Images from another spring hike. This time it was a hike up Mt. Sanitas, a very popular trail in Boulder because of its proxmity and the fact that it is relatively short but challenging and provides a quick "stairmaster" workout for locals.
The hike starts on the Mt. Sanitas West Ridge Trail which climbs steeply and ruggedly before moderating on a thin ridge with good southwest views across Sunshine Canyon and Chautauqua Park. The trail then bends north on the final approach to the Mt Sanitas summit providing panoramic views of the lower foothills, eastern plains and the snow capped Indian Peaks.
After reaching the summit the trail descends the East ridge, abruptly dives down a series of steep, rugged and tightly-wound switchbacks and negotiates several sparingly marked switchbacks through car-sized boulders. Finally the trail reaches the valley floor and merges onto the Sanitas Valley Trail which proceeds southward along Dakota Ridge to the initial starting point.