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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
693 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
19.2 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5.5-7.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Boulder Mesa Loop Trail

Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Boulder Mesa Loop Trail is an exciting adventure that follows along the eastern flank of the foothills. Travel this undulating path through diverse topographies and revel in the impressive wilderness scenery that sits just outside of Boulder’s city center. Lengthy, but stunning, this trail is a must add to your adventure bucket list.

Route Description for Boulder Mesa Loop Trail

The Boulder Mesa Loop Trail is a wonderful adventure for eager hikers seeking to explore the diversity of the flora and fauna in the area. Revel in the sights of the luxuriant meadows, the ponderosa pine forests, the Boulder cityscape, and the mountains looming above. When hiking this trail, we recommend wearing layers as the ever-changing terrain warrants ever-changing weather conditions. Additionally, when hiking in the late fall or winter months, it is recommended to wear microspikes or snowshoes.

Embark on your adventure along the Boulder Mesa Loop Trail from the Bluebell Hiking Trailhead. From here, track south along the Bluebell Hiking Trail through the meadowlands. Eventually, you will encounter an intersection, keep left here and you will be diverted onto the Mesa Trail. Adventure along the Mesa Trail through the coverage of towering evergreens. Crossing over two creeks, you will merge onto the Shadow Canyon South Trail, which will loop around delivering you back to the Mesa Trail. Here, keep left and begin retracing your steps north along the Mesa Trail. Follow this path until you confront the junction with the Bear Canyon-NCAR Trail.

At this point, you will want to keep right onto the Bear Canyon-NCAR Trail, hiking east. Continue along this route to the trail’s end where you will converge with the NCAR-Table Mesa-Bear Trail. Track north, eventually connecting with the Skunk Canyon Service Road. At the next junction, hook onto the Skunk Canyon Spur Trail then onto the Enchanted Kohler Spur Trail. Now, take the Enchanted Mesa Trail all the way back to the Chautauqua Park, where you will hike north past the amphitheater and dining hall before turning left and tracking Clematis Drive back to the trailhead.

Getting to the Boulder Mesa Loop Trail Trailhead

The Boulder Mesa Loop Trail departs from the Bluebell Hiking Trailhead off Kinnikinnick Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    April-October

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Lollipop

Boulder Mesa Loop Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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