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    Hikes/United States/Colorado/Boulder
    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.
    9.8 (20 reviews)
    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
    Google Maps
    Apple Maps

    Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

    Panoramic views from the Sugarloaf Mountain hike in Boulder, Colorado
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    Table of contents

    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

    • 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

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