Mileage: 4.4
Difficulty: Easy
Boulder has so many hikes, it can be hard to choose which one to do. Mount Sanitas is probably the most popular one in the area. The usual route is a steep uphill and about half the distance of the route I took. Lion's Lair is a relatively new trail with a very small parking area off the side of the road. It starts up a little ways past the main Centennial trailhead. The good thing about taking this route, well actually two good things, is that because the parking area is so small, there are not very many people on the route and because the distance is slightly longer the elevation gain per mile is less and makes for an easier hike.
Let's start the hike!
At the start of the trail there's a map to check out before beginning the hike.
Some lovely wildflowers in bloom.
My favorite sweet smelling trees to hike amongst...the ponderosa pines.
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| Nodding Sunflower? |
I've recently bought a wildflower identification book for Colorado so let's give this a try.
Musk Thistle?
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| Subalpine Gumweed? |
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| Unidentified |
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| Unidentified |
The terrain is fairly level with gradual inclines.
Towards the top, the trail becomes a dusty red.
Stairway to heaven.
First views overlooking Boulder.
We've reached the summit!
The top is marked with a plaque and pole. We've made it! The summit will probably always have a few people up there as it's a popular spot. Now it's time to head back the way we came.
Trip stats:
Overall, this was a very nice hike with moments of solitude and peace. If you were to hike here, a good way is to make a day of it in Boulder afterwards for lunch or dinner and shopping. There's plenty to do.
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