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Lion's Lair Trail

 4.8 (12)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Boulder
  5. Mount Sanitas
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Length

2.2 Miles 3.5 Kilometers

89%

Runnable

Elevation

711' 217 m

Ascent

-40' -12 m

Descent

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

6,807' 2,075 m

High

6,113' 1,863 m

Low

Conditions

All Clear 68 days ago
History
Getting forecast...

“Fantastic views from a smooth, well-built trail. ”

— Nick Wilder
GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview

Features: Views — Wildlife [Add/Remove]
Dogs: No Dogs

Runner Notes [Suggest Changes]

This is an unusually smooth and well-graded trail. It is much more runnable than every other trail around Mt. Sanitas, and good loops can be formed if you use Sunshine Canyon Drive to connect to Sunshine Canyon Trail.

Description [Suggest Changes]

The trail was completed in the fall of 2014 and is a great addition to the area. Starting from the small parking area, take gentle switchbacks through the ponderosa forest. The grade is never steep, and at least for now, the surface is impeccably smooth. The corners and water crossings show off just how well this trail was constructed.

As you ascend, the views get better and better. Be sure to turn around and enjoy the high peaks in the distance. From the top, all of Boulder is laid out in front of you. Return the way you came, or make a long loop by going down the Sanitas Valley Trail or the Mount Sanitas Trail, then follow the Sunshine Canyon Trail back towards the beginning of this trail.

It's a shame this trailhead does not connect to Sunshine Canyon Trail (there's private property in the way), but maybe someday the county will get an easement to connect them?

Flora & Fauna [Suggest Changes]

The trail name is no accident - this is one of the most frequent areas to spot mountain lions. The trails are closed a few times a year after a lion has killed a deer. You would have to be very lucky to see one... but be aware they're out there!

Contacts

Land Manager: Boulder County, CO - Parks and Open Space

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Your Check-Ins

Check-Ins

Apr 15, 2018
Mike G
Mar 18, 2018
rob hudson
Jul 19, 2017
Courtney Peck
4.2mi — 0h 50m
Mar 25, 2017
Alyssa Countway
Ran up lions layer trail. Down the east side of Sanitas (almost to the bottom) and back up to the summit. And back down to sunshine 5.2mi
Mar 13, 2016
JonathanC
Lovely run, stays shaded in the morning and makes for a great steady, runnable climb. 2.2mi — 37h 59m
Aug 16, 2015
Gus Delaporte
2.2mi
Aug 9, 2015
Gus Delaporte
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 12 votes

#1

in Mount Sanitas

#44

Overall
  4.8 from 12 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in Mount Sanitas

#9

in Colorado

#44

Overall
434 Views Last Month
11,887 Since Jan 27, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
0%
63%
38%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Rolling on Lion's Lair Trail.
Rolling on Lion's Lair Trail.
 5
Sunrise from Mt Saintas
Sunrise from Mt Saintas
 6
View looking west.
View looking west.
 5
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
Views of Green Mountain and the tips of the flatirons
Views of Green Mountain and the tips of the fla…
 2
Views getting better as you ascend.
Views getting better as you ascend.
 2

0 Comments

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