Colorado Hikes near Denver: South Boulder Peak via Homestead Trail
What do you do when everything above 10,000 feet is covered in snow? You return to the foothills of Boulder for drier climbs under mild winter conditions. While you save yourself driving time, you will still work hard on these peaks. South Boulder Peak is a great example and my latest victim. Number twenty-eight hike for the year with two more to go before we say goodbye to 2023.
Truly, an incredible escape from the personal training studio in Denver.
Time of Year: Saturday, November 18th, 2023.
Weather: 42 degrees and sunny.
Cover: 80% covered after the initial approach and then 100% for the top quarter.
Time: 8:03 am - 12:15 pm.
Distance: 9.11 miles total from the upper lot.
Cost: $5 (Parking app).
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.
Difficulty: Hard level 1 for altitude (8524 feet), elevation gain (3009 feet), and length (9.11 miles). Not technical.
Route: Mesa Trail to Homestead Trail to Mesa Trail to Shadow Canyon South Trail to the peak and then Shadow Canyon Trail to Mesa Trail
Traffic: Light (mostly runners).
Parking: The first lot was full, but the second lot was 75% full. Enough parking at the start and finish of the hike.
Equipment: Hiking boots, hiking poles.
Terrain: Typical Boulder path with layers of dirt, gravel, and rocks of all sizes along the way (no technical bouldering except for the last 10 feet of the peak, a very approachable climb). Completely dry.
Experience: If you've hiked Bear Peak and Green Mountain, you will be treated to comparable views and a similar sloped, rocky climb. The initial approach offers views of the peaks with historic cabins sprinkled along the way. The staircase begins once you hit the actual ascent at about the 2.8-mile mark. The climb isn't steep, but the 2000-foot gain in less than 2 miles is difficult. This is a massive nod to the many Boulders runners who sprint to the top. The descent is manageable without poles, but they certainly help.
Denver Personal Trainer Notes: The elevation gain within a short span mirrors the Manitou Incline trail outside of Colorado Springs. It is a test of muscular and cardio endurance (without the stairs). Considering the length and overall gain, this trail is perfect practice for my personal training clients who love 13ers and 14ers.
Not a bad nearby view for my personal training clients in Denver.
My LoHi personal training clients love the access to the foothills from Denver.
Some evidence of a fire from a couple of years ago.
The incredible view of the front range mountains in Colorado.
Resting with the High Plains of Colorado in the background.
You typically don’t see a home from the 1800’s during a personal training session!
Not a bad view descending from South Boulder Peak.
The first of two peaks on this hiking trail in Colorado.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
