Green Mountain Loop: Fantastic Hike Near Boulder -

Green Mountain Loop Reading Time: 21 minutes

The Green Mountain Loop is a must-do if you’re looking for a challenging, yet rewarding hike. Green Mountain is one of the five tallest peaks in Boulder, CO and one of the best hikes in Boulder. It is not an easy hike, but it is also not the most challenging hike near Boulder. There are a few ways to reach the Green Mountain summit, and this blog post will provide you with all of the necessary information you need to know, as well as where to stay in Boulder, and where to get a craft beer after your hike. Read on!

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Two large boulders at the peak of Green Mountain. In the distance you can see Bear Peak. — At the summit of Green Mountain, you can see Bear Peak.

Hiking Green Mountain Near Boulder

Check out my Green Mountain hiking reel on Instagram.

The Green Mountain Boulder Hike is an awesome workout if you’re looking for some nature not far from downtown Boulder. Though it is quite a popular hike near Boulder so don’t expect to be completely solitaire out there. Green Mountain is one of Boulder’s top 5 highest peaks; it is part of the Boulder Skyline Traverse which is a one-day hike made up of South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, Green Mountain, Flagstaff, and Sanitas Mountain. Therefore, it is likely you’ll meet other hikers along the path who are passing through on their way to complete this grand challenge.

A great view along Saddle Rock, on the way up to Green Mountain, one of Boulder's 5 tallest peaks. — View along the way up to Green Mountain

Must Hike Score:

7/10

The Green Mountain Boulder hike is great because you can get deep into the mountains and hike to one of the highest peaks in Boulder without having to go too far. There are also a few different ways to hike to the peak, depending on the challenge you’re looking for.

Where is the Green Mountain Peak?

Click here to see the Green Mountain Boulder Map on AllTrails.

Green Mountain Peak is located just above the Chautauqua Park. It is right in between Flagstaff Mountain and Bear Peak when looking at a map.

Hike Boulder Green Mountain Summit in Three Ways

This is a screenshot of the Green Mountain loop on All Trails. It shows all the trails: Amphitheater Trail, Saddle Rock Trail, EM Greenman Trail, Ranger Trail, Gregory Canyon Trail. — The AllTrails map view of the Green Mountain Loop.

There are three main ways to reach the summit of Green Mountain in Boulder. You can choose the way that matches the intensity you’re looking for. I chose option 3: Green Mountain via Saddle Rock and the Gregory Canyon Loop, so I’ll write mostly about that route in this blog post.

Green Mountain West Ridge

The Green Mountain West Trail is as the name suggests, on the west side of Green Mountain. You can find the Green Mountain West Trailhead along Flagstaff Road. If you drive about 5-10 minutes along Flagstaff, past Realization Point, you’ll see the Green Mountain West Trailhead on the left side of the road. On both sides of the road, you’ll see large dirt shoulders where cars park to begin this hike.

Green Mountain via Ranger Trail (Realization Point)

You can find Realization Point along Flagstaff Road (Baseline Road when in town). There are several parking spots at Realization Point. From there, you can follow the Ranger Trail up until you reach the Green Mountain summit. This is the shortest and easiest way up to the peak. The trail is quite manicured and clear of debris, with even terrain.

A trail sign at the junction of Ranger Trail and Gregory Canyon Trail. You can also see the arrow pointing left for Realization Point. — Sign at the junction of Ranger Trail and Gregory Canyon Trail.

This is the sign for the parking area near Realization Point. — Sign at the junction of Ranger Trail and Gregory Canyon Trail.

Green Mountain via Saddle Rock Gregory Canyon Loop

This is the route I took to reach Green Mountain because I was looking for the biggest challenge. You can go up the Gregory Canyon Trail until the peak, and then back down the Saddle Rock Trail, or vice versa. I first took the Amphitheatre Trail to the Saddle Rock Trail to the EM Greenman Trail until the peak. To come back down, I took the Ranger Trail until the Gregory Canyon Trail. It is a 4.6-mile loop.

This is subjective, but I think going up the Saddle Rock Trail is more difficult than going up the Gregory Canyon Trail, though both trails can have their challenges.

A trail sign showing the point where the Saddle Rock shortcut meets up with the Saddle Rock Trail. — Where the Saddle Rock Trails meet

Part of the hike along Gregory Canyon on the way up to Flagstaff Mountain. — Where the Saddle Rock Trails meet

How Much Elevation Gain is the Green Mountain Loop Trail?

The Green Mountain Loop has an elevation gain of 2432 feet, from the parking lot to the peak. The total elevation of the Green Mountain Summit is 7927 feet.

Getting to the Green Mountain Loop trailhead

It’s easy to reach the Green Mountain Boulder Colorado trailheads.

