Summer mental Health tip: go hike.
Having an off day or looking to feel even better? Hiking is no joke, nearly free, and all around when you live in the front range. But, it can be tricky to know which hikes are good in the hot summer and where to begin if you are new to hiking here. Really, there are too many choices. So, we have narrowed it down to 5 good choices. Some are easy, some, to kick your butt. Turns out, if you hike long enough sometimes you’re just too tired to entertain your troubled brain and you sleep better. What we know for sure is even an easy hike is a net gain. It is a vote for taking care of yourself.
Summer in Boulder, Colorado, is a time of unparalleled natural beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it’s also hot so these hikes are either worth the heat or have lengths of shade. Hiking offers a perfect blend of physical activity, mental relaxation, and spiritual rejuvenation, there’s science for this, but you know. Be honest, you just know.
Here, we explore some of the best summer hikes near Boulder, each offering its unique scenery and challenges. These trails not only provide a physical workout but also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, making them perfect for those looking to improve their mental health.
The Healing Power of Nature
Before diving into the trails, it’s important to understand the profound impact nature can have on our mental health. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. The combination of fresh air, physical exercise, and beautiful scenery can work wonders for our mental state. Hiking, in particular, offers a meditative experience as the repetitive motion of walking can help to calm the mind and promote mindfulness. It’s better than prescriptions for some folks. Worth a try.
Top Summer Hikes Near Boulder
1. Chautauqua Park: Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Loop
Chautauqua Park is a historic landmark and a favorite starting point for many hikers. The Enchanted Mesa and McClintock Loop is a moderate trail, about 2.5 miles long, that offers stunning views of the Flatirons. The trail meanders through lush meadows and pine forests, providing plenty of shade and cooler temperatures during the summer months. This hike is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, meditative experience without straying too far from town.
Benefits for Mental Health:
- Gentle terrain and shorter distances make it accessible for all fitness levels, reducing stress about physical exertion.
- Proximity to Boulder allows for a quick escape from urban life, providing immediate mental relief. Parking can be tricky on weekends. Either go during the week or just have yourself prepared to look for parking for a few minutes.
- Shadey. Much of this hike is forested and thus shady. The approach to all Chautauqua hikes is full sun, so still, be prepared that the first quarter mile is uphill and sunny, but then it’s very peaceful and often one of the quieter parts of the Chautauqua.
2. Mount Sanitas
Best Bang for your buck. Right in Boulder, and it’s short and steep for a quick summit experience. For those looking for a more challenging hike, Mount Sanitas is a very popular choice. Prepare to be patient for parking or go midweek and maybe still wait a few minutes for a spot to open. But seriously, it’s a super cool hike so just wait for the parking.
The 3.2-mile loop offers a strenuous climb with rewarding panoramic views of Boulder and the surrounding mountains. The steep ascent requires focus and determination, making it an excellent choice for those looking to clear their mind and engage in rigorous physical activity. To make it a loop come down the East Ridge loop described in the linked All Trails info. This makes the descent much more gentle after the first ¼ mile and easier on the older knees, or good for running down.
It will be hot and you may even see a snake if it’s quieter. Bring more water than you think and sunscreen, but go.
Benefits for Mental Health:
- The physical challenge can serve as a metaphor for overcoming personal obstacles and boosting self-confidence and resilience.
- Reaching the summit provides a sense of accomplishment and perspective, which can be incredibly uplifting. Also known as instant gratification. We have so many pending experiences in our lives that completing something difficult in a few hours can be just what we need.
3. Royal Arