This is a scenic walk on the edge of Boulder that leads through the forest and to the base of the foothills.
Starting on the edge of a neighborhood in South Boulder, this 3.8 mile loop begins its 869 foot elevation gain by meandering through a pine forest. You can 'choose your own adventure' by exploring the handful of trails that meet up with the Shanahan Ridge Trail, such as the South Mesa Trail, Shadow Canyon Trail, and Fern Gulch Trail. If you keep heading west, the trail will pass by a large slab of rock at the base of Bear Peak that is great for bouldering. With its flat grade, this trail is great for people of all skill levels and perfect for both walking and running. It's a great way to escape to the Boulder open space!