Images from another spring hike. This time it was a hike
up Mt. Sanitas, a very popular trail in Boulder because of its
proxmity and the fact that it is relatively short but challenging
and provides a quick "stairmaster" workout for locals.
The hike starts on the Mt. Sanitas West Ridge Trail which climbs
steeply and ruggedly before moderating on a thin ridge with good
southwest views across Sunshine Canyon and Chautauqua Park. The
trail then bends north on the final approach to the Mt Sanitas
summit providing panoramic views of the lower foothills, eastern
plains and the snow capped Indian Peaks.
After reaching the summit the trail descends the East ridge,
abruptly dives down a series of steep, rugged and tightly-wound
switchbacks and negotiates several sparingly marked switchbacks
through car-sized boulders. Finally the trail reaches the valley
floor and merges onto the Sanitas Valley Trail which proceeds
southward along Dakota Ridge to the initial starting point.
Start of Mt. Sanitas Trail...
Looking back to the South...
One of the many "Stairmaster" sections...
Overlooking Boulder...
The view to the West and the Indian Peaks...
Last push to the summit...
Summit of Mt. Sanitas...
Neighborhood at the bottom of our descent of the East ridge...
