Trail Description

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Tectonic forces along northern Colorado’s front range created ripples that forced rock layers to bulge and compress, creating anticlines - or convex folds on the earth’s surface. As the bulging anticline’s softer sediments eroded, only hard ridges - known as Hogbacks - remained from previously rounded hilltops between the eastern plains and dramatic Rocky Mountain uplift. Mt Sanitas is one such formation that stands above all others in central Boulder, Colorado. The Mt Sanitas West Ridge Trail and Sanitas Valley Trail form a short but challenging loop to its rugged summit and along its east face. The following description begins at the trailhead on Mapleton Road and travels clockwise from the West Ridge to Sanitas Valley Trail:

Cross over the bridge and turn left at the Mt Sanitas sign and again onto the Mt Sanitas West Ridge Trail. The trail climbs unapologetically for .85 miles before moderating 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 Mt Sanitas summit (1.2 miles : 6,843’). Space at the summit is limited, but easy enough to maneuver about for 360 degree views of the lower foothills, eastern plains and snowcapped Indian Peaks.

The trail continues north, abruptly diving down a series of steep, rugged and tightly-wound switchbacks. You’ll negotiate several sparingly marked switchbacks through cottage-sized boulders (1.4 miles) before turning sharply south (1.65 miles) then edging east through a spacious hillside to the Sanitas Valley Trail (1.95 miles : 6,080’). The Sanitas Valley Trail - a wide fire road - glides gently south down the valley between Dakota Ridge and east face of Mt Sanitas. Those looking for a longer route can divert on and off one of three spurs for the adjacent Dakota Ridge Trail. The Sanitas Valley Trail completes the loop and leads back to all parking areas on Mapleton Road.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N40 01.242 W105 17.649 - Mt Sanitas Trailhead

• N40 01.957 W105 18.283 - 1.05 miles : Bending north on summit approach

• N40 02.062 W105 18.314 - 1.2 miles : Mt Sanitas summit

• N40 02.067 W105 18.23 - 1.4 miles : Marked switchbacks on descent

• N40 02.152 W105 17.935 - 1.95 miles : Merge with Sanitas Valley Trail - fire road

• N40 01.744 W105 17.840 - 2.05 miles : Dakota Ridge Trail (northernmost access)

• N40 01.242 W105 17.649 - 3.1 miles : Mt Sanitas Trailhead

Worth Noting

• Parking is limited at the trailhead, and street regulations are strictly enforced.



• Coyote, fox, mule deer and raptors are commonly seen on the Mt Sanitas Loop Trail. Though rarely encountered, mountain lion, bear and rattlesnakes also inhabit this area. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially at dawn and dusk.



• Mt Sanitas was named after the sanitarium (health spa) that is now the Mapleton Medical Center.



• Sandstone was quarried here for original buildings on the CU campus.

Rules and Regulations

• All dogs must be leashed in the parking lot and trailhead area. Beyond the trailhead, dogs must be on a held leash unless they meet Voice and Sight Control Standards and display a City of Boulder Voice and Sight Tag.



• Climbing and bouldering are permitted from three designated access points along the Mt Sanitas West Ridge Trail (southern portion of loop). Respect seasonal closures for nesting raptors.



• Bicycles are not permitted on the Mt Sanitas Loop Trail.

Directions to Trailhead

The Mt Sanitas Trailhead is located on Mapleton Road in Boulder, Colorado.

From Boulder, take Broadway to Mapleton Road and turn west. The Mt Sanitas Trailhead and roadside parking area is located just past the Mapleton Medical Center on the north side of the road.

Contact Information

Boulder County Parks & Open Space
5201 St. Vrain Road
Longmont, Colorado 80503
Phone: 303.678.6200
Fax: 303.678.6180
www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace