Mount Sanitas (Latin for Health)

THE HIKE

Exciting little hike that has it all - easy to get to, has crazy views, beautiful rock structures, if you've never done this famous hike, don't miss it, if you've done it before then you know it's worth doing again!

3.2 mile (loop) 2-3hrs, 1300 ft elevation gain

Moderate (hike to summit) / Easy (return loop to trail head) 

The Mt. Sanitas trail is a very popular Boulder hiking trail that's close to town. It starts out steep and rocky and climbs unapologetically up rocks and tall steps on a thin ridgeline with good southwest views across Sunshine Canyon and mountainous Chautauqua Park area. It gradually bends north on the final approach to the  summit. Space at the summit is limited, but easy enough to maneuver about for 360 degree views of the lower foothills, Boulder and the eastern plains and snowcapped Indian Peaks. 

The hike provides stunning views of Boulder and winds along stunning sand stone and granite rock formations. For the return trip we go down the back side of the summit, which  starts off rocky, proceeds into some cool areas with some route finding, and then into a series of switch backs taking you down and eventually ends up on the relatively flat valley trail back to the trail head.

THE ROUTE

The steps heading up at the start

The return on the Sanitas Valley Trail

Our route will be on 3 trails. We will start on the Mount Sanitas trail (1.4 miles)which will take us to the summit. We will descend the summit via the East Ridge trail (0.6 miles) and connect to the Sanitas Valley trail (1.2 miles) which will take us back to the start.

Link to trail map

TRAIL HEAD & PARKING

Official parking for Mount Sanitas is on the right hand side of Sunshine Canyon road, it is a handful of pull offs with room for maybe 5-10 cars at most. These are often full so actual parking will also be just up the road a bit and on the left hand side in the Centennial Park Trail parking lot, which has room for 30-40 cars. There is a short trail that connects the Centennial Park Trail parking lot with the Sanitas trail head by crossing the road at a designated cross walk.

*Restrooms are available at the Centennial Park Trail head parking lot 

DOG REGULATIONS

This is a Boulder Open Space Mountain Park so dogs may be allowed off-leash if they wear a Boulder voice and sight tag ($15-19) and are under voice and sight control. Dogs must not be aggressive towards other people or dogs. It is illegal for dogs to chase or disturb wildlife or livestock. You must pick up after your dog on OSMP land. Don't leave it by the trail to be picked up later.

What is voice and sight control?

Dogs are off-leash, but stay within your sight and under your control. This means that when you command your dog to come, it does so the first time. You must have a leash for each dog with you. Only two dogs may be off-leash at once (per person). Each dog must display a voice and sight dog tag. Everyone who walks the dog on OSMP land must be registered with the Voice and Sight Dog Tag Program. 

Link to Boulder Voice and Site Control Program Page

MEETING PLACE & TIME

WHERE: We will meet at the Centennial Park Trail Head. <<Click here for map>>

DIRECTIONS :

Get to Boulder

Get to Broadway St (if you are taking highway 93 to Boulder, highway 93 becomes Broadway St)

Go West on Mapleton Avenue (Mapleton is the 4th street after Pearl Street Mall if you are heading north on Broadway)

Mapleton Avenue becomes Sunshine Canyon Drive, Centennial Park Trail Head parking lot is on the left hand(south) side of the road.

* if you find a parking place at the official Mount Sanitas parking area which is on the right, before the Centennial Park Trail Head, park and walk up to the Centennial Park Trail Head to meet up with everyone. (it's about 2 minutes walk up the road via a sidewalk that will cross the road)

WHEN: 8:00 am 

AFTER THE HIKE SOCIAL HOUR:  drinks, appetizers, sandwiches, burgers...

Boulder Cafe on Pearl Street Mall

1247 Pearl St. (corner of Pearl and 13th)
Boulder , CO 80302
[masked]

Website

Bar and grill on Pearl Street Mall with patio seating (no dogs allowed on Pearl Street Mall)

We look forward to seeing everyone from past events again and look forward to meeting new members!

To find us, look for Frisco, he's our black, white and brown Australian Shepherd.

* 15 minute rule will be in effect.

* Please be courteous to others and only RSVP if you really can make it.

 Hope to see you there!

 This is going to be a joint hike between 4 Paws 4 Feet and our sister meetup group Australian Sheperd Meet Up Group of Denver. 

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