Green Mountain Boulder Directions

Use Chautauqua Park as a landmark. Then keep following Baseline Road up the mountain until it turns into Flagstaff Road. There are three places you can start the hike along Flagstaff Road.

Green Mountain Boulder Parking

Gregory Canyon Trailhead: If you plan on hiking The Green Mountain Loop Trail, you should park at the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. Go along Baseline Road, and after a couple of minutes, you’ll see Gregory Canyon Road on the left side. Turn left. You can park along the road or at the end of the road in the loop if there are spaces. It’s free for Boulder County residents to park here.

Chautauqua Park: If you prefer a slightly longer hike, you can park at Chautauqua Park (you must pay a fee). From there you can walk along the Baseline Trail or the Meadow Trail until it meets up with the Gregory Canyon Trailhead.

Royal Arch Trail: Chautauqua Park where you will begin the hike — A view of the Flatirons from Chautauqua Park

Green Mountain West Trailhead: If you want to take the Green Mountain West Trail, you can park at the Green Mountain West Trailhead on the west side of Green Mountain. Follow Flagstaff Road for about 15 minutes until you see the trailhead on the left. Free parking. The trailhead is fairly obvious on the left side of the road.

Realization Point: You can reach Realization Point after driving for about 10 minutes up Flagstaff Road. There are several parking spots here. Free parking. You’ll see the Ranger Trail entrance on the left side of the road.

Where to Start Hiking the Green Mountain Loop Trail

In order to hike the Green Mountain Loop, you should begin the hike at the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. There are two trails where you can begin the hike: by the bridge or by the trashcans.

I first took the Amphitheatre Trail, so I crossed over the bridge and followed the trail around to the right.

If you start the trail near the trashcans, you have two options. The Gregory Canyon Trail goes up to the right almost immediately. The Saddle Rock shortcut goes up to the left. If you want to cut out the Amphitheatre Trail part of the loop, you can take the Saddle Rock shortcut to the left until it reaches the Saddle Rock Trail.

This is a picture of a bridge. If you cross the bridge, you will find the Amphitheater Trail. — Cross the bridge to reach the Amphitheater Trail (in November)

There are two trash cans and a bike rack next to the start of the Gregory Canyon to Flagstaff Mountain Path. — Cross the bridge to reach the Amphitheater Trail (in November)

Route Description for Green Mountain Loop Trail

You can make a giant loop with several different trails. Here I will explain the order that I did the loop, however, you can go either way: Gregory Canyon up and Saddle Rock down OR Saddle Rock up and Gregory Canyon down. The following is a trail snapshot for Green Mountain via Saddle Rock Trail (first) and Gregory Canyon Trail (last).

Click here for a virtual tour of Green Mountain via RangerSaddle Rock Loop on AllTrails Plus and click on “Preview Trail.”

The Amphitheater Trail to Saddle Rock Trail

At the Gregory Canyon Trailhead, cross the bridge. Immediately there will be a fork. Go right to follow the Amphitheater Trail. The trail starts to get fairly steep right away. Lots of rocks and boulders along the way. You’ll need to go up some rocky stairs. The trail will continue like this as you head towards the Saddle Rock Trail.

A trail sign. Go to the right for the Amphitheater Trail and left for the Bluebell-Baird Trail. — Go right for the Amphitheater Trail

The rocky path along the start of the Amphitheater Trail. There is a wooden fence on the right side. — Go right for the Amphitheater Trail

From Saddle Rock to EM Greenman Trail

The Saddle Rock Trail begins at the point where the Saddle Rock shortcut meets the trail. The trail begins to get steeper. There will be lots of rocks and rough terrain. The trees are tall so you will have a lot of shade if you go during the summer months. You will definitely start to work up a sweat here.

The rocky steps along the trail on the Saddle Rock Trail going up to Green Mountain. — Along the Saddle Rock Trail

A great lookout spot along the Saddle Rock Trail. There are several red rocks, trees, and a skyline in the distance. — Along the Saddle Rock Trail

From the EM From Greenman Trail to the Summit

The Saddle Rock Trail will ascend quite steeply along rocky trails with boulders on each side of you. You will eventually come to a junction where the Saddle Rock Trail turns into the EM Greenman Trail. At this point, you will start to see signs for the First and Second Flatirons Trail as well, which you can take as it veers off to the left. Keep going and you’ll come to another junction. The Saddle Rock Trail will take you back down to the right. Keep to the left and continue to follow the signs for EM Greenman and Green Mountain. The last section of the trail winds along the side of the mountain. You will cross over a red rock pass, and may even encounter some snow on the snowy side of the mountain.

