Saddle Rock Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

There's a ladder that must be climbed on this trail due to flood damage. If you are running with a dog, expect to help him/her up the ladder.

The Saddle Rock Trail has it's beginnings off of the Gregory Canyon Trail, very near the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. Soon after starting down this trail, it crosses a bridge and climbs to the junction of the upper end of Amphitheater Trail. From there, the Saddle Rock Trail climbs steeply up, utilizing many sections of rock steps, along side a washed out gully and becomes more of a physical challenge. Because of the damaging floods in September 2013, OSMP crews have installed a ladder where the trail crosses the creek bed.

Soon after climbing the short ladder, you'll come to Saddle Rock, the trail's namesake. Saddle Rock, a short detour off of the trail, is an overlook that offers sweeping views of Boulder and beyond. The trail then continues to climb up the ridge line to end at a junction with the E.M. Greenman Trail.

Ponderosa pine forest dominates this trail in typical Colorado frontrange style. Black bears, mule deer, and mountain lions all inhabit this area.