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Boulder Open Space

Trip

Ascending Hikes - Endurance – Boulder Open Space - Shanahan Loop

Ascending Hikes Series is designed to help new, inexperienced or infrequent hikers to progressively improve their skill, fitness and comfort in the outdoors. This trip's focus is hiking speed. We will do Shanahan, Big Bluestem, Mesa Trail Loop. NOTE: Boulder's AHS is designed as a progressive learning experience, with each hike emphasizing a different aspect of hiking performance—from steeper ascents and altitude to distance and pace. Enroll in all five hikes to experience the full curriculum and build your skills step by step with Colorado Mountain Club leaders and fellow participants.

Contacts

Johanna Hunter
Johanna Hunter
Primary Leader
  • Sun, Aug 9, 2026
  • Boulder
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 4.9 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 892 ft
  • Pace: based on group

All August AHS hikes are in Boulder County, here are the 5 hikes and the trip links to register:

Hike 1: Saturday, August 1st at 7:00am Canyon Loop at Betasso Preserve. The loop is 3.3 miles with 429 feet elevation gain. https://www.cmc.org/education-adventure/trips/find-trips/ascending-hikes-seasonal-fitness-2013-betasso-preserve-pavilion

Focus: intro hike

Hike 2: Sunday, August 9th at 7:00am Shanahan, Big Bluestem, Mesa Trail Loop which is 4.9 miles with 892 feet elevation gain. https://www.cmc.org/education-adventure/trips/find-trips/ascending-hikes-endurance-2013-boulder-open-space-shanahan-loop

Focus: hiking speed

Hike 3. Saturday, August 15th at 7:00am Mount Sanitas Trail Loop with Lion’s Lair and Sunshine Canyon. The loop is 5.3 miles with 1341 feet elevation gain. https://www.cmc.org/education-adventure/trips/find-trips/ascending-hikes-skill-building-2013-boulder-open-space-mount-sanitas-1

Focus: steeper ascents

Hike 4:  Sunday, August 23 at 6:30am Sourdough Trail to South St. Vrain Trail Loop. The loop is 5.4 miles with 708 feet elevation gain all around 10,000 ft. https://www.cmc.org/education-adventure/trips/find-trips/ascending-hikes-endurance-2013-ipw-brainard-lake-rec-area-summer

Focus: altitude

Hike 5: Saturday, August 29 at 6:00am Mesa Trail (distance and elevation gain TBD based on group) https://www.cmc.org/education-adventure/trips/find-trips/ascending-hikes-endurance-2013-boulder-open-space-1

Focus: distance

We will meet at the Cragmoor trailhead at 7:00am, carpooling is encouraged.

Roster
Route/Place

Boulder Open Space

Required Equipment

Required Equipment

10 essentials

Trip Reports