Good relatively snow free trail run good with elevation gain

[Schwinn]

Any thoughts on an early season trail run with a couple k of elevation gain? Maybe an 11,12,13er? Proximity to Denver not all that important. Relatively snow free is important.

I've done some digging but can't find any good ideas.

Thanks!

[AlexeyD]

Any thoughts on an early season trail run with 1k,2k,3k of elevation gain? Maybe an 11,12,13er? Proximity to Denver not all that important. Relatively snow free is important.

I've done some digging but can't find any good ideas.

Thanks!

OK, so this is not high elevation, BUT...the Mesa Trail in the Boulder Open Space would be a good choice. Almost entirely snow-free as of last Sunday, and probably completely so by now, given how warm it's been. The elevation gain would be in the form of lots of ups and downs, rather than continuous, but is pretty considerable - 3,250' over 13.4 miles if you run it in both directions.

If you prefer variety instead of just back and forth, you could take the Kohler Mesa trail near the north end, and the Blue Stem on the south end. Other variations are possible, too...it's a very big trail complex. Whatever you choose, it's absolutely fantastic trail running...I'm lucky enough to be able to access these trails from my house, and love it every time. Enjoy!

[AndyJB444]

Everything above 9k is probably no go for another month or so, at least - unless you're into snow running. You might get away with mostly snow free trails in Golden Gate state park. Otherwise, like previously, posted trails around Boulder are good, or Centennial Cone, Walker ranch, heil/hall, etc...

[Schwinn]

Awesome, thanks for the replies!

I've not been up to the Mesa Trail. I'm going to do a bit of research on that thing and maybe check it out.

[gspup]

Mt Morrison

[DoctorBreaks]

I'm going to check out Sheep Mountain today to see how it is as an after work trail running type deal. Elevation is about 8700 with a bit over 3500ft of gain and 10 miles RT.


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[Jeff Valliere]

Awesome, thanks for the replies!

I've not been up to the Mesa Trail. I'm going to do a bit of research on that thing and maybe check it out.

The Mesa Trail is nice and if you feel like tagging some summits, you could hit up any combination of Bear Peak, S. Boulder Peak and Green Mountain from the Mesa Trail. Most of the trails in Boulder OSMP are dry (or quickly drying), except for a few short N. facing sections of trail near the summits. Easy to work with though with a shoe with decent traction.

[Voodoo302]

I run Mesa Trail and its tributaries pretty regularly and they're mostly dry. Some patches of snow and mud as you move toward S. Boulder/Bear peaks. Mesa itself is a great trail with rolling elevation change, I really like it.

[Trotter]

Did Mt falcon last sunday, and it was totally dry. about 2000 ft climb, and right by morrison.

[Jim Davies]

The Manitou Incline is snow-free, as is Barr Trail up to about the Experimental Forest +/-. 2000' in a mile or 2.5 miles.

[climbing_rob]

Mt Morrison

Yep, Mt. Morrison, 2K elev. gain (maybe 1950, actually), great workout, my wife and I do it a couple times a week. Ran into Lord Helmet up there last night, plus a couple other friends. Popular workout, but never too crowded. You can even catch a Red Rocks concert if you time it right!

[DoctorBreaks]

Went to Sheep Mountain and I would highly recommend it. It is around 10 miles and 3500ft of gain. A lot of ups and downs, fairly steep at times, and a good amount of flat sections. It's 12 miles west of I25/34 heading toward Estes.