Shanahan Ridge Trailhead - Lehigh Connector — Attraction in Boulder

Full disclosure, I am a trail snob. I'm sure this is a full 5-star trail for many. It's a 3.5 in my book. Objectively, at 5:30 PM on a pleasant late-summer Wednesday, we crossed paths with at least twenty off-leash dogs during a 60 minute out-and-back, and there are narrow areas of the trail. Between the hikers, walkers, runners, dogs, and narrow trail, I was unable to relax the way I hoped. This trail leads to the Mesa Trail, which is a predominantly 5-star trail in my book, so that's a benefit. Perhaps it would be less busy during business hours. I fully appreciate this is BOCO, but since the trail is both narrow (especially at the start) and busy, it's not where I'd go to enjoy a walk in nature or where I'd...

Tucked away in a neighborhood, the entrance to this trail does not give the impression that you are entering a foothills open space. Beautiful mountain views and minus a slight elevation gain for the first mile, it is a fairly easy hike. My 11 year old loves the 4.25 mile loop. Lots of people and dogs on this trail. If you are looking for isolation, this isn’t for you, but lots of friendly people and pets out there. This is a great warm up trail to some of the more challenging hikes nearby like Mallory’s Cave or Chautauqua Park to the Royal Arch, or if you need a good friendly friendly...

I actually love getting to this Trailhead from behind the neighborhood nearby. Then picking it up & following it all the way to a flat iron. Of course, it is then kind of fun to Boulder at the bottom of the flat iron. Or if you're a geek, just go ahead and climb the thing (like me)! ... What's even more fun is to take the trail system all the way to Eldorado Canyon or vice versa. Please support the Access Fund, thank you!

PS Fern canyon is awesome, and so is the other side of the Mountain. Drive there via Flagstaff and hike to overlook Gross Reservoir...bring...