South Boulder Peak is a demanding 3.7-mile hike (one-way) situated above the South Mesa in the famous Flatirons region near Boulder Colorado. Trail to South Boulder Peak. Although close to Boulder, South Boulder Peak will provide more solitude than nearby Bear Peak or Green Mountain. South Boulder Peak (8,549') is located 3.35 miles from South Mesa Trailhead via Shadow Canyon. South Boulder Peak sees much less traffic than its two brethren mountains, mostly … It’s the result of the 2012 Flagstaff fire. You’ll know when you’ve entered Shadow Canyon because the trail becomes steep and demanding. There are restrooms at the trailhead but not potable water. Be sure to stay out of this area from Feb. 1st to July 31st. Gorgeous views and lots of summer wildflowers! BOULDER COUNTY, CO — A 49-year-old woman was found dead Monday near South Boulder Peak, officials said. This trail starts out at the South Mesa Trail head which leads to many different destinations and connects with Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Park land. If they were, we would rename this website "paradise. This trail passes by tall and mixed grass prairie as it meanders west along South Boulder Creek. From the South Mesa Trail head, take the Mesa Trail to the Towhee trail. From the summit of South Boulder Peak your options are to 1) Descend via the approach route (7.4 miles round trip), 2) Summit Bear Peak and return via the approach route (8 miles total), or 3) Summit Bear Peak and return via Fern Canyon (approx. You can also see the summit of Bear Peak just 0.6-mile to the Northeast. Like. It’s important to know that the descent into Fern Canyon is more demanding than the return via Shadow Canyon. Published on August 9, 2018 by mispin 6 Comments. No foul play is suspected, according to the Boulder … Descended to fern canyon and then ncar 7.8mi Sep 18, 2016 Pawel Turek. The South Boulder Peak hike starts out of the South Mesa Trailhead. It will be marked “Mesa Trail” and have an arrow pointing left to the Shadow Canyon Trail and Right to the Towhee Trail. It’s easy to inadvertently cause a rock to shift and tumble toward the hikers below. Tag: south boulder peak trail What we Did this Month Instead of Paying Rent – August 2018 Edition. The trail levels as it crosses the saddle connecting Bear Peak to South Boulder Peak, then climbs steeply to South Boulder Peak, a 8,549-foot peak covered with massive boulders. So this month we didn’t do a HUGE something, but we did a bunch of small somethings. Follow the Homestead Trail for 1.1 miles. I went online and bought an annual parking pass through the Open Space website. During this first segment, you’ll gain great views down into the entrance of Eldorado Canyon . For the loop route via Fern Canyon, explore our Bear Peak Trail Profile. Be mindful of your steps and prepared to ascend over a mile of fairly rugged terrain. You can either hike from Mount Sanitas to South Boulder Peak or visa versa. ", annual parking pass through the Open Space website, South Boulder Peak Map from South Mesa Trailhead, Golden Gate Canyon State Park Hiking Trails, Ypsilon Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Cliff & Climber’s Trails at Castlewood Canyon, 7.4 Miles Round Trip or approx. Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. If you study a map of the South Mesa area, you’ll notice that it’s a complex network of trails. Tis is great for exploring the mesa, but when summiting a peak, you’ll want to preserve as much energy as possible by taking the most direct route. From South Boulder Peak , head back the way you came back to the Shadow Canyon junction and continue straight/left to Bear Peak. Got waylaid and added a patch of the Mesa trail and went up through the south boulder peak trail to bear peak. And be mindful of the exposure while on the peak. After a little more climbing, the trail becomes rocky as you head to the summit. Wildlife, Create Recommended Route or To the south, I could even see Pikes Peak, and to the east of course was Boulder. From the intersection, this trail climbs continuously more steeply to the west, up the eastern flank of South Boulder Peak. This is the Classic approach to Bear Peak’s summit out of NCAR Trailhead. The first trail choice presents itself after crossing the bridge over small bridge that spans Boulder Creek. Join our Community. Unlike its close neighbor, Bear Peak, the summit of South Boulder Peak can be easily reached. The descent via Bear Canyon Trail is particularly pleasant, complete with babbling creek and wildlife watching opportunities. To the left is South Boulder Peak at 8,549’ and to the right Bear Peak at 8,461’, each adding another 200’ or so of climbing to your day. The short 0.3 mile Bear Peak Trail that connects to the junction with South Boulder Peak and Shadow Canyon is a treat. Check out the elevation profile below- you lose about 400 feet in between both peaks (shadow canyon junction) before quickly ascending to the top of South Boulder. The Mesa Trail also connects to the Towhee Trail, Homestead Trail, South Boulder Creek Trail and Big Bluestem Trail. