Hogback Ridge Hike

The Hogback Ridge Hike is the perfect spontaneous day hike conveniently located in Boulder. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature as you trek the meadow-laden trail along the ridge. Revealing impressive views of the foothills and the cityscape below, the exposed terrain also warrants extreme heat on warm summer afternoons. Consider an early morning summertime hike to beat the heat and the crowds! Additionally, if you are wandering this path during the warmer months be sure to keep an ear and eye out for rattlesnakes.

Begin your adventure along the Hogback Ridge Trail from the Foothills North Trailhead. From here, track the Foothills North Trail under the highway before trekking west through the meadowlands. You will intersect with a small stream as you walk through the grasslands. Eventually, you will encounter an intersection, stay right here and you will be diverted onto the Hogback Ridge Trail. Curving north, you will now begin your ascent up the ridge.

Keeping an eye out for rattlesnakes and deer, the meadow-cloaked path will reveal lovely views of the surrounding landscapes. The route will eventually guide you south along the upper portion of the ridge. From here, you will be granted expansive views of the Boulder cityscape below. Follow this path all the way back to the intersection, where you will reconnect with the Foothills North Trail and backtrack to the trailhead.