Near NCAR Trail
Flatirons and the impending cloud storm.
Near NCAR Trail
Mesa Trail just south of Mallory Cave.
Near NCAR Trail
Flatirons looking north.
Near NCAR Trail
The hills of South Boulder during a March snow on the NCAR trail
Near NCAR Trail
NCAR Trail in the fall.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

NCAR Trail

3.2 (9 Ratings)
This rolling trail offers splendid views of the Flatirons and the surrounding area.
0.7
mi
Distance
200
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
ViewsWildlife
Access Issues
Seasonal dog leash requirement: August 15th - November 1st

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.69mi
Distance
200ft
Elevation Gain
115ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
6,266ft
High Point
6,106ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This east-west, rolling trail offers splendid views of the Flatirons and the surrounding Boulder Mountain Park area. NCAR Trail provides access to the Mesa Trail from NCAR. The section nearest the NCAR building has plaques full of fun weather facts. Stop and read them!

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Bear Peak Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Bear Peak Out and Back

Birding
strenuous
5.68 mi
+2,785 ft
Mallory Cave Trail

Hike Route

Mallory Cave Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
3.1 mi
+1,241 ft
Shanahan Ridge

Hike Route

Shanahan Ridge

Birding
moderate
3.54 mi
+808 ft
Shanahan Forks Loop

Hike Route

Shanahan Forks Loop

Views
moderate
4.09 mi
+796 ft
McClintock Trail Hike

Hike Route

McClintock Trail Hike

Wildflowers
easy
0.63 mi
+354 ft
Second-Third Flatiron Mesa Loop

Hike Route

Second-Third Flatiron Mesa Loop

Geologically Significant
moderate
2.16 mi
+693 ft
Contributors
Tom Robson