DIRECTIONS:

From Downtown Boulder, follow Canyon Blvd West to Broadway. Turn north on Broadway and west on Mapleton Ave. Follow Mapleton Ave west to the Centennial Trailhead on your right.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

The Anemone Trail is one of the newest trails in Boulder’s OSMP (Open Space & Mountain Parks) System. This trail is an instant classic. It is one of the best trails accessible easily from downtown Boulder. There are two ways of accessing the Anemone Trail, either from the People’s Crossing Trailhead, or the Centennial Trailhead, as described here.

The trail begins steeply by climbing up from the trailhead towards the towering Red Rocks of Boulder. Before long the trail veers to the west and starts to switchback up the hillside through evergreen forest. As the trail climbs the northern slopes, you are treated to some wonderful westerly views of Boulder Canyon. When you reach the trail junction for the Anemone Loop, I recommend tackling the loop in a counterclockwise direction, the elevation gain is a bit mellower. Continue up and up until you finally crest a ridge.

Upon the ridge, the views become more expansive and you can see some high peaks to the west if the weather is clear. Follow the trail as it rises and falls over the hilly ridge to the Anemone Point Overlook with 360 degree views. From here the trail is all downhill. Continue down and you’ll soon reach the second overlook and then close the Anemone Loop. Follow the trail back down towards Red Rocks and back to the Trailhead to finish the hike.