Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail is an awesome nature walk near Chautauqua Park. Hike through enchanting grasslands that reveal epic views of the Flatirons before traveling beneath the shelter of sweet-smelling ponderosa pines. Perfect for the whole family, this excursion is an awesome excuse to get out into the fresh air.
Route Description for Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail
The Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail is a charming nature walk conveniently located near Boulder’s city center. Enjoy sights of the Flatirons, a quintessential Boulder landmark, looming above as you trek through the meadowlands. With limited elevation gain and easy-to-navigate terrain, this path delivers epic views, which are often reserved for technical summit hikes. Immerse yourself in the wilderness and escape the hustle and bustle of the city along the Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail. When hiking in the warmer months, be sure to keep an eye and ear out for rattlesnakes.
Begin our journey along the Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail from the trailhead off Deer Valley Road. From here, head southwest along the Skunk Canyon Service Road. The initial segment of the hike will pass through a luxuriant meadow, exposing wonderful views of the sandstone blades. Follow this route beneath the tree shade and over a small creek. You will confront an intersection here, keep left and you will be diverted onto the Skunk Canyon Trail. Tracking once again through a grassy field, at the next junction keep right. Hike along the Skunk Canyon Spur Trail before merging left onto the Kohler Mesa Trail.
Walk along the now shaded terrain through ponderosa pines. Eventually, you will merge onto the Mesa Trail before reconnecting with the Skunk Canyon Trail. Hike the Skunk Canyon Trail east, all the way to the trail’s end, where you will merge onto the Holly Berry Connector Trail, which will deliver you back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail Trailhead
The Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail departs from the trailhead and parking lot off Deer Valley Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
Year-round
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Extreme
Route Type:
Lollipop
Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![NCAR to Fern Canyon Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
NCAR to Fern Canyon Hike
Boulder
![Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
![Woods Quarry Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Woods Quarry Loop Trail
Boulder
![Kohler Mesa Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Kohler Mesa Trail
Boulder
![Bear Peak via NCAR Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Bear Peak via NCAR Hike
Boulder
![Bear Peak Canyon Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Bear Peak Canyon Loop Trail
Boulder
![Mallory Cave Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Mallory Cave Hike
Boulder
![Enchanted Mesa Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Enchanted Mesa Trail
Boulder
![NCAR Ramble Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
NCAR Ramble Trail
Boulder