Easter Hike- Mt. Sanitas

Since moving to Colorado we have started a tradition of hiking on Easter. Today was a beautiful day so we were able to keep the tradition alive. I have been wanting to hike Mt. Sanitas in Boulder for quite some time as it is a popular local hike and a good work out!

Mt. Sanitas Trail Stats:

Round Trip Length: 3.1 miles
Start-End Elevation: 5,520' - 6,843' 
Elevation Gain: 1,323'
Skill Level: Moderate

The Mt Sanitas Trailhead is located on Mapleton Road in Boulder, Colorado. Parking is limited, but we got lucky today and found a really close spot on the roadside. We started our hike at the parking area just past the pavilion housing picnic tables. We walked a short distance and reached a trail junction and took the Mt. Sanitas Trail on the left which heads up the south ridge. 

The trail is well maintained and consists of log stairs and large stepping stones. 

It is a straight shot the entire way up to the top. The ridge plateaus in spots along the way so you can stop to catch your breath. I had to at many times! 

There were many people on the trail today, and somebody even hid some Easter eggs along the way. We spotted a couple of them.

We reached the rocky summit after a steady vertical ascent. We perched ourselves on the rocks and enjoyed the beautiful panoramic views. 

Chipmunk at the summit :)

You can return the same way you came up, but we decided to hike slightly east and south on the Sanitas Valley Trail. The first part of the descent is pretty steep and hard on the knees, but eventually the trail evens out. The views of the open hillsides are beautiful. The Sanitas Valley Trail led us back to the parking area. 

It was a beautiful day in Boulder to play in the mountains. Happy Easter! :)