Hiking Trails Near Boulder, Colorado

Arapaho Glacier is located in Roosevelt National Forest, bordering Colorado's North Arapaho Peak. This alpine glacier was once the largest glacier in Colorado but has lost more than half of its surface area over the last century. The trail is very popular and busy. From the Arapaho Glacier trailhead the trail leads to Arapaho Glacier Overlook after 6 miles and to the Fourth of July Mine after 7.8 miles.

Two trails intersect the Indian Peaks Wilderness, first through dense forests and then through the open tundra, from where the view of the entire city of Boulder watershed is spectacular. The highest point is South Arapaho, an overlook of the Arapaho Glacier, at 13,397 feet. There is a seasonal campground at Rainbow Lakes, but campfires are not allowed. Dogs are allowed at Arapaho Glacier but must be on a leash.

The Full Mesa Trail is 13.4 mile-trail that runs through Boulder's foothills, blooming meadows, and dense, old pine forests, with fantastic views of the Flatirons, connecting Chautauqua Park with Eldorado Canyon Road. This popular trail is fairly easy, the change in elevation is only 437 feet, and horseback riding and dogs on the leash are allowed. Many side trails lead to other destinations: Green Mountain, South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, Royal Arch, Mallory Cave, Fern Canyon, and Shadow Canyon. You can start at the Chautauqua trailhead or take the more strenuous, but also more scenic, Bluebell Trail towards the Flatirons and join the Mesa Trail after about a mile. Map

The Coot Lake Trail is an easy 1.3-mile flat loop trail around Coot Lake near Longmont, Colorado. A part of the wide, smooth path is shared with the Boulder Reservoir Trail, which you can take if you want to extend your hike to 7.6 miles. Both trails are surrounded by prairie grasses and wet meadows, and are full of birds and wildlife. Dogs are allowed. Both trails are very popular and can get crowded on weekends.

Coot Lake and Boulder Reservoir, 6247 63rd St, Longmont, CO 80503