Red Rocks Trail is a 1.8 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Boulder, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The many short trails leading to the impressive Red Rocks sandstone formations are well worth the quick hike. Rock outcrops, projections, holes, nooks, and giant boulders offer many types of climbing, scrambling, and exploring opportunities. Beginners to experts may practice their craft (freestyle only, no technical equipment allowed). A precaution, there are many sharp drops and smooth rock faces, so be careful and wise!
Colorado Tourism Office, 1625 Broadway, Suite 1700 , Denver, CO, 80202, Phone: 800-COLORADO
Directions from Broadway: Red Rocks Trailhead: Traveling north passed the University turn left on to Mapleton Avenue. The trailhead lies approximately eight blocks west of Broadway on the left side of the road.
March 27, 2021Little muddy at the beginning but no big deal. Red Rocks trail was diverted at one point due to erosion, but there was a good detour. Still saw the views.
March 10, 2021Beautiful! Just a little slippery on the way down but the views were worth it!
February 8, 2021February 5, 2021Eroded in many locations and slippery, sandy inclines. Need aggressive soles.
January 23, 2021Glad to see they’re doing trail maintenance – signs and trails are in bad shape
January 23, 2021Five star beautiful area. Be prepared with kids for lots and lots of stops to climb fun rocks! Trails and signs not in good shape; glad to see they’re doing maintenance on it. Totally clear conditions. Fairly heavy traffic.
January 17, 2021January 10, 2021Nice dog walk. Especially in winter with fresh snow
January 3, 2021Great scrambling for kiddos
December 31, 2020This is a gem right next to the city (I walked along the Boulder Creek Trail to get to the trailhead and then walked home via the Pearl St. Mall). Beautiful red rock spur/outcroppings and views of the valley, mountains, and city below. Brief but lovely. There was a bit of ice (so I didn't climb around on the rocks very much), but not bad for Dec. 31! I was also surprised how many people were up here this time of year; maybe it's because it was New Year's Eve. The majority of people I passed were not wearing masks.
December 1, 2020Great trail but nothing seems to be marked and I found it confusing. Perfect for my dog though and every person wore a mask that I passed.
November 27, 2020November 26, 2020November 18, 2020Did this today, 11/18. Short & sweet, some short steep stretches, nice views of the rock formations.
November 7, 2020Great. Scramble was dry. Most people had masks.
October 21, 2020Cruisy, great views of Boulder, awesome rocks!
October 2, 2020Beautiful but there is construction noise on first part of trail. parking lot full at 7 am on a Friday but trail was pretty empty.
September 28, 2020Quick and easy. Fun to chill by the rocks and look over the city
September 22, 2020Quick and easy! Great views from the boulders.
September 19, 2020GREAT trail with tons of off shoots. Hiking and light scrambling with options to do a bit of light bouldering. AMAZING views. Fall colors, lightly trafficked and perfect for fall
September 13, 2020A little more on the moderate side of easy. Pretty short, but plenty of side trails to add distance to your hike. It’s easy to get off-trail, but if all of the trails connect so it’s not a big deal.
September 3, 2020Hit this early morning before work. Beautiful sunrise. I would really echo other comments about having good traction footwear. Lots of loose gravel, etc. Good short hike
August 14, 2020My husband was in love with his hiking experience and can’t stop talking about it to me. Can’t wait to go hike with him soon. We are planning for it!
August 13, 2020One of my favorite trails to hike near Denver/in Boulder. I like taking Red Rocks Spur for a faster, steeper rise to Red Rocks Trail. Difficulty of this trail kind of is what you make it — moderate rise, but category 2/3/low 4 scrambling and bouldering if you want to make it to some of the top most view points. A lot of fun. Partial shade on the way up, more sun on the way down. I recommend hanging out at Boulder Creek when you’re done!
July 15, 2020Some parts of red rocks are closed.
July 15, 2020Park in the city and walk to the trail and enjoy the town of Boulder. Adds about 2 miles to the total trip.
July 12, 2020Came here on a Monday morning around 8 am and there were a few parking spaces left. There is also street parking. Not too crowded. Beautiful hike with some incline, nice lookout point, lovely wildflowers and even a little stream my golden waded in. The trails were very clearly marked. Great hike if you’re looking for a fast hike with some elevation.
