Sanitas at a glance: Boulder's most popular workout hike. 3.1-mile loop including Mount Sanitas summit (6,863 feet). 1,300 feet elevation gain. Moderate to strenuous. Plan 1.5-2.5 hours. Walking distance from downtown—the sunrise hike of choice for locals. Dogs allowed on leash.
Trail Overview
Distance: 3.1-mile loop
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Summit elevation: 6,863 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Trailhead: Sanitas Trailhead (Mapleton Ave)
Mount Sanitas is Boulder's "before work" hike. The trailhead is walking distance from downtown, the loop takes under two hours, and the summit views deliver without requiring a full-day commitment. You'll see trail runners, dog walkers, and fitness hikers at all hours.
Route Options
Classic Loop (Clockwise)
Start on Mount Sanitas Trail (the steep direct route). Summit, then descend via Sanitas Valley Trail (the gentler return). This direction puts the hardest section first when you're fresh.
Classic Loop (Counter-Clockwise)
Sanitas Valley Trail up, Mount Sanitas Trail down. More gradual ascent, steeper descent. Easier on the lungs, harder on the knees.
Sanitas Valley Only
Distance: 2.2 miles out and back | Gain: 600 feet
Skip the summit and hike just the valley. Wide, well-graded trail good for easy walks and families. Connects to the Dakota Ridge and Lion's Lair trails.
Trail Description
The Mount Sanitas Trail is relentlessly steep—essentially stairs in places. Rocky terrain requires attention to footing. The summit area has several rock outcrops with 360-degree views: the Flatirons to the south, the plains east, the Continental Divide west.
The Sanitas Valley Trail is wider and more gradual, following a seasonal creek through the valley. It's a social trail—expect to pass and be passed frequently.
Tips
Parking: The main lot (Mapleton and 4th) has limited spaces. Street parking on Mapleton. The Centennial Trailhead (west end of Linden Ave) provides overflow parking with trail access.
Best times: Sunrise for views and relative solitude. Weekday mornings for lighter crowds. Summer afternoons get hot—start early.
Dogs: Allowed on leash. The steep Mount Sanitas Trail can be rough on dogs' paws.
Facilities
- Small parking lot (free)
- Portable restroom at trailhead
- Trail map at kiosk
- Walking distance from downtown coffee shops
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sanitas good for beginners?
The Sanitas Valley Trail is beginner-friendly. The full summit loop is challenging for beginners—steep, rocky, and over 1,300 feet of gain. Work up to it.
How long does Sanitas take?
The full loop takes most people 1.5-2.5 hours. Trail runners do it in under an hour. The valley-only out-and-back takes about an hour.
Which direction is easier?
Counter-clockwise (valley up, ridge down) has a more gradual ascent. Clockwise (ridge up, valley down) gets the hard part over with first.