Each time I hike up Shadow Canyon I think it’s been far too long since the last time I hiked up to South Boulder Peak. It’s a beautiful and challenging hike that I do not do enough times each year.
For most hikers, and especially those coming from lower elevations, this is going to be a hard hike. Shadow Canyon trail quickly becomes a long, steep, and tough climb. For many, it’s a leg burner.
The hike starts essentially starts at the where the plains meet mountains. The trailheads are South of downtown Boulder. Start on the Homestead trail and hike to Shadow Canyon trail. Here you will enter a beautiful forest with huge Boulders in Shadow Canyon. There are cool views of Devil’s Thumb half way up. The trail ends at South Boulder Peak summit, a pile of large scattered rocks where you can take in spectacular mountain views in all directions.
Why hike South Boulder Peak?
South Boulder Peak is the highest peak of the Boulder Skyline traverse and offers unique views. To the North you see Bear Peak and Green Mountain. Directly to the West are spectacular views of the Continental Divide and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. To the Northwest you can see the tallest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mount Meeker and Longs Peak most prominent.
Shadow Canyon is often quiet and peaceful. It is a great hike if you want to get away from the more crowded trails near Chautauqua.
Much of Shadow Canyon is densely forested and provides a few hours of good shade during the hotter Summer months.
You can combine the South Boulder Peak hike with a Bear Peak hike if you want more. These two summits are just 30-45 minutes apart depending on your pace. Doing both peaks creates a fuller day on the trails in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. If you want, you can go even further to Green Mountain, and over to Mount Sanitas – this would close off a complete Boulder Skyline Traverse hike.
I love hiking up Shadow Canyon to South Boulder Peak because it is a great workout. It might burn your quads. The South Boulder Peak hike is a great alternative to doing Fern Canyon to Bear Peak summit – both will get your legs ready for even more challenging high alpine hikes.
Those are my top reason to do the South Boulder Peak hike!
Where to start – South Boulder hike trailheads
These are the best trailheads to start the South Boulder Peak hike.
- South Mesa – Traditional trailhead to do South Boulder Peak on its own
- Cragmoor Connector – Good trailhead for South Boulder Peak + Bear Peak combo
- Bear Canyon – Good trailhead for South Boulder Peak + Bear Peak combo
When to hike South Boulder Peak
You can hike to South Boulder Peak hike all year round. I have hiked South Boulder Peak in all seasons. My favorite time to do this hike is in Spring or early Summer and that is my recommendation. The fields are green, and wild flowers pop. Hiking in Boulder is particularly beautiful in May and June.
When not to hike South Boulder Peak
Avoid hiking to the summit of South Boulder Peak in stormy weather. This is the primary concern. In the Spring and Summer afternoon thunderstorms can occur. Lightning caused a wildfire on the West side of Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak that you will notice. Avoid exposure to lightning. Winter storms can also be a hazard, specifically exposure to wind, cold, and hypothermia.
Check the weather report before you start your hike.
Difficulty rating
This hike is rated hard. It’s difficult, and will be challenging for most hikers. Shadow Canyon is like a long rocky staircase.
Total distance and elevation
Depending on the route you choose, the hike to South Boulder Peak will be approximately 8 miles total distance and 3000 feet of total elevation gain.
Below are links to some of my GPS recordings.
- Shadow Canyon from South Mesa trailhead – 8.25 miles, 2963 feet
- South Boulder Peak + Bear Peak loop – 7.19 miles 3327 feet
Hiking time
How long does it take to hike South Boulder Peak? Depending on your pace, fitness level, and the route chosen, the hike will take most hikers four to six hours.
Terrain
The trails that lead to South Boulder Peak are dry dusty dirt and rocky all the way to the summit. The higher you go, the more technical, challenging, and rocky the trails get. Good traction is key.
Gear Advisor
All trails to South Boulder Peak are rocky so you will want footwear that protects your feet and provides good traction. Lightweight hiking shoes or trail running shoes designed for rugged terrain work best for all South Boulder Peak hikes.
I recommend shoes that have lug treads of at least 3-5mm depth so that you won’t be slipping around.
South Boulder Peak hike: Routes and Directions
The most common route to do South Boulder Peak is via Shadow Canyon. I also hike to South Boulder Peak via Fern Canyon and Bear Peak first.
South Boulder Peak hike via Shadow Canyon
The traditional starting point to do South Boulder Peak on its own is the South Mesa trailhead. From this trailhead, take Homestead trail or Mesa trail to Shadow Canyon trail. Follow Shadow Canyon trail up to the saddle between South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak. Turn left (South) and switchback up via South Boulder Peak trail to the summit. Find a nice rock, sit back, and take in the amazing views!
This is my recording of this route:
You can add on Bear Peak summit to your South Boulder Peak hike if you want to extend your day in paradise. As mentioned, these two peaks are just 30-45 minutes apart. This would add an extra hour or two to your day. From South Boulder peak summit, descend back down to the saddle, and then hike North on Bear Peak trail. As you get closer to Bear Peak summit, you will notice Bear Peak West Ridge trail meets Bear Peak Trail. You are just West and below of Bear Peak Summit. Continue North and East (around to the right) where Fern Canyon Trail meets at the start of the final scramble to Bear Peak summit.
South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak hike as a loop
If you want to cover more trails, and experience additional canyons, you you could do South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak in a loop.
Start at Cragmoor Connector trailhead. Take Shanahan North Fork trail to Mesa Trail. Follow Mesa Trail South to Shadow Canyon Trail. Follow Shadow Canyon Trail up to South Boulder Peak. Descend South Boulder Peak and take Bear Peak Trail over to Bear Peak summit. Return down Fern Canyon Trail and close the loop to the trailhead.
You can also do an out and back by hiking Bear Peak first and then over to South Boulder Peak second. From Bear Canyon trailhead, hike up Fern Canyon to Bear Peak summit. Then hike over to South Boulder Peak via Bear Peak trail and South Boulder Peak trail. Retrace your steps to the trailhead. You could also do this loop starting at Cragmoor Connector.
Final thoughts
South Boulder Peak is a great challenge, and has amazing views of Boulder and Denver, Pikes Peak to the South, Indian Peaks to the West, and Rocky Mountain National Park to the North. Shadow Canyon is really cool, peaceful, and enchanting.
Make it a full day of hiking in Boulder, Colorado. Start by hiking South Boulder Peak, consider adding Bear Peak for a bigger day, and if you want the most adventure do the Boulder Skyline Traverse that includes all five peaks that backdrop Boulder.
Photos on my South Boulder Peak hikes in beautiful Boulder Colorado!
