Sanitas and Centennial Trailhead

Click on the map at left for a larger PDF map (2.18 MB).

LOCATION

0.5 mile west of 4th Street on Mapleton Avenue.

PARKING

Parking is available in the Centennial Trailhead on the south side of Mapleton Avenue.

TRAILS

Sanitas Valley Trail is a wide, graveled trail heading north up the valley between the Hogback Ridge and Mount Sanitas. It affords access to the Dakota Ridge Trail to the east, the Mount Sanitas Trail to the west, the Hawthorne Trail near its northeast terminus, and the East Ridge Trail at its northwest terminus. It is heavily utilized by people walking their dogs.

Mount Sanitas Trail is a moderate to difficult trail which meanders both sides of the ridge leading to the summit of Mount Sanitas. The southern portion of the trail is utilized as an access by climbers to several bouldering areas along the trail. Access points to these bouldering areas are clearly marked and we ask your cooperation that you only boulder in designated areas. This trail also provides beautiful views to both the east and west.

Dakota Ridge Trail meanders the west side of the Dakota Ridge through ponderosa pine stands. It is heavily utilized by runners. Hawthorne Trail is a steep and difficult trail leading down a narrow gully before leveling to a more moderate incline. Its terminus is at the access just west of Fourth Street on Hawthorne. East Ridge Trail connects the Sanitas Valley Trail to the Mount Sanitas Trail at the north end of the mountain. It is steep and difficult.  

Centennial Trailhead, which is just west of the Sanitas Trailhead, accesses the Red Rocks Trail and Anemone Hill Trail. Both trails go south from the trailhead. The Red Rocks trail is 0.6 miles and gains 300 vertical feet. The trail climbs to a ridge, then to the fins of the Red Rocks. After it passes a historic marker, the trail ends at Settlers' Park. Anemone Hill Trail climbs 0.4 miles up the hill west of the Red Rocks.

BUS CONNECTIONS

An RTD bus passes very close to this trailhead. See Bus connections in English, Autobuses en español.

RESTROOMS

Restrooms are available at the Centennial Trailhead.

PICNIC FACILITIES

Three picnic tables and a small pavilion are available. Grills and stoves are prohibited.

BIKE REGULATIONS

No bicycles are allowed in this area.

DOG REGULATIONS

All dogs must be leashed in the Trailhead Leash Area. Beyond the trailhead, dog control requirements vary from trail to trail, so carefully watch for dog regulation signs at trailheads and trail intersections, and check the Dog Regulations by Area page before your trip. On most OSMP trails in this area, dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times unless they meet the voice and sight control standard and display a City of Boulder Voice and Sight tag. Dog excrement removal is required by law. A dog station is available to aid in the collection of dog excrement.

HORSE REGULATIONS

Horses are allowed on all trails. On-trail riding is encouraged to protect rare plants and wildlife habitat.

WILDLIFE

Mountain lions inhabit this area. Coyotes, foxes, mule deer, and raptors are commonly sighted.

HISTORIC INFO

• Named for the old sanitarium (health spa) that is now the Mapleton Medical Center.
• Sandstone quarried for original buildings on CU campus.

Before You Go

Please know OSMP rules and regulations.

Please study our six Leave No Trace" Principles to protect the land.

Dog owners: see our special dog page.

Hikers and climbers: Please be aware of all area closures.

Mountain bikers: Follow this link for trails where you can bike.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 November 2012 11:57