Hike the Shanahan Ridge Trail
Details
Distance
3.8 miles
Elevation Gain
869 ft
Route Type
Loop
Added by Madison Sankovitz
This is a scenic walk on the edge of Boulder that leads through the forest and to the base of the foothills.
Starting on the edge of a neighborhood in South Boulder, this 3.8 mile loop begins its 869 foot elevation gain by meandering through a pine forest. You can 'choose your own adventure' by exploring the handful of trails that meet up with the Shanahan Ridge Trail, such as the South Mesa Trail, Shadow Canyon Trail, and Fern Gulch Trail. If you keep heading west, the trail will pass by a large slab of rock at the base of Bear Peak that is great for bouldering. With its flat grade, this trail is great for people of all skill levels and perfect for both walking and running. It's a great way to escape to the Boulder open space!
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Reviews
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Good day hike
Moved to Denver a month ago and hadn't yet gone on a solo hike. Thanks to Madison's encouragement, I decided to try the Shanahan Ridge Trail since I'm out of shape. It's a fun day hike in a beautiful area with wildlife aplenty. Notably, I came across Bluejays and had a black bear run in my direction about 30 feet below the hiking path. The trail is nicely forested, so most of the time you're not exposed to the heat. I'm looking forward to going back when Mallory Cave opens Oct 1st, which another Outbound Explorer recommended.
4.0
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We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
