Mount Sanitas

Quick Info

Distance:
3.2 Miles
Route Type:
Loop
Nearest Town:
Boulder
Elevation Climb:
1,256
Difficulty Rating:
Difficult
View Rating:
4.5 Stars
Distance:
3.2 Miles
Route Type:
Loop
Nearest Town:
Boulder
Elevation Climb:
1,256
Difficulty Rating:
Difficult
View Rating:
4.5 Stars

I always forget how difficult Mount Sanitas is until I’m about a half mile in, legs shaking and struggling to catch my breath – wondering how I could’ve forgotten how steep it is! I’ve done this hike probably a dozen times and it’s a go-to for me when I’m solo-hiking because it’s so busy – But it’s for sure a climb!

I’ve also tried to do Mt. Sanitas when I was visiting Colorado while living in Minneapolis and had to turn around less than a mile in, I’ve done the same with other out of town visitors – there’s no other way to put it, it kicks your ass! I don’t typically recommend this hike for out of town friends just because it’s so steep to the top.

That being said, it’s a gorgeous hike with incredible views of the entire Front Range and a cool look at the foothills and mountains behind you! I always go clockwise, which is the steeper way to go. It’s about a mile and a half up to the top with quite a few very steep sections.

Coming down from the top there are a few spots that are a little tricky (I’ve gotten lost a couple of times going down Sanitas) but once you get to the last three quarters of a mile it’s an easy path back to the car. As far as parking goes, there is a lot but it’s small so there’s also street parking in the neighborhood. This is a very popular trail, so unless you’re going early there’s a good chance you’ll need to circle a couple of times before finding a spot.

Definitely make sure you’ve got good shoes for this trail because it’s really rocky!  I’ve taken a spill on Sanitas that left both my knees and shins badly bruised from landing on the jagged rocks. 

Also, you will be passed by unbelievably athletic people sprinting up the mountain and if you’re anything like me it’ll be incredibly discouraging (I once dated someone who sprinted up Sanitas and left me panting on my own – that was when I knew it wasn’t going to work out) but just remember no matter your pace you’re climbing a tough trail! If you finish, consider it an accomplishment no matter how long it took you! Living amongst the beautiful Flatirons are some of the best athletes in the world and while I’m far from one of those athletically blessed, it’s fun to share the trails with them!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Join Kylie On YouTube!

Click HERE to get subscribed and join our YouTube community!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

More From Kylie

Weekend in Snowmass, Colorado

Weekend in Snowmass, Colorado

Snowmass is one of my favorite spots in Colorado and every time I go I fall more in love. On the slopes I had one of my best ski days ever (long, spacious runs without the crowds but incredible powder.)  To visit in the summer was an absolute delight. It has all...

Weekend in Frisco, Colorado

Weekend in Frisco, Colorado

I almost hate to tell anyone about Frisco because it's one of my favorite towns in Colorado and I feel like it's a little overlooked by visitors coming in for the resort towns nearby. Located just off I-70 nestled in between the mountains and Lake Dillon, it's the...

What Hiking Boots Should I Wear?

What Hiking Boots Should I Wear?

Finding the right pair of hiking boots can be a challenge. Everyone's feet are different so what works well for one person may not for another. I've worn $400 boots that hurt my feet terribly and $30 outlet boots that I wore until there were literal holes. I...

3 Hikes You Must Do In Maui

3 Hikes You Must Do In Maui

Like everyone who steps foot on the island of Maui, I have absolutely fallen in love. Of course there are the pristine beaches where sea turtles sunbathe, the delicious and impossibly fresh local food but then there's the hiking and like the rest, it's in a league...

Best Road Trips from Denver

Best Road Trips from Denver

1. Southwestern ColoradoFrom Crested Butte to the Black Canyon then rounding off the trip with a stay in Ouray and Telluride, southwestern Colorado is an absolute must visit! Must hike: Black Canyon of GunnisonOuray Perimeter Trail We did a mix of camping and Air...

Weekend in Colorado Springs

Weekend in Colorado Springs

I haven't spent any substantial time in Colorado Springs in years, so I was so delighted to take a weekend and totally relax in this very beautiful part of our state. I hadn't explored Garden of the Gods since college but it's as beauitful as ever. However, my very...

Wine & Wildflower Hike

Wine & Wildflower Hike

This was my first year at the Vail Wine Classic and it was an absolute blast. As expected, the wine was exceptional and getting to meet the people behind the wine made it all the more special. But maybe the best part was the Wine & Wildflower hike! I'm going to...