Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
- Physical DifficultyThis 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.
- Technical DifficultyThis 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.
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.
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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
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail Elevation Graph
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