1. South Mesa Trailhead

    1. South Mesa Trailhead

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    Boulder, CO

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    South Mesa Trailhead

    4.4 (12 reviews)

    South Mesa Trailhead Photos

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    On the way up to South Peak and Bear Mountain.
    Andrew O.

    Pretty darn steep hike. Really after the first two miles it's all up hill. Barefooted it until about .1 miles from the summit of South Peak. Kept my spikes on for Bear Peak as well and a bit on the way down. Overall conditions aren't that bad, few patches of ice - last half mile all packed, icy snow. $5 fee for parking if you're not a Boulder resident.

    Dunn House
    Michelle P.

    The South Mesa trailhead marks the south end of the Mesa Trail and is also an excellent departure point for Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak. The lower elevation trails meander through rolling grasslands and sparsely wooded hills, while trails like Shadow Canyon angle steeply up rocky, forested pathways. For history buffs, there are the dwellings of homesteaders. In other words, there's a bit of something for everyone. HELPFUL HINTS: - I was annoyed to learn in June 2011 they started a trial parking fee here ($5 a day or $25 per year), although no charge for vehicles registered in Boulder County. There used to only be a parking fee for Flagstaff Rd pullouts. There isn't another convenient place to park (Doudy Draw is also included in the new feed area) unless you want to hike/bike in. - Leash laws are in effect for canine companions unless they have a voice and sight tag. Please pick up after your dog. - Like most Boulder trails, those in this area get beat down shortly after a snow so while traction devices or poles may be useful, you probably won't need gaiters or snowshoes unless you're making first tracks or plan to go cross-country. - No bikes (typical Boulder regs). - Picnic area. No grills/stoves allowed. - See the website for a trail map and area closures.

    Jean Y.

    What a surprise! It was our 1st time here, paid $5 for parking in the parking lot. Passed a bridge, into the trail, great views, wild flowers everywhere, so pretty! Dog and family friendly, will be back!

    View from the saddle between Beqr Peak and South Boulder Peak
    Rebecca H.

    Pretty good trailhead. Bathroom facilities present. Need to pay for parking. Note, half the parking lot is closed off with construction equipment, there's another lot just across the road but parking is kind of a nightmare. Carpool if you can. I will go back to this area for sure!

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    6 years ago

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    Review Highlights - South Mesa Trailhead

    There isn't another convenient place to park (Doudy Draw is also included in the new feed area) unless you want to hike/bike in.

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    Chautauqua Park

    Chautauqua Park

    4.8
    (352 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    When people talk about heaven on earth I'm pretty sure they're talking about Chautauqua Park. I…read morefeel so lucky I got to experience this beautiful place! Our hike was extra special because it was led by Maria the Park Ranger. Maria's knowledge and passion for Chautauqua was incredible to witness. You can tell these mountains mean so much to her! We learned about the landscape, wildlife, Natives, and so much more. Our hike was simple but we saw so much along the way. The views of the flatirons are hard to beat. The path was busy but it was a beautiful saturday morning and it still didn't feel overly crowded. We saw lots of doggies, runners, and families and friends meeting for a morning hike to kick off their weekend. It was pure magic. I hope I get to come back one day!!

    I feel like if I lived in Boulder I would go elsewhere since this is the more popular,…read moreclose-to-town option that pulls in tourists and the like. Well guess what? I'm a tourist and the like and I enjoyed it! We lucked into parking on a beautiful, busy Saturday morning. They have very nice restrooms at the Ranger station, and more overflow port a potties around if needed too. The nearby trail is highly accessible and it doesn't take long for some views to pay off. It's a decently steep incline, but nothing crazy at all. Once you're into the trees the shade helps against the thin air and the sun, and it's so quiet and serene. No mosquitoes like I'm used to back home. Loved all the birds (shoutout magpies) and also seeing everyones' dogs.

    Photos
    More wall and door work
    More wall and door work
    Audience on the Green
    Audience on the Green
    Sunrise (2/26/23)

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    Sunrise (2/26/23)
    Lion's Lair Trail

    Lion's Lair Trail

    4.4
    (5 reviews)
    7.2 mi

    Great trail. Nice views. A little over 4 miles with a manageable, gradual incline. I'd say it's…read moremoderate but not particularly challenging. Saw a lot of people running. The trail is well-maintained and marked. The trailhead sign isn't readily apparent from the road so we had to pull over and check that it was the right one. The GPS did have the trailhead as slightly further down the road but we ended up in the right place. There's parking along the road, FYI. The trail will take you to the top of Mount Sanitas. Take a look at the map I posted -- there are multiple trails that take you to the peak.

    Beautiful hiking trail just outside of Boulder. I freaking love this trail. I was in Denver and…read moreBoulder for a conference & to see friends. This was one of the short hikes I was hoping to squeeze into my busy day so that I could get that amazing mountain view that I don't get to see in the city. The trail itself is not too steep, and offers beautiful views all around, no matter where you are on the trail. When you are navigating to the trail, you will be driving uphill, and lose cell signal as you approach the base. There isn't really any signal on the trail in general. Parking is all roadside parking at the curved bend of a road. There are clearly areas to park for hikers. This trail when I was hiking was populated by locals either hiking solo or in a small group. Would definitely recommend for a couple hour hike. Only took me about 2 hours.

    Photos
    Lion's Lair Trail
    View from Lion's Lair!
    View from Lion's Lair!
    Front the top of Sanitas we decided to take the Lion's Lair trail and it was nice and flat. Easy way down, but definitely a longer way down.

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    Front the top of Sanitas we decided to take the Lion's Lair trail and it was nice and flat. Easy way down, but definitely a longer way down.
    Gregory Canyon

    Gregory Canyon

    4.8
    (6 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    This trailhead is a hub with access to many other trails. I wanted to climb Flagstaff Mountain and…read morethere are multiple options to get to the top. I started with the GC trail and created a loop with Rangeview and Flagstaff. Rangeview delivered an amazing view of the Rockies. GC is on an incline so you get to look down into the creek and canyon. The western side also offers views of the adjacent Chautauqua Park. Flagstaff summit was not as dramatic, and upon the descent you look out onto Downtown Boulder. I inadvertently took Crown Rock trail, which I do not recommend. It has a lot of loose rocks and gets slippery. Trails were easy to follow and major intersections had clear signage. Only six parking spots! However, you can park for free with some off-road spots on Baseline Rd. I regret starting at 9:30 as trails were pretty sunny. Rangeview offered some needed shade.

    Wow what a marvelous trailhead! The other reviewer was right, you could get to all of Boulder…read moreMountain Parks from here. I arrived around 11am on a weekday and the lot was about half full. There's a few trails that all connect up to Green Mountain, so take your pick. It too me about an hour to summit. The trail was beautiful and in better shape than the Bear Peak trail. It's less steep, but still pretty long and can be an adventure. You get some amazing views, better than Bear I think. Seeing the first flatiron above the fog was so pretty. The summit sports a register and a lot of chickadees begging for food. Don't feed them! Enjoy the mountain air and sunshine, and the fact your so close to town after your hike!

    Photos
    Gregory Canyon
    Welcome
    Welcome
    Rangview Trail is highly recommended

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    Rangview Trail is highly recommended

    South Mesa Trailhead - hiking - Updated July 2026

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