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Hike the Saddle Rock Trail

Boulder, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

2.6 miles

Elevation Gain

1500 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lauren Schusterman

Short, challenging hike with great views! Get an awesome cardio workout while making your way up to some stunning views over the city of Boulder.

You can either start the from the Gregory Canyon Trailhead or the main Chautauqua trail.  At the Chautauqua trailhead you will need to pay for parking on Saturdays and Sundays and at the Gregory Canyon Trailhead you will need to pay for parking if your car is not registered in Boulder.

If you start from Chautauqua, start on the main trail and take the first branch off to the right and continue until you get to the Gregory Canyon trailhead.  From here walk a couple minutes before branching off the main trail to the right.  Here you will cross a small stream over some rocks. From here the trail winds up steeply over some rock steps. The trail is pretty easy to follow to whole way up. After a mile you reach a small ladder which was put into place after the floods in 2013 washed away part of the trail.  You could probably scramble up a small but nearly vertical wall to the right of the ladder, but the ladder is easy to get up. After the ladder the trail flattens out a bit before continuing uphill for another .3 miles. 

Once at the top of the trail you can continue further uphill for another mile or so to the top of Green Mountain. If you want to take this option, take the E.M. Greenman Trail up to the summit. For more information about this hike (and another route up to Green Mountain) check out this adventure

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Features

Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Hike the Saddle Rock Trail Reviews

I usually start from the Chautauqua side. Steep path but I love that ladder

It is a bit of a steep hike coming in from Gregory canyon, but it is absolutely beautiful. Especially if you can come on a nice foggy or snowy day. That is the best time to do any of the canyons in Boulder honestly. There is a ladder that you must climb up because part of the trail was destroyed in the 2013 floods. But it is very easy. Please be conscious of staying on the trail (Anywhere in Boulder Open Space honestly) there are several social trails that are causing significant erosion and damage to the beautiful vegetation in these areas.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Green Mountain via Gregory Canyon and Ranger Trail

Hike the Chautauqua Trail to the Ski Jump Trail

Royal Arch Trail

Green Mountain via Chautauqua Park

Hike to the 1st Flatiron

Hike the Enchanted Mesa Trail