Lion's Lair(edit)

Overview

Lion's Lair is a less trafficked yet worthy trail to access the breathtaking views at the summit of Mt. Sanitas. Compared to the traditional steep and rocky ridge hike to the historic summit, this trail features plenty of shade and a much easier hiking grade, perfect for those hot summer days and much easier for kids and elderly hikers. Don't be fooled too easily though by this comparison, you still have over 600 feet of vertical gain to reach the summit, so plan ahead and bring some snacks and water!

The return route is a little tricky to start, as there are a few different options leading from the summit. It is best to remember the last 100' of trail before you reach the summit to avoid confusion. If not, no sweat, just head off the summit going West (away from Boulder) and look for a RIGHT turn at the first fork you come to, within the first 100 feet off the summit. It is not currently marked with a sign at the time of this writing. The alternative Left option on that fork has a MUCH steeper decent than your original path, so you'll know pretty quick if you picked the right way or not! The only other split you need to negotiate is one marked for the Lion's Lair Spur Trail. This spur trail is NOT the trail back to your vehicle, so keep heading past it. If you do accidentally manage get on it, you'll have to do some road walking to get back down to your vehicle.

Plan to encounter a mix of easy grade shaded switchbacks in Ponderosa Pine and quiet grassy meadows on your ascent. Rock outcroppings make for perfect resting spots to soak it all in, but please be mindful of their fragile landscape surroundings for future visitors. Mule deer are a common sight for the quiet guests, as well as fox and other smaller animals, so keep a keen eye out!

Mountain Lions are active native and active in this area, hence the appropriately named Lion's Lair Trail, but are a rare sighting. Dogs are NOT allowed on this portion of Mt. Sanitas for this reason and others, so please don't bring your furry friends with you for this hike. It is highly unlikely that you'll see a mountain lion out on this trail, but it is always good to know how to handle wildlife encounters appropriately, so do some research!

For the avid trail runner, the downhill portion of this trail is one of the finest runs in the area! If you have the endurance, there are plenty of local trail running routes that share this trail which can be found online.

Getting Started

Parking:
Head up Sunshine Canyon Drive past Centennial Trailhead (on your left) and keep an eye out for the first parking lot on the RIGHT as you go up Sunshine Canyon. This trailhead is the best access to Lion's Lair Trail.

Start of Trail:
There is a large set of wooden steps that mark the start of Lion's Lair Trail. The first steps are a bit steep, but the trail quickly calms to a smoother uphill grade

Dogs:
NO DOGS on this trail

Runners:
Frequented by friendly, respectful trail runners both uphill and downhill at all times of day and weather conditions

Bikes:
NO BIKES on this trail

Wildlife:
Mountain lions are active in the area, so know how to handle an encounter (extremely rare, but always be prepared) and avoid early and late dawn/dusk hours to avoid any activity if desired

Taking Children

This is a 600+ft elevation hike to the summit, so use best judgement as to if this hike is suitable for your kid(s). The grade isn't as steep as the other options to the summit, but it is 4+ miles roundtrip. I'd rate this a 5 on 1-10 scale. If they can handle it, it is a beautiful hike!