Kohler Mesa Trail, Colorado — Attraction in Four Corners States

Hey there, trail lovers!

Our team at Wolf Pack Planet recently tackled the Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop in Boulder, CO, and let me tell you, it was an adventure! This 3.6-mile loop with an 800-foot elevation gain served up some stunning views and plenty of wildlife surprises.

The weather was sunny and breezy – perfect for a hike – but it got pretty toasty, hitting above 75 degrees. One of the highlights? A Western Scrub-Jay with a bright blue feather on its butt and a white tummy decided to land just two feet away from us and stare us down. Nature, you win this round. 🐦

However, by the end of the trail, one of our pups started showing signs of heat exhaustion. Rookie mistake on my part – I should’ve kept a closer eye on hydration. So, PSA to all pet owners: this trail can be hot and steep, so if your dog isn’t a seasoned hiker or is a bit older, bring LOTS of water. We had 4 liters for the dogs and 23 ounces for ourselves, and we were bone dry by the end. Lesson learned!

Found this gem on AllTrails. Pro tip: don’t mistake a mud path for a refreshing stream like I did. There was no water for the dogs to cool off in, just mud. Also, I wouldn’t recommend this trail in winter – it’s rocky and steep, likely turning into an ice rink of doom.

The trail itself is gorgeous, and everyone we met was super friendly. Plenty of space to let folks pass without feeling like we were hogging the path with our big dogs. Early on, a hiker warned us about a rattlesnake on the first bridge. We didn’t see it, but another hiker did – complete with a scream to confirm it. 🐍

Speaking of snakes, here’s a quick heads-up: Boulder is home to the Western Rattlesnake. Their bites are rarely fatal but can be a real problem, especially for pets. So, keep your eyes and ears open!

Despite a few hiccups, we had a fantastic hike. Not overly difficult, but enough to get a good workout. We took a break at the midpoint, and our dogs went nuts for duck heads from Native Raw Eats, a local pet food supplier in Colorado. They were a hit! 🦆

We’ll definitely be back in the fall when it’s cooler. If you’re thinking of hitting this trail, pack plenty of water and enjoy the stunning scenery!

Happy trails, Wolf...

I love this trailhead. It’s quieter than nearby Chautauqua and has tons of options for linking up with lots of awesome trails. Initially, it’s on the steeper side, but you can really choose your own adventure, depending on which way you go. I love taking this towards Skunk Canyon/Kohler Mesa. If you’re not familiar with this area definitely download a map because there are a lot of offshoots and it can get a little confusing.

This is mostly off-leash (voice and sight requirements apply).

Just a word about trail etiquette and being kind to others. I goofed today around skunk canyon. That portion is usually off leash and I, having had a HORRIBLE day, didn’t notice it’s currently on-leash. That’s my bad. I admit it. As I was stepping aside with my dog to let a man pass coming from the opposite direction, he proceeded to completely physically block the trail, arms crossed, and AGGRESSIVELY interrogated me about not seeing the sign, lecturing me about how I should care about the rules and respect wildlife. I was very polite and admitted my mistake, clipping the leash immediately. He kept ranting and would not let me pass. He made me, as a single woman, feel unsafe.

If you notice someone not following a rule, you can obviously politely point it out; if they are immediately contrite, just DROP IT. I goofed. I’m not perfect. No one is. Don’t spoil someone’s hike over something like...

Serene hike with spectacular views. Nicely connects through Four Pines and Enchanted Mesa for easy access and added miles. Colorful spring...