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Panoramic views from the Sugarloaf Mountain hike in Boulder, Colorado

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
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.
128 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
2.4 km
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.
1h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
The Sugarloaf Mountain hike takes you up a prominent bald mountain with expansive views. Hiking up Sugarloaf Mountain rewards you with one the best panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness. This short, family-friendly hike has low crowds and is a must do when visiting the Boulder area.

Route Description for Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

The hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain offers one of the best panoramic views in the area. This is a short hike and is really family-friendly. Youngsters love to hike to the top of the prominent bald mountain.

Begin the hike from the Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead dirt parking lot. Hike up hill, through a couple of steep switchbacks, eventually climbing above tree line.

Traverse across the south slope of Sugarloaf Mountain, past a well-placed sitting bench until finally wrapping around the east side of the mountain, gaining the summit after a couple of final switchbacks.

At 2,718 m, the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is blessed with stunning, unobstructed views. Scanning around, you can orient yourself by locating Longs Peak (4,346 m) located in Rocky Mountain National Park. South from Longs Peak, and West from your vantage point is Indian Peaks Wilderness and Arapaho Glacier. Further south from that is Eldora Mountain Ski Resort and James Peak (4,054 m). To the south is Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which is recognizable by large granite domes high on the mountains.

After spinning around and around, soaking in the views, you’ll need to head back to your car. To descend, hike back the way you came.

Find more amazing hikes around Boulder:

Insider Hints for Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

  • The beginning of the Switzerland Trail starts from Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead parking lot. This is a railroad grade trail that traverses along Fourmile Canyon eventually ending close to Gold Hill. The Switzerland trail can be hiked, biked or even driven with a high-clearance vehicle.

Getting to the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Trailhead

From Boulder, take Canyon Dr. (119) into Boulder Canyon. Take a right onto Sugarloaf Road (122) up to Sugarloaf Mountain Road (on the right). The steep road, ends at a dirt trailhead parking lot (Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead).

Route Information for Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

  • When to do:

    Early June to late September

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Toilets:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    None

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

9.8
20 reviews
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Rocco EllysiaJuly 2020

Gorgeous trail and very unique core. The summit views were incredible, and I can say that Loaf Mountain was very awe-inspiring. I highly recommend bringing some poles and wearing appropriate shoes. The path was uneven, and it puts too much pressure on my foot. Train beforehand if you could.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
BoulderBoundJuly 2020

A short, steep, rocky hike with incredible 360 views from the top.

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Anabelle ClydeJune 2020

Nice and leisurely hike. Stunning views!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
will-perryJune 2020

Another great hike around the Boulder. It was fantastic!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Mary LouJune 2020

Amazing hike. I felt like a real adventurer.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
mendelJune 2020

The views were too sweet! We just can't get enough of it.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Jordan A.August 2019

Nice hike with low traffic. Gorgeous views. A nice walk with friends.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Ashley TingAugust 2019

It was a short hike, but we never run short of good scenery. The environment is perfect if you want to relax.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Jasper HerreraJuly 2019

Awesome scenery. Hiking here is a great way to experience nature and see the outstanding views of the nearby peaks. Really impressive.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Em L.July 2019

Amazing environment! Make sure to take your camera. It's also perfect for some picnic.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.

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Last Updated: July 20, 2026

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