South Sourdough Trail
Table of contents
South Sourdough Trail is a ride at altitude! Starting at 2,804 m with a climb right out of the gates this is one to be acclimated for, but don’t let that put you off. This is one of our favourite treed mountain rides, travelling through the Roosevelt National Forest - it’s a beautiful, peaceful challenge.
Route Description for South Sourdough Trail
Sourdough Trail is a straightforward out-and-back trail that travels through the beautiful Roosevelt National Forest. From the trailhead, the trail steadily climbs and gains elevation from its starting point of 2,804 m.
After a brief level section of the route at a clearing in the trees, the trail will soon have you digging deep and gasping for breath as you continue to climb. After about 488 m of climbing, the trail levels off and starts to trend downhill.
The end of the trail puts you at the gate for the Brainard Lake Recreation Area within the Indian Peak Wilderness. The way back is to follow your tracks back down to the trailhead.
Insider Hints for South Sourdough Trail
- Sourdough Trail can be extended at the gates for Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Cross the road and continue on North Sourdough Trail and ride until you have had enough. Eventually, North Sourdough Trail ends at Peaceful Valley.
Getting to the South Sourdough Trail Trailhead
From Boulder take CO-119/Boulder Canyon Dr. to the town of Nederland. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto W 2nd St. Continue onto CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway towards Estes Park for 10.9 km. There will be a Camping & Hiking sign indicating a left turn towards Rainbow Lakes onto Co Rd. 116. Trailhead parking is on the left side approximately half a mile down the dirt road.
Route Information
Route Signage:
Good
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
South Sourdough Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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!
Nearby Trails
Switzerland Trail
Boulder
Sourdough Trail via South St. Vrain Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Waldrop North Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Niwot Ridge Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Niwot Mountain via Left Hand Reservoir Road Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Brainard Lake Hike
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Sourdough Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Mud Lake
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Lake Isabelle Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Brainard Lake Snowshoeing
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Arapaho Glacier Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Lake Isabelle Trail
Indian Peaks Wilderness