There is a path that goes through the center of the photo. There are wide and long stairs made up of rocks and logs. Trees are on both sides. This is near the peak of Green Mountain. — The trail nearing the peak

There is snow along the path. This is near the peak. — The trail nearing the peak

At The Summit of Green Mountain

The last push to reach the summit is not as strenuous as it is to reach Bear Peak, for example. You’ll zigzag along the switchbacks, and suddenly find yourself at the peak. It was incredibly windy the day I was there. There are a few large boulders at the very peak. You can scramble to the top of them to reach the official Green Mountain summit. There you’ll see a pile of stones with a plaque on top of them. It lists the elevations of several mountains in the area.

This is a circular plaque that sits at the very summit of Green Mountain. There are several mountain peak names carved into this plaque with their elevations listed. You can see the mountainous terrain in the distance behind the plaque. — Plaque at the peak of Green Mountain

There are several very large boulders. On top of the boulders is a stack of smaller rocks. on top of that is a plaque. This marks the official peak of Green Mountain. — Plaque at the peak of Green Mountain

The Return Hike Down Green Mountain

If you want to do an out-and-back trail, you can turn around and go back down the same way you came up via the EM Greenman and Saddle Rock Trails. But if you prefer to make a big loop like I did, continue on the path at the peak.

Green Mountain Peak to the Ranger Trail

Continue on the path once you reach the peak. Go the opposite way you came up. Follow the signs for the Ranger Trail, which will veer off to the right. The Ranger Trail is really well-manicured and has pretty even terrain. You will see wide trails with no large boulders or rocks in the path. It’s a fairly easy walk back down through the Ranger Trail.

The Ranger Trail is very wide with even terrain. It is very manicured. There are trees on both sides of this path. — The even terrain of the Ranger Trail.

A small cottage on the Ranger Trail. It is made of stones. — The even terrain of the Ranger Trail.

From the Ranger Trail to Gregory Canyon

As you get closer to Flagstaff Road and Realization Point (you can park here if you prefer a shorter hike), you’ll see a trail sign. The sign will point you straight for Realization Point, or a sharp right to go to Gregory Canyon. Gregory Canyon is definitely less manicured than the Range Trail is. You’ll find narrow trails with sticks and rocks along the path. Follow the Gregory Canyon Trail all the way back to the Gregory Canyon parking lot.

How long is the Green Mountain Hike Boulder?

The Green Mountain Loop that I have explained in this blog post is a 4.6 mile loop. My total movement time was 2 hours and 45 minutes. Though I did stop and rest at the summit, and play on some rocks along Saddle Rock, so the entire hike took me about 3.5 hours.

Is the Green Mountain Loop Hike Hard?

The Green Mountain Loop is an intermediate hike. It is more difficult if you ascend via Saddle Rock. Gregory Canyon can feel steep in places, but I would say that between the two, Saddle Rock is more difficult. If you want the biggest challenge, ascend via Saddle Rock first, and descend via Ranger Trail and Gregory Canyon. If you want a slightly easier trail, go up Gregory Canyon and the Ranger Trail first. If you want an even easier trail, park at Realization Point and head straight up the Ranger Trail.

This is a very rocky hillside that slopes down to the right. The rocks are red. The path goes right through the middle. — Part of the EM Greenman Trail nearing the peak

What to Wear when Hiking the Green Mountain Loop

The Green Mountain Loop Trail in Boulder has a lot of varying terrain, so you should dress accordingly to protect your ankles and knees along the trail, and your face from the sun. Here are a few suggestions:

Simple athletic shoes/hiking boots
Kahtoola Spikes if you go in winter
shorts/pants – I love Kuhl hiking pants
Athletic top that wicks away sweat
Light jacket if you go early in the morning or in the evening (I LOVE the Cotopaxi windbreaker)
Fleece in the winter or early spring
Sunglasses
Hat- my favorite is from Cotopaxi

What to Bring when Hiking the Green Mountain Loop

Check out my blog post about the best hiking gear for beginners.

The entire hike may take you 2.5-4 hours, so don’t forget these things:

Water bottle
Water bottle sleeve to easily carry your bottle without hands
Sunscreen SPF
Hip bag (for keys and things)
SPF Chapstick
Step counter watch
Your phone to take photos

Tips Resources for Hiking Gregory Canyon to Green Mountain

Go early in the morning as it gets very hot in the afternoon.
Park in the Gregory Canyon lot for the complete hike.
Park at Realization Point for the easiest trail.
Park at the Green Mountain West Trailhead to go the back way.
Remember to bring water and SPF.
It is windy at the summit. Come prepared.
Dogs allowed in parts of the area, but only on a leash (not EM Greenman).
Don’t forget to carry out your dog’s poo bags.
Stand aside and let other hikers pass if they approach behind you quickly.
Uphill hikers always have the right-of-way; stand aside for them.
Take your trash with you. Leave no trace.

