If you're looking for a scenic and challenging hike in Boulder, CO, then take walk down Mapleton to Mt. Sanitas. This mountain trail is rated as one of the most difficult in the city limits. The loop trail is also rated as one of the most visually appealing.
Sanitas is part of Colorado's open spaces system. This means that the entire area will be left untouched by developers and will be open for all public use. The proximity to downtown makes this a favorite of many locals and visitors. The Pearl Street Mall is less than a 20 minute walk from the trail head.

The elevation gain at Mt. Sanitas is 1255 feet and stretches a little more than three miles around the loop. The summit is 6,863 feet above sea level and about a mile and a half from the trail head. There is a limited parking area nearby between the hospital and the trail head for those who don’t reside within walking distance. There is also no mountain biking in the area--all bicycles must be left at the gate by the parking area.

While this is one of the older treks in Boulder with a well-trodden trail and wood and rock steps, it does have some difficult spots to traverse, mostly on the valley side. It is nearly impossible to get lost along the way with the friendly foot traffic throughout the day.

There loop trail provides hikers with many beautiful views of Boulder. You can look south toward the Flatirons, east to downtown and the University of Colorado campus and north to the reservoir and North Broadway area. With nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, photos will come out clear and bright.

The best time to take the hike is mid-morning during the week. At this time, there are fewer hikers about for a quieter experience. There will always be more hikers early in the morning before work and on weekends. The trail is open year-round, but the best seasons are spring and autumn. Summer can get very hot on the valley trail, where there is very little shade to guard against the sun.

Always remember to bring enough water to last you the entire journey. The loop can take anywhere between an hour and a half to more than three hours, depending on the experience and pace of the hiker. It's also a good idea to bring a friend in the event of an emergency. There are nearby homes and plenty of other hikers who can help in emergencies.

If you get to the trail head late in the day or if you're not energetic enough to make the full trek, then take a side trail around Dakota Ridge for about an hour or so. This trail won’t provide the best views of Boulder, but it still has its charm.

When you finish hiking Mt. Sanitas, you can head downtown to the Pearl Street Mall for a snack or refreshments. There are plenty of eateries along the way. If all you want is a pleasant space to rest your weary legs, then sit on any of the numerous benches and take part in people watching along the street--you may even take in a street performance.