Mallory Cave Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Cave · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Mallory Cave Trail is a short, steep run to a large cave. The cave was originally discovered by loggers cutting down trees on Dinosaur Mountain, and then re-discovered in 1932 by a University of Colorado Student named E.C. Mallory.

Begin running from the NCAR parking lot. Head west on this trail until you intersect the Mesa Trail. Turn left on the Mesa Trail, and then quickly head west up the clearly marked trail to Mallory Cave.

This steep trail leads you up Dinosaur Mountain through impressive sandstone formations with outstanding views of Boulder and the plains back east.

At the end of the run, keep an eye out for a red rock staircase which leads straight up to the final staging area before climbing to the cave itself.

Note: Mallory Cave is closed until further notice, but the trail remains open. The closure is due to an epidemic of white-nosed syndrome, a fungal disease that has destroyed bat populations across the country. Humans are thought to be the main cause of spreading.