Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail

The Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail is a charming nature walk conveniently located near Boulder’s city center. Enjoy sights of the Flatirons, a quintessential Boulder landmark, looming above as you trek through the meadowlands. With limited elevation gain and easy-to-navigate terrain, this path delivers epic views, which are often reserved for technical summit hikes. Immerse yourself in the wilderness and escape the hustle and bustle of the city along the Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail. When hiking in the warmer months, be sure to keep an eye and ear out for rattlesnakes.

Begin our journey along the Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail from the trailhead off Deer Valley Road. From here, head southwest along the Skunk Canyon Service Road. The initial segment of the hike will pass through a luxuriant meadow, exposing wonderful views of the sandstone blades. Follow this route beneath the tree shade and over a small creek. You will confront an intersection here, keep left and you will be diverted onto the Skunk Canyon Trail. Tracking once again through a grassy field, at the next junction keep right. Hike along the Skunk Canyon Spur Trail before merging left onto the Kohler Mesa Trail.

Walk along the now shaded terrain through ponderosa pines. Eventually, you will merge onto the Mesa Trail before reconnecting with the Skunk Canyon Trail. Hike the Skunk Canyon Trail east, all the way to the trail’s end, where you will merge onto the Holly Berry Connector Trail, which will deliver you back to the trailhead.