Shanahan Ridge Trail

Quick Info

Distance:
4.3 Miles
Route Type:
Loop
Nearest Town:
Boulder
Elevation Climb:
807 ft.
Difficulty Rating:
Approachable
View Rating:
3.5
Distance:
4.3 Miles
Route Type:
Loop
Nearest Town:
Boulder
Elevation Climb:
807 ft.
Difficulty Rating:
Approachable
View Rating:
3.5
Every once in a while I find myself on a hike that has a bit of a “northeast” feel and this one definitely had moments like that as you’re walking through the trees and the green. But then you get a glimpse of the Flatirons and you’re reminded you’re right here in beautiful Colorado!

This trail starts right in the middle of a (gorgeous) neighborhood then winds along the base of the Flatirons, next to a Cattle Ranch before you’re back in the neighborhood. It’s very well marked, with trail signs at every fork you encounter, but we stilled pulled out AllTrails a few times in order to make sure we were going in the right direction. The reality is there are several different routes you could take and our 4 mile loop was perfect for a quick afternoon hike.

The trail is a mix of completely in the trees with some shade, to views that open up of the Flatirons and valley below. Dogs are allowed on leash!

Trail Location

Bluffs Regional Park

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

Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass

Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass

Special discount code for 30% off trips to Red Mountain Pass in Fall of 2025: KYLIE30 This is easily one of the coolest mountain experiences I’ve had in 10 years of living in Colorado. I’ll admit, when I first started talking to the people behind Campfire Ranch’s...

Dog-Friendly Moab Weekend

Dog-Friendly Moab Weekend

Moab is one of my favorite road trips from Denver - the drive is only 5 hours and the hiking, biking & off-roading trails are seemingly endless. However, with the National Parks it can be a little tough to find a way to find hikes that are dog friendly but it's...

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Moab

Dog-Friendly Hikes in Moab

The best dog-friendly hikes near Moab, UtahDog-friendly trails can be tricky to navigate in Moab with the National Parks, but there are plenty of trails to explore with your pup. Looking for more dog-friendly Moab? Check out my full weekend round-up of where to...

Fall in Vail, Colorado

Fall in Vail, Colorado

With world-famous powder, winter in Vail gets all the attention, summer is lovely and filled with color, but fall may be my favorite time to visit this gorgeous mountain town.  For a few weeks every September and October the Aspens change to a golden yellow that...

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Colorado

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Colorado

One of my most requested posts since we all love to bring our pups on our mountain adventures! Brewster is only 10 months old so we've only stayed at a few but here are our favorite dog-friendly hotels in Colorado. Sitzmark Vail Pet Fee - $50 per night (one dog per...

Smores Mocktail

Smores Mocktail

I couldn’t be more excited to partner with my dear friend, Blair or as a few hundred thousand know her as - Holistic Rendezvous on Instagram, to finally create an Approachable Outdoors Mocktail - the Smokey S’mores! And since Approachable Outdoors is all about...

Keep In Touch!

To keep up with the latest hikes & posts sign up for the Approachable Outdoors newsletter!

You have Successfully Subscribed!