The best running trails around Sunshine
4.3
(17)
4,332
runners
123
runs
Jogging around Sunshine offers a diverse landscape for runners, characterized by its varied terrain including hills, canyons, and trails through foothills. The region features routes that traverse natural areas, providing different levels of elevation and scenery. Many running routes in Sunshine incorporate natural features such as lakes and valleys, making for varied running experiences.
Best jogging routes around Sunshine
- The most popular jogging route is Mount Sanitas via Lion's Lair loop, a 6.8 miles (10.9 km) trail that takes…
Last updated: July 4, 2026
275
runners
10.9km
01:45
480m
480m
The Mount Sanitas via Lion's Lair loop offers a dynamic jogging experience, starting with a gentle ascent through a cool ponderosa forest on the Lion's Lair Trail. You'll wind through…
137
runners
6.33km
01:06
420m
420m
The Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop offers a quintessential Boulder trail running experience, blending a relentless climb with breathtaking rewards. You'll start on dirt paths, but quickly transition to…
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5.0
(1)
36
runners
5.27km
00:41
130m
130m
The Canyon Loop Trail provides a refreshing jogging experience through the natural beauty of Betasso Preserve. You'll navigate a moderate 3.3-mile (5.3 km) route, gaining 417 feet (127 metres) in…
11
runners
4.84km
00:33
50m
50m
Easy 3.0-mile (4.8 km) jogging loop around Wonderland Lake in Boulder, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
9
runners
6.08km
00:49
180m
180m
Jog the moderate 3.8-mile Benjamin Trail Loop in Betasso Preserve, gaining 604 feet with scenic views and diverse forest terrain.
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Tips from the Community
There is a small dirt pull-off where a couple cars can park. From here you start the trail from Short Cut Gulch headed up the Benjamin Link Trail to overlooks of the Flatirons.
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The Benjamin Trail Loop is as popular with mountain bikers as it is hikers and runners. These long, swooping switchbacks are not as steep as the more direct route up and down the mountain on the east side of the loop. There a couple lookout areas a bit higher up this side of the loop. The Benjamin Trail Loop is open to mountain bikers on only certain days of the week; if you can avoid these days, the trails are much less congested.
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There are a bunch of easy trails that wind though and around the park, which is very open and has great views of Wonderland Hill and Lake. There are restrooms by the parking lot.
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The paved path hwinds along the creek and through Fourmile Canyon. You get great views of the foothills from here.
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You get great views of Wonderland Hill reflected in the lake from the crushed gravel path which follows the east side of the water. You can run up to the hills to get great views out over Boulder.
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There are a few different spots on the trails in Betasso Preserve where you can get great views of the town of Boulder and some of the peaks behind the Flatirons. This is one of the spots on the trail that goes through a clearing on the side of the mountain.
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With multiple trailheads, parking lots, and interconnecting trails, the Betasso Preserve is one of the most frequented outdoor spaces in the Boulder Foothills area. The trails are free to use by the public, and it's easy to use to the trails to connect to other trail systems in the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Trails network.
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There's not really parking available, but this is the trail head of Lion's Lair leading you to Mt. Sanitas. We love this side of Mt. Sanitas, because it's quieter and it makes a nice loop from the other side.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Sunshine?
There are over 125 running routes around Sunshine, offering a diverse range of experiences from easy paths to challenging mountain trails. The komoot community has explored these routes over 3000 times.
Are there easy or beginner-friendly jogging routes in Sunshine?
Yes, Sunshine offers several easy running routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Wonderland Lake Loop via Foothills Trail is an easy 3-mile (4.8 km) path with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed run.
What are some longer distance running trails in Sunshine?
For those seeking a longer challenge, the Mount Sanitas via Lion's Lair loop is a popular choice. This difficult 6.8-mile (10.9 km) route features significant elevation gain and takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to complete.
Are there any loop running trails in Sunshine?
Many of the running routes in Sunshine are designed as loops, providing varied scenery without retracing your steps. Examples include the Mount Sanitas via Lion's Lair loop, Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop, and Benjamin Trail Loop.
What kind of terrain can I expect on running trails in Sunshine?
Sunshine's running routes are characterized by a diverse landscape, including hills, canyons, and trails through foothills. You'll find paths traversing natural areas, often incorporating features like lakes and valleys, offering varied elevation and scenery.
What can I see along the running routes in Sunshine?
Runners in Sunshine can enjoy stunning natural landmarks. Notable sights include Mount Sanitas, Green Mountain Peak, and the unique rock formations of Royal Arch and Amphitheater Rock. Many routes offer views of the surrounding valley and mountain slopes.
Are there family-friendly running options in Sunshine?
While many routes involve elevation, easier trails like the Wonderland Lake Loop via Foothills Trail are generally suitable for families looking for a less strenuous run or walk together. Always check the route's difficulty and length to ensure it meets your family's needs.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Sunshine?
The running routes in Sunshine are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, the beautiful natural scenery, and the variety of options catering to different ability levels.
Are there shaded running trails for summer in Sunshine?
Given the region's canyons and foothills, many trails offer sections with natural shade, which can be beneficial during warmer months. Routes that wind through canyons, such as the Canyon Loop Trail, may provide more cover.
What is the difficulty level of running routes in Sunshine?
Sunshine offers a wide range of difficulty levels. You'll find 9 easy routes, 67 moderate routes, and 49 difficult routes, ensuring options for every fitness level, from casual joggers to experienced trail runners.
Can I find routes with significant elevation gain for a challenging run?
Absolutely. Sunshine is known for its hilly terrain. Routes like the Mount Sanitas via Lion's Lair loop and Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop feature substantial elevation gains, providing excellent workouts and rewarding views.
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