Green Mountain

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3.5-5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
7.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
738 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
10.0
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Panorama from the Green Mountain hike near Boulder, Colorado

The hike to the summit of Green Mountain takes you to one of the five highest peaks near Boulder. This is a popular training route for hikers aspiring to tackle some of Colorado’s many 14ers. After hiking to the summit of Green Mountain, you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. This hike does not disappoint!

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Route Description for Green Mountain

Begin the hike from the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. Head right, hiking along Gregory Canyon Trail, slowly gaining elevation as you climb your way up the canyon.

Towards the top of Gregory Canyon, you will run into a trail junction. Go left here and take Ranger Trail towards the historic Green Mountain Lodge and then continue on towards Green Mountain. Ranger Trail is a steep hike through a dense pine forest.

On the Ranger trail you will go through a junction, go right, staying on Ranger Trail (left goes on the Saddle Rock Trail). Continue on Ranger trail, here the hike follows a ridge until it meets up with EM Greenman Trail.

Turn left to take EM Greenman Trail, and a final steep climb gains the summit. On the top of Green Mountain (2,482 m) a single large boulder caps the top of the mountain. For the best views, climb the easy ramp up the boulder to the summit marker which serves as a guide for the surrounding peaks. From here you can see Mt. Meeker (4,240 m), Longs Peak (4,345 m), North Arapahoe Peak (4,117 m), Mt. Evans (4,346 m), and many more.

To descend from Green Mountain, continue along EM Greenman Trail as it snakes its’ way down from the peak. Soon the Saddle Rock Trail connects onto the EM Greenman trail. The two trails split a short while later. Go right, onto the Amphitheater Trail.

Please note that there is a section of the Saddle Rock Trail that was damaged during the Boulder floods. This section is now a steep washed out section of trail, which has a steel ladder in place for down climbing. If you don’t like ladders you can also return from the summit of Green Mountain by hiking back the way you came, along Ranger Trail. This return is longer than the circular route we describe.

Find more amazing hikes around Boulder:

Insider Hints for Green Mountain

  • Pay to Park at the trailhead unless your vehicle is registered in Boulder County.
  • Green Mountain is one of the five tallest peaks along the Boulder Front Range, which can all be linked via the Skyline Traverse.
  • Green Mountain, with its considerable elevation gain, is considered excellent training for hikers aspiring to step up to the 14ers (Colorado summits >4,267 m above sea-level).
  • Dogs are welcome on leash on this trail. Sections of the EM Greenman Trail is designated Dogs Prohibited; More details can be found here.

Getting to the Green Mountain Trailhead

Take Baseline Rd. towards Flagstaff Mountain. Turn left onto Gregory Canyon Road, which dead ends into the parking lot at Gregory Canyon Trailhead.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Year round

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    Yes, primitive pit toilet

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Green Mountain Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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Green Mountain Reviews

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