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. This direct but strenuous route rises steadily through the foothills before splitting off on a rugged climb to the saddle between South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak. The South Mesa Trailhead is a part of the Boulder County Open Space and requires a daily parking fee, or an annual pass. Once you are at the top of Bear Peak, you can take the trail on your right another mile (round trip 1.2) to South Boulder. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. You’ll notice that the trail to the right leads the same distance to Bear Peak. At the saddle ridge, another trail sign notes the way to South Boulder Peak, a 0.3 mile trail climbs to the summit. Hikers can bag nearby Bear Peak on the same trip and return via Fern Canyon to make an 8.7 mile loop. Its terminus is at the southeast end of the Mesa Trail which provides extensive trail access along the foothills, including routes to the top of South Boulder and Bear Peaks. South Boulder Peak is a demanding 3.7-mile hike (one-way) situated above the South Mesa in the famous Flatirons region near Boulder Colorado. Begin hiking west on the NCAR Trail toward Mesa Trail. The high point of the Boulder Group, South Boulder Peak is 8,549 feet above sea level, allowing good views of the Indian Peaks and the Longs Peak cirque. 8.7 Mile Loop. Contact Us. Descend the way you came, wrapping around the west side of Bear, and follow the sign for South Boulder Peak and Shadow Canyon. 0.7mi Sep 7, 2016 John Flynn. The trail meanders through the mesa, hills, and forests leading up to steep walls of the Boulder Mountains Massif. The Shadow Canyon Trail is not closed during this time, but refrain from going off-trail or taking social trails in the closure area during these periods. South Boulder Peak: You’ll need less than 30 more minutes to bag your fifth and final summit. The back side of the summit is exposed, so do not approach or descend the peak via this route. BOULDER COUNTY, CO — A 49-year-old woman was found dead Monday near South Boulder Peak, officials said. But, just as you fear it will never end, it emerges into the burn area and the trail becomes more fluid, smooth and less arduous, leading to the saddle between the two grandest ladies of Boulder. Also, with over 1,000 feet of topographical prominence, South Boulder Peak is the 343rd most prominent peak in the state of Colorado. Explore the full South Bolder Peak hike profile below for the trail map, driving directions, and more tips and details to help you enjoy … Green West Ridge Trail – 9 miles – 2,100 Feet Elevation Gain. 2) When you drive back to Shanahan TH to get the second car, you can stop at the Southern Sun for an adventure celebration. Eventually, you reach the saddle between South Boulder Peak (2606 m) and Bear Peak (2578 m). No foul play is suspected, according to the Boulder … Explore the full South Bolder Peak hike profile below for the trail map, driving directions, and more tips and details to help you enjoy this adventure near Boulder, Colorado. From the trailhead follow the Homestead Trail to the Shadow Canyon South Trail. This trail leads down to the saddle between Bear and South Boulder. It has great views of South Boulder Peak – As well as uninterrupted views the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park in the distance – Close to the junction – South Boulder Peak Marshall will eventually intersect with Eldorado Springs Drive. Bear Peak (left) and South Boulder Peak (right) Flagstaff Fire Burn Area with the trail up Bear Peak visible on the left. At the junction at the top, turn left and for the final 500 feet up South Boulder Peak on steep but smooth trail. South Boulder Creek Trail is accessed from the south side of the parking lot. About two miles down the road, you’ll find the South Mesa Trailhead on the right. It begins at a three-way intersection with Shadow Canyon trail and Bear Peak. Information about the woman are not currently being released, but officials say no foul play is suspected, according to a media released from the Boulder … From Denver, drive North on interstate 25 to 36 toward Boulder. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/south-boulder-peak A 49-year-old woman's body was found dead in a remote location near South Boulder Peak late Monday night. It’s more humid, too, so the rock can get slippery. If you want to summit Bear Peak, be sure to review our Bear Peak Hike Profile. The trail started out in the forest, soon climbing into an open area with views of Bear and South Boulder Peaks. Mesa Trail can be taken to Shadow Canyon Trail and to South Boulder and Bear Peaks, or north to NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) and six miles to Chautauqua Park. Shadow canyon is an access point for a prominent rock formation, Devils Thumb. A sign post indicates the way, taking you left at the T-junction in the trail. South Boulder Peak summit views In one very long day, you can summit Mount Sanitas, Flagstaff Mountain, Green Mountain, Bear Peak, and South Boulder Peak. From the top, head back down the way you came. This route is highlighted in Blue on trail maps. As it gets later in the day, the peak gets quite crowded. The Flagstaff Fire of 2012, started by lightning, burned 300 acres in this area before it