Mount Sanitas via Goat Trail

The Mount Sanitas via Goat Trail is an awesome escape into the wilderness located just outside Boulder’s city center. Reconnect with nature and challenge yourself as you hike up the steep terrain to the summit of Mount Sanitas. Though there are plenty of routes up to the overlook, this path will challenge even the most experienced hikers. Wear sturdy shoes and consider microspikes in the winter months to easily navigate the likely icy and steep terrain. Hike over the Hogback Ridge and ascend the impressive foothill.

Embark on your adventure along Mount Sanitas via Goat Trail from the trailhead off Hawthorn Avenue. From here, track the Goat Path west, through grasslands before ascending the Hogback Ridge. After summiting the ridge, you will encounter an intersection. Here, keep right, and you will be diverted onto the East Ridge Trail. From here, the path will become increasingly rocky and steep as you begin your climb up to the summit.

Navigate several sets of tightly wound switchbacks into the woodlands. Enjoy the sparse tree shade of sweet-smelling ponderosa pines. Scramble up the rocky terrain to the summit of Mount Sanitas, which will reward you with stunning sights of the encompassing mountainous landscape and the cityscape below. When you are done reveling in the vistas, simply backtrack along the path to the trailhead.