Mount Sanitas

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
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.
2-3h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
5.3 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.
372 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.
9.4
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.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual 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 Mount Sanitas hike near Boulder, Colorado

The Mount Sanitas hike is a popular route just outside of Boulder. This hike takes you along a rocky ridge line with great views of Boulder Valley from the rapid (read: leg burning!) elevation gain before reaching the summit of Mt Sanitas.

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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

  • 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

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Mount Sanitas Reviews

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