Lefthand Canyon Trail

The Lefthand Canyon is a stunning day hike near Boulder. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the sights of the impressively hilly landscape. Particularly busy with mountain bike traffic on the weekends, we suggest a weekday adventure for more tranquility. Traveling deep into the wilderness, there is a possibility of running into wildlife, so many hikers choose to wear a bear bell to deter any unwelcome encounters. Note this trail is underdeveloped compared to most of the other hikes located on the outskirts of Boulder, so we recommend using the trail GPS to help navigate the poorly marked route. Don’t let the primitiveness deter you, it makes the hike all the more authentic and exciting in our opinion!

Embark on your adventure along the Lefthand Canyon Trail from the trailhead off the Lefthand Canyon Drive. From here, track north along the winding Lefthand Main Trail. Hike this forested route past several mines, ignoring merging and connecting paths. Eventually, you will meet a very confusing intersection. Use the trail GPS to help you navigate this junction and veer left, continuing along the Lefthand Main Trail. From here, the path will become increasingly steep as you trek northwest into the wilderness.

Eventually, you will encounter another intersection, keep right here and you will be diverted onto FRS Trail (286D) before merging onto FRS Trail (286H). Hike this path until you meet the junction with the Fireman Hill Trail. Here, keep left and the route will become increasingly exposed, delivering epic views of the verdant rolling hills. The route will then guide you back below the timberline before delivering you to the Lefthand Main Trail. From here, keep left and retrace your footing along the Lefthand Main Trail all the way back to the trailhead.