Sarah WallockBest Hikes & Day Trips Around Boulder, Colorado
Upon moving to Boulder in 2022, I knew getting into the high country with ease was a top priority for me. I came from living in ski towns with top-notch mountain access. I knew I wanted to settle in a place where wilderness areas and nature spaces lie within a short distance from home.
In my definition, I refer to high country hiking as areas above 7,000 feet of elevation.
Here are some of my favorite day hikes around my home base of Boulder, Colorado.
Walker Ranch Loop up Flagstaff
- Distance from town: 30 minutes
- Trail length: 3.5-8 miles
- Insider tip: Hydrate! This trail is super exposed to the sun. Be careful at the beginning of summer when the river is raging.
West Mag Trails in Nederland
- Distance from town: 30 minutes
- Trail length: 0.5-8 miles
- Insider tip: Such a rad place to see the aspens turn in fall, with yellows, oranges, and reds!
Bear Lake Corridor in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Distance from town: 1.5 hours
- Trail length: 1-14 miles
- Insider tip: Hike right instead of left from the Bear Lake trailhead and crowds clear out in less than 0.5 miles vs heading left with the majority of day hikers.
- Permit and national park pass required depending on entry time.
Brainard Lake Excursions
- Distance from town: 40 minutes
- Trail length: 1-14 miles
- Insider tip: Park at the winter lot to avoid buying a parking permit and hike in an extra mile on the Waldrop trail.
- Permit required depending on entry time.
Crater Lakes from Moffat Tunnel
- Distance from town: 50 minutes
- Trail length: 7-10 miles
- Insider tip: Go early on weekend mornings to avoid crowds! Do not park outside of designated areas or you will get a ticket.
Mount Flora near Winter Park
- Distance from town: 1.5 hours
- Trail length: 6 miles
- Insider tip: Because this one is off the i-70 highway corridor, it can also draw crowds. Make sure to bundle up as you ascend to the windy 13,000 foot peak.
Here are just a smattering of the best hikes in the general Boulder area of Colorado! But thousands more lie beyond this short list. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles.