The Gregory Canyon parking lot in the fall. It's a loop with yellow trees behind it. — Gregory Canyon Parking lot

Are dogs allowed on the Green Mountain Loop Trail?

There are parts of the trail where dogs are allowed, and other parts where dogs are not allowed.

Amphitheater Trail: Dogs allowed, but leash is required from August 15-November 1.
Saddle Rock Trail: Dogs allowed with leash.
EM Greenman Trail: No dogs allowed.
Ranger Trail: Dogs allowed, no leash required
Gregory Canyon Trail: Dogs allowed with leash.

Are bikers allowed on the Green Mountain Loop Trail?

No. There is no point along the Green Mountain Loop where bikers are allowed to ride.

Looking for a Longer Hike? Green Mountain Loop Trail Add-ons:

Flagstaff via the Ute Trail

You can add the Flagstaff via the Ute Trail on to your hike. Simply find the trailhead at Realization Point.

Flagstaff is a great hike near Boulder with fantastic views along the way. — Snack time on the Ute Trail leading up to Flagstaff Mountain

Flatirons 1 & 2

If you would like to split off the trail to see the First and Second Flatirons, you can easily do that from this trail. Along the Saddle Rock Trail, just before reaching the start of the EM Greenman Trail, you will start to see some trail signs that point to the Flatirons. Just take the trail that veers off to the left and continue to follow the trail signs, like the one below.

There is a sign in the center and a trail that goes to the right and the left. The EM Greenman Trail is to the left. — Go along the left trail at this junction

A trail sign in green. New Saddle Rock Trail with an arrow pointing in both directions. EM Greenman Trail to the right. 1st/2nd Flatiron Trail and Chautauqua Trail to the left. — Go along the left trail at this junction

Where to Eat & Drink After Hiking Green Mountain Loop Trail

Chautauqua Dining Hall

If you’re enjoying your time inside Chautauqua Park, then stay for lunch at the Chautauqua Dining Hall. There is a great wrap-around outdoor balcony patio where you can enjoy your lunch with a view. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Address: 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80302

Alpine Modern Cafe

This cafe is just down the street on the corner of 9th St and College Ave. It is clean, modern, and sleek with a great outdoor patio where you can sip on a post-hike cappuccino.

Address: 904 College Ave, Boulder, CO 80302

Southern Sun

You can find the Southern Sun at the corner of Table Mesa and Broadway, set slightly back from the main street. This is a brewery and restaurant with great beers and food. You can only pay in cash. No credit cards.

Address: 627 S Broadway Ste E, Boulder, CO 80305

Where to Stay in Boulder near Green Mountain Loop Trail

If you have come to visit Boulder to be close to nature, here are a few suggestions for the area:

Hotel Boulderado

Description:This is an historic hotel in downtown Boulder, one of the town’s oldest. It’s located just one block off of Pearl Street. You can easily walk to the Red Rocks Loop trail from here. There is a restaurant and bar on-site, though there are several around in the area as well.

Price: Rooms range in price from $250-$400 in the summer, and around $100 less in the winter.

Colorado Chautauqua Cottages

Description: The cottages are located inside the Chautauqua Park, just near the base to many hikes as well as the Chautauqua Dining Hall. There is a summer concert series in the park as well. The cottages include a living room and a front porch. There is free wifi, parking, and breakfast for an additional charge.

Price: A cottage runs about $350/night in the summer months, and $200- $250 in the winter.

Foot of the Mountain Motel Boulder

Description:This motel is located just next to Eben G Fine Park and about a 5-minute walk from the Red Rocks Spur Loop trailhead. Bike rentals are also available. Breakfast is included. One free parking space is allotted to each room. This place is highly recommended by friends who have stayed here.

Price: Rooms are around $200 – $300/night in the summer and can go as low as $125/night in the winter.

Boulder Adventure Lodge

Description:This is a self-described “convening point for the outdoor-minded.” This is a hostel and community space that offers private rooms as well as dorm beds, though the hostel room is specifically for out-of-state travelers.

Price: A bed in the hostel dorm room runs about $60/night, while the private rooms can go from anywhere between $200-$300/night.

Green Mountain Loop Trail Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for some great hikes in Boulder, the Green Mountain Loop is there for you. It has everything- great views, varied terrain, and several alternatives so you can hike at your level. The Green Mountain Loop is one of the best hikes in Boulder Colorado, as it allows you to reach one of Boulder’s highest peaks in just a few hours. Just be prepared for the wind up top!