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There’s no question that the Front Range is a mecca for hiking. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a labyrinth of easily accessible trails from their backdoors. Everything from a full-day’s trek to a walk in the woods after dinner can be found here. As the weather heats up and the snow melts away, be sure to check out our favorite hiking trails in the area this spring.
Royal Arch
Located in Chautauqua Park, Royal Arch Trail is an unabashed Boulder staple. On any sunny day, be it winter or summer, you can find locals and visitors alike clambering up the steep, 3.4-mile loop to see a massive natural arch. The top of the trail also offers an astounding view of the city of Boulder. Rated as difficult, this trail may not seem ideal for beginners, but at under 4 miles you’ll find the beautiful hike to go by quickly regardless of your ability.
White Rocks (Gunbarrel)
The Gunbarrel area is home to a host of excellent spring hiking. One of our favorite spots to explore is in the White Rocks Nature Preserve, where an expanse of wilderness lays hidden just north of Valmont Road. Everything from hilltop vistas to wetlands can be found through the trail network here. With just under 6 miles of trail available, this is a great place to take mellow hikes around lakes and cliff sides.
Green Mountain
Green Mountail Trail is a somewhat strenuous 5.45-mile hike that offers spectacular views of both the Front Range peaks and the city of Boulder. Located off of Gregory Canyon in Chautauqua Park, the trail gains roughly 2,300 feet in elevation before you summit Green Mountain. The gorgeous scenery here alone make this one of our top picks in the area. Plus, the trail is a loop, so if you feel the urge to revisit, you can always go up the way you came down your next go around.
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat
Also located in the Gunbarrel area, Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat offers about 3 miles of trails for hiking or biking. It’s also home to several lakes with fishing access for those wishing to cast a line this spring. There are tables and grills available if you’re just looking to have a burger and hang out with friends or family. The area was actually a gravel mine before being reclaimed, so be sure to appreciate this example of how Boulder County is remediating wildlife for everyone to enjoy.
Mount Sanitas
Another hike with a view of both Boulder and the Front Range peaks is Mount Sanitas trail. This 3 mile loop is a bit more strenuous than strolls around Walden Ponds or White Rocks, but its exposed and rocky terrain make it a fun adventure for spring hiking. The loop leads hikers through areas of rocky ridges before and after its peak. On warm and sunny days, this can be a scorcher of a trail, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
Living in the Boulder area comes with tons of perks, and access to phenomenal hiking is just one example. If you want to move closer to the action this spring, consider checking out our pet-friendly Habitat Apartments. We’re located conveniently in Gunbarrel, where you can easily access all the trails listed above and everything else Boulder has to offer.