Directions: From Ninth Street and Mapleton in Boulder,
travel west on Mapleton to 4th. Cross 4th and find parking and the trailhead on the north
side of the road about 1/2 block farther up, past the Community Hospital buildings.
Trail Information: There are major trails up the East Valley
and along the West Ridge, as well as a few narrow trails which parallel the East Valley
(Dakota Ridge is one). To run, the loop is great if you head up the West Ridge (steep at
the bottom and sustained steep sections) for 1.3 miles to the summit, then descend via the
technical (at the top) East Ridge trail, down to the wide and graveled East Valley trail.
Tons of dogs, and hikers and runners of all abilities. Once you're finished head down to
Pearl Street for a pint; you earned it!
Miscellaneous Information: I never get tired of this trail! Once you can
run it clockwise, do it the other way! Load up a pack, bring your dogs, do the East Valley
barefoot; the possibilities are endless!
Kreighton Bieger