%
0%

Photos

Bear Peak, the Goose and the Seal with permission from BoulderTraveler
Jan 8, 2015 near Boulder, CO
South Boulder Peak with permission from BoulderTraveler
Jan 8, 2015 near Boulder, CO
The Mesa Trail overlooking NCAR and the valley below. Dogs are allowed off leash if they have their Blue tags
Apr 13, 2015 near Boulder, CO
A nice trail into the Boulder foothills.
Apr 8, 2017 near Boulder, CO
A boulder in a green meadow below Dinosaur Mtn with permission from BoulderTraveler
Jan 8, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Looking toward flatirons from Mesa Trail.
Jul 20, 2020 near Boulder, CO

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Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 23 days ago
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