Pines to Peak Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers

Short, easy route with great views. There is plenty of solid footing on a well maintained trail.

This loop starts and ends in the parking lot for the Bald Mountain Scenic Area off of Sunshine Canyon Drive which is a well-marked trailhead on your left if you are coming from Boulder.

The singletrack rises gently away from the parking lot and picnic area up to the open summit of Bald Mountain. The trail begins through a thinly spaced ponderosa pine forest. After approximately 0.2 miles there is a split in the trail that begins the loop. Choose either direction and you'll return to that same point in about a mile. The mellow trail winds around as you approach the summit and views open up to the Great Plains below to the east, and the Continental Divide looming above you to the west. Continue along your chosen direction until you return to the parking lot/trailhead.

Ponderosa pine are the dominant flora you'll see on this trail. Wildflowers can be spotted during the late spring and early summer. Plenty of deer and squirrels frequent this area and there have also been mountain lion sightings with warning signs at the start of the trail!