Shadow Canyon

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Directly after crossing Shadow Creek, this trail heads straight up. Follow the creek as you weave around massive boulders, stair stepping almost the entire way.

Although this trail gives little to no shelter from the immense incline laid before you, it does offer some amazing views of Devil's Thumb's rarely seen backside. Additionally, the trail provides some fleeting views of both Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak.

The bottom portion of this trail is set deeply in a conifer forest and will provide the best opportunity for potential wildlife sightings. At the steepest and most difficult section of trail (where it switchbacks multiple times), you'll be set in a large burn zone.

This burn area is the product of a massive fire, the Flagstaff fire (also called the Bison fire). Started June 26th, 2012, this fire burned approximately 300 acres and closed a large portion of the City of Boulder Mountain Parks for public use. This trail was reopened June 7th, 2013 - almost a year post-fire!

Black bears and mountain lions inhabit this area. The area is rich with wildlife including Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed Hawks, songbirds, mule deer, and coyotes.