Next time you have a day to spend hiking with your kids, climb up the West Ridge Trail to the summit of Green Mountain, 8,144 feet, for a great view of Boulder (see if your children can find your home), Bear and South Boulder Peaks and the Front Range. The easiest way to climb Green Mountain, the West Ridge Trail is mostly rolling terrain where you’ll find birds, deer and squirrels grazing and foraging for pine cones.
Trail Info
Trail Length: 2.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation gain: ~650 feet
Difficulty: Easy, with the exception of the last .2 miles to the summit, which becomes steeper and more rugged.
Time (with children): Half a day
Alternate Route
For a fun and longer hike, take the West Ridge Trail to the summit of Green Mountain and then descend along the Ranger Trail to the Gregory Canyon Trailhead (you’ll want to leave a second car at this trailhead).
Other Trails
A number of other trails lead to and from the summit of Green Mountain. Gregory Canyon is another popular starting point; loops on the Ranger and Saddle Rock Trails can be made from here to the summit, although these trails are longer and more strenuous than the West Ridge Trail.
A description of a longer route to the Green Mountain summit that begins in Chautauqua can be found here (http://www.thoos.com/guides/green-mountain-loop)
Getting There
The Green Mountain West Ridge Trailhead is located off of Flagstaff Road, about 4.5 miles outside of Boulder and just before you leave Boulder Mountain Park. Shortly after passing the Long Canyon Trail Parking Area, you’ll find a pull-off on the right side of the road. Park here ($3 for cars not registered in Boulder County) and cross the road to begin hiking. You’ll find a sign in approximately 100 feet that says “Welcome to Green Mountain.”
Things to Bring
• Backpack
• Rain layer
• Plenty of snacks
• Water (at least 1 liter/person)
Helpful Links
Boulder Mountain Park Natural Area
Trail Closures, Advisories and Fire Bans
Green Mountain West Ridge Trail on Summit Post
Green Mountain West Ridge Map
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