Best Boulder Hikes

by the CMC Boulder Group, with Jim Groh

The twenty best trails in and around the town that is the center of the known world for outdoor recreation.

A rugged Pack Guide, conveniently sized to fit and endure years of stuffing into pants or pack pockets

Brightly written, color-photographed, and mapped by the knowledgeable members of the oldest mountaineering club in Colorado

Trails for all ability levels, each offering something special for the visitor and local alike

For visitors and locals, casual walkers and hard-core mountaineers, Boulder has arguably the best “back yard” in the country. More than 6 named trails lie in the foothills within a half-hour of town, and scores of more high-altitude trails are within an hour. For a beautiful route through town, start at Eben Fine Park at the mouth of Boulder Canyon and walk west or east along Boulder Creek. The eastern route is wheel-chair accessible. For a rolling foothills route try the Mesa Trail that runs from Chautauqua south seven miles to Eldorado Springs. And for putting up a route to over 13, feet, try the trail up Mount Audubon, but get an early start. The afternoon thunderstorms are always a tad bit sporty.