was contained. Whenever I’m in these rocky segments, I try to be mindful of those behind me. © Copyright 2010-2020 Dayhikes Near Denver LLC, We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Two other guys were at the summit of South Boulder Peak when I arrived. The full loop makes for a beautiful hike with lots to see along the way. First, we took several days off to visit family and celebrate Ben turning 34! The trail itself is made up of a compilation of smaller section trails throughout the Front Range, but is known as either the Boulder Five Peaks Traverse or the Skyline Traverse. Find a spot to sit and admire the contrasting views: the mountains extend to the northwest and the plains to the east. Get the Hiking Guide and our Trail Dispatch for hiking tips and new trails. The first thing you’ll notice is a burn area that stretches all the way to the top of South Boulder Peak. At the intersection of McCaslin and Marshall, take a right onto Marshall Road. Trail in City of Boulder Open Space. Seasonal closures (see photo below) protect nesting raptors. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. This trail helps create connectivity between the summits of South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak. There are a number of different variations that you can make on this hike due to the web of trails heading out from the trailhead. Most of the rock is stable, but it’s smart to be aware as you navigate these kinds of areas. This is a less traveled approach. It’s a steep, non-technical hike that offers a great workout and sees relatively low traffic. The way to South Boulder Peak will be to head left toward Shadow Canyon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The trail to South Boulder Peak begins at the South Mesa Trailhead off of Eldorado Springs Drive just South of Boulder, Colorado. Enjoy panorama views of Boulder and look out in the distance to see Denver and surrounding cities. Views from the summit are amazing, especially during the winter. South Boulder Peak looked positively other-worldly, as if within a cloud, with lofty builds of snow not yet trodden down or blown away. The best route courses along the Homestead Trail. Take the McCaslin Blvd exit and then go South/West onto McCaslin. We took the Homestead Trail, a 1.3 mile segment to a connector segment of the Mesa Trail. Get Here. Turn left on the Towhee trail. Rogers Pass and Heart Lakes via South Boulder Creek Trail is a difficult 9.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located in the James Peak Wilderness near Rollinsville, Colorado that features two lakes. This gives you access to all the southern fee parking areas as well as the parking areas on Flagstaff Mountain. I would recommend starting at SB Peak for two reasons: 1) You knock off the two toughest peaks early in the day. The first 0.4-mile segment of the Shadow Canyon South Trail is gradual. The trail pops out of the canyon onto saddle between South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak. This is a great hike and maybe the closest major peak to Denver and Boulder. At any of the other trail intersections keep taking those marked “Shadow Canyon.” Eventually, the trail leads into a densely wooded ravine where an old cabin is tucked away in the undergrowth. Turn south (left) onto Mesa Trail. Take a left onto Eldorado Springs Drive. Scramble up the talus to the top. Locals often use South Boulder Peak as a training destination as they prepare for bigger mountains. South Boulder Peak is a 437 m black diamond singletrack trail located near Boulder Colorado. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. Boulder County Coroner identifies woman found Monday near South Boulder Peak ... Filion was found in a remote location near South Boulder Peak in steep and rugged terrain and not near a mapped trail. Trail, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. South Boulder Peak Trail . Sadly, these are not soft-baked, double-chocolate chunk cookies. Bear Peak Going up Shadow Canyon, I met one trail runner who had broken the trail for me to the Bear Peak/South Boulder saddle, but wasn’t sure if he summitted Bear Peak, or not. 8.7 miles). Jan 13, 2019 - Explore hikinginboulder's board "South Boulder Peak Hike", followed by 260 people on Pinterest. The pink granite summit offers 360 degree panoramic views (see the video below). Continue through forest, meadow, and over a s… At points, the trail becomes difficult to discern and requires a little bit of bouldering to make it to the top. South Boulder Peak rises from the foothills and grants passage through three distinct eco-systems and a dramatic burn zone. See more ideas about Boulder colorado hiking, Hiking, Colorado hiking. If you are interested in hiking both Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak by the Shanahan North Fork, Fern Canyon and Mesa trails it will be an 8 mile loop with 3,353 feet of elevation gain. This trail also connects to the Towhee Trail, Homestead Trail, South Boulder Creek Trail and Big Bluestem Trail. Scramble up the talus to the top. Peak Top Views, Canyon, Wildflowers, Sunrise, Meadows, Wildlife: Deer, Bear, Birding. 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