Trail Run Project Logo

A technical ascent with a great view of Boulder, followed by a nice, open downhill pitch.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.7

KM

85%

Runnable

5,961' 1,817 m

High

5,503' 1,677 m

Low

458' 139 m

Up

458' 139 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

Rocky, technical terrain on Dakota Ridge and a few short steep climbs lead to a great view of Boulder. Turning around on Sanitas Valley Trail is a welcome relief. It's a wide gravel/dirt trail with a manageable downhill pitch, allowing you to cruise back down.

Runner Notes

This is a great, quick loop that can easily be done from town. The perfect mid-day "runch" break.

Description

Start on Sanitas Valley Trail. Keep an eye out for the Dakota Ridge Trail sign about 0.2 miles in. Dakota Ridge is a rocky and rooty singletrack, which makes for a great challenge. Follow Dakota Ridge north, paralleling the Valley Trail. There are a few forks that lead back to the Valley Trail. Be sure to stay on Dakota Ridge.

Go easy on the stairs, as they're pretty steep, and it doesn't really level out until you reach the turnaround. Be wary of rocks and roots - keep your head down. You'll know you've reached the end of the uphill when you see a bench to the right overlooking a sweeping view of Boulder.

Stop and enjoy it for a minute. Then head to the gravel/dirt path, and head south (left) down the Sanitas Valley Trail back to the trailhead. Be wary on this path as it gets a lot of visitors.

Flora & Fauna

You're unlikely to encounter much other than squirrels and chipmunks along this trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Dan Gleason

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 10 votes

#2776

Overall
  4.2 from 10 votes
5 Star
30%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#414

in Colorado

#2,776

Overall
12 Views Last Month
3,896 Since Feb 1, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
92%
0%
8%
0%

Photos

Beautiful easy morning hike.
Sep 6, 2021 near Boulder, CO
Trail runners enjoy their winter workout
Dec 5, 2014 near Boulder, CO
Late season flowers on the Sanitas Valley Trail
Nov 7, 2014 near Boulder, CO
View from the top of Dakota Ridge
Aug 2, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Beautiful broad valley views to the south
Nov 7, 2014 near Boulder, CO
Views of Bear Peak and the edge of the Flatirons
Nov 7, 2014 near Boulder, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 24 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.