The best walks and hikes in Boulder County
4.7
(685)
14,800
hikers
434
hikes
Best hike trails in Boulder County
• The most popular route, Chautauqua Trail & Royal Arch Trail loop — Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks, is a moderate hike covering 6.70 km and takes approximately 02:27.
• Another favorite, Mount Sanitas Loop — Boulder Open Spaces & Mountains Parks, is a moderate hike covering 6.33 km and takes approximately 02:34.
• The most popular route, Chautauqua Trail & Royal Arch Trail loop — Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks, is a moderate hike covering 6.70 km and takes approximately 02:27.
• Another favorite, Mount Sanitas Loop — Boulder Open Spaces & Mountains Parks, is a moderate hike covering 6.33 km and takes approximately 02:34.
Last updated: December 19, 2025
4.8
(46)
465
hikers
Climb through pine forest and flagstone steps to reach a natural stone arch overlooking Boulder.
Moderate
4.8
(10)
433
hikers
6.33km
02:34
440m
440m
Boulder's backyard summit with steep rock scrambles and sweeping views over the Colorado plains.
Moderate
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4.7
(6)
442
hikers
4.41km
01:52
390m
390m
Rock scramble through Boulder's iconic Flatirons with sweeping views of campus and Rockies.
Moderate
4.5
(11)
382
hikers
5.46km
01:58
340m
340m
Climb through Bluebell Canyon to a natural stone window framing Boulder and the plains beyond.
Moderate
4.9
(13)
278
hikers
6.13km
02:03
300m
300m
Historic trail to 1913 hotel ruins with sweeping canyon views and glimpses of rock climbers below.
Moderate
4.5
(17)
260
hikers
7.02km
02:08
250m
250m
Boulder's newest trail with helicopter-built stone steps leading to panoramic views over downtown and the Flatirons.
Moderate
4.9
(13)
215
hikers
12.7km
03:49
430m
430m
Historic ranch loop through diverse foothills terrain with creek views and Front Range vistas.
Moderate
4.9
(10)
193
hikers
9.73km
02:52
150m
150m
Alpine lake hike through wildflower meadows with towering 13,000-foot peaks and frequent moose sightings.
Moderate
5.0
(6)
214
hikers
6.83km
01:56
150m
150m
Pine-scented trail through meadows and forest to 360-degree views of Boulder's peaks and fourteeners.
Easy
3.0
(1)
173
hikers
5.28km
02:03
240m
240m
Shaded forest trail to alpine Lost Lake with moose sightings and fly fishing beneath Bryan Mountain.
Moderate
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More Information
FAQs about hikes in Boulder County
- What are the most popular hikes in Boulder County?
One of the most popular hikes is Chautauqua Trail & Royal Arch Trail loop — Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks. It's highly rated by the community and offers a classic Boulder County hiking experience. - Are there easy hiking options available in Boulder County?
Yes, Boulder County offers a good selection of easier trails, with 188 easy hikes available. You can find options like those listed in 'Easy hikes in Boulder County' suitable for all fitness levels. - What about more challenging hikes in Boulder County?
For those seeking a challenge, Boulder County has 62 difficult hikes. These routes typically involve significant elevation gain and rugged terrain, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness. - Can I find hikes with waterfalls in Boulder County?
Absolutely! There are several waterfall hikes in Boulder County, perfect for enjoying scenic cascades. You can explore routes like those featured in 'Waterfall hikes in Boulder County'. - Are there hikes to alpine lakes in Boulder County?
Yes, a notable example is the Lake Isabelle Loop — Indian Peaks Wilderness, a popular choice for its stunning alpine scenery and chances to spot wildlife like moose. - What is the longest hiking route available in Boulder County?
The longest route is Walker Ranch Loop — Eldorado Canyon Park, stretching 12.71 km and typically taking around 03:49. - Looking for a shorter hike, what's a good option in Boulder County?
For a quicker outing, consider First & Second Flatiron — Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks. It's a more compact option at 4.41 km and typically takes about 01:52. - Which parks or open spaces are popular for hiking in Boulder County?
Popular choices include Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Roosevelt National Forest, and Walker Ranch Park. These areas provide diverse trails and scenic views. - When is the best time of year to go hiking in Boulder County?
Hiking in Boulder County is enjoyable year-round, with spring and fall offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is great for higher elevation trails, while winter can provide opportunities for snowshoeing on select paths. - How many total hiking routes are there in Boulder County?
Komoot features a comprehensive collection of 425 hiking routes across Boulder County, catering to all skill levels and preferences.
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