Mount Sanitas Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Mount Sanitas
From the Centennial Trailhead parking lot, cross the street to begin the hike up Mt. Sanitas Trail, which goes to the left, up the ridge.
This steep climb starts as soon as you hit the trail, with leg burning high steps going up stairs and rocks. The Mt. Sanitas Trail follows along a rocky ridge line which divides Sunshine Canyon with Boulder Valley.
Skirting along the ridge, you hike from one side to the other as you make your way up to Mount Sanitas. There are a couple of very steep, rocky sections which will get your heart-rate up as you ascend these sections. There is nothing too technical or exposed on this hike, but just a nice cardio workout as you climb to the summit.
Soon you’re at the summit of Mount Sanitas (2,092 m). This is a great resting point that offers expansive views of Boulder Valley. If you’re adventurous, consider trying to catch sunrise from this wonderful viewpoint.
To descend, start by heading down the East Ridge Trail from the summit of Mt Sanitas. The East Ridge Trail is a short, but fun hike down and you eventually merge with the wide gravel Sanitas Valley Trail which you can take all the way back to the trailhead.
Another option (we prefer) is taking the Dakota Ridge Trail, which branches off soon after the Sanitas Valley Trail heads South. This Dakota Ridge trail offers more single track along another rocky ridge. It continues parallel to the Sanitas Valley Trail almost all the way back to the trail head.
As the Dakota Ridge Trail veers left to head into Boulder, be sure to turn right to connect back to the Sanitas Valley Trail and your car!
Find more amazing hikes around Boulder:
Insider Hints for Mount Sanitas
- From Centennial Trailhead, you can also hike to the Boulder Red Rocks via Red Rocks Trail.
- After completing this hike, swing over to Sanitas Brewing for a well-deserved drink!
Getting to the Mount Sanitas Trailhead
Take Sunshine Canyon Dr. to Centennial Trailhead/Mount Sanitas Trailhead. Parking lot is on the south side of Sunshine Canyon Dr.Route Information for Mount Sanitas
When to do:
Year round
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Yes, primitive pit toilet
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Circuit
Mount Sanitas Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Mount Sanitas
Quite steep climb but there are good spots to rest. Good to work out some muscles. Wonderful views at the top
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Nice views of boulder. Feels refreshing on the top. Decent hike but very rocky & steep. Just be ready for a bit of challenge.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
This place is a wonderful gift from heaven! I hope they preserve its beauty!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
A great little hike and the kids enjoyed it
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Nice hike, Mount Sanitas was great.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
I enjoyed Mount Sanitas a lot. There were a lot of people but no one was pushing or rushing. Great atmosphere.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Mt Sanitas was a great hike for the views and to get the legs moving.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
mount sanitas hike was cool. i actually met a couple of guys that work in the brewing. and needless to say they invited me to go there the same evening. we had a great time.
- Trip Length
- 03:15
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Moderate hike with remarkable views! The nearby peaks looks incredible!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.