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A stiff climb to the sandy saddle between Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak.


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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

36%

Runnable

8,178' 2,493 m

High

6,570' 2,002 m

Low

1,608' 490 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

27%

Avg Grade (15°)

59%

Max Grade (30°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Directly after crossing Shadow Creek, this trail heads straight up. Follow the creek as you weave around massive boulders, stair stepping almost the entire way.

Although this trail gives little to no shelter from the immense incline laid before you, it does offer some amazing views of Devil's Thumb's rarely seen backside. Additionally, the trail provides some fleeting views of both Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak.

The bottom portion of this trail is set deeply in a conifer forest and will provide the best opportunity for potential wildlife sightings. At the steepest and most difficult section of trail (where it switchbacks multiple times), you'll be set in a large burn zone.

This burn area is the product of a massive fire, the Flagstaff fire (also called the Bison fire). Started June 26th, 2012, this fire burned approximately 300 acres and closed a large portion of the City of Boulder Mountain Parks for public use. This trail was reopened June 7th, 2013 - almost a year post-fire!

Flora & Fauna

Black bears and mountain lions inhabit this area. The area is rich with wildlife including Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, songbirds, mule deer, and coyotes.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 18 votes

#1

in South Mesa

#4862

Overall
  4.1 from 18 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
28%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in South Mesa

#429

in Colorado

#4,862

Overall
23 Views Last Month
4,485 Since Jan 31, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
6%
11%
83%
0%

Photos

Once you get to the runnable section inside the burned area, the lung-busting climb is almost over. You're not far from the saddle and great views of Walker Ranch.
Jun 15, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Shadow Canyon
Dec 29, 2023 near Boulder, CO
Shadow Canyon South
Jan 7, 2024 near Boulder, CO
Sick view from Peak 1.
May 28, 2022 near Boulder, CO
Getting up near the top, the trail levels out (relatively speaking) into switchbacks as you enter the burned area (Bison Flagstaff Fire, 2012)
Jun 15, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Looking down through the burned area - into the switchbacks. This is one of the 'runnable' sections of Shadow Canyon Trail
Jun 15, 2015 near Boulder, CO

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