Easy hikes and walks around Boulder

Boulder's unique location where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains offers diverse terrain. On easy hikes, you can expect landscapes ranging from rolling meadows and serene creek paths to the base of iconic sandstone formations like the Flatirons. While the guide focuses on easy trails, the region itself is known for its varied natural features.

Yes, while the Boulder region itself has many natural features, some of the highly-rated easy trails in our collection, though located a bit further afield in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, feature stunning natural attractions. For example, you can explore the Upper Calf Creek Waterfall Trail for a scenic waterfall, or the Escalante River Trail which leads to the Escalante Natural Bridge.

Beyond the iconic Flatirons visible from many Boulder trails, some of the easy routes in our collection offer unique historical and natural sights. For instance, the Shaman and the Hunter Panel & 100 Hands Panel trail leads to ancient rock art, including the 100 Hands Panel. You can also find viewpoints like Point Lookout on some trails.

This guide features a selection of 5 easy hiking routes, carefully chosen to highlight the natural beauty and accessibility of the region. These trails are perfect for those looking for a relaxed outdoor experience.

The easy trails in this collection are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 70 reviews. Hikers often praise the scenic beauty and the manageable difficulty of these routes, making them enjoyable for a wide range of abilities.

Yes, for those who prefer loop routes, the Lower Calf Creek Falls loop from Lower Calf Creek Falls is an excellent option. It offers a pleasant circular walk with beautiful scenery. Another great choice is the Lower Calf Creek Falls loop from Day-Use Picnic Site.

The easy hikes in this guide vary in length and duration. For example, the Upper Calf Creek Waterfall Trail typically takes about 1 hour, while the Escalante River Trail is a longer option, usually completed in around 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest, Shaman and the Hunter Panel & 100 Hands Panel, can be done in under 30 minutes.

Many of the easy trails are well-suited for families, offering manageable distances and minimal elevation gain. Trails like the Upper Calf Creek Waterfall Trail provide engaging natural features like waterfalls that can be particularly exciting for younger hikers.

The easy hikes in this guide are characterized by relatively gentle elevation changes. For instance, the Escalante River Trail has an elevation gain of just over 90 meters, and the Lower Calf Creek Falls loop from Day-Use Picnic Site has an even gentler gain of about 40 meters, making them accessible for most fitness levels.

While the specific routes listed in this guide are located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Boulder region itself is famous for its stunning views of the Flatirons. Many local trails, such as those in Chautauqua Park, offer direct access and panoramic vistas of these iconic sandstone formations.

Yes, the Escalante River Trail to Natural Bridge & Cliff House Arch is a fantastic option that follows the Escalante River, offering picturesque riverside views and a chance to explore natural formations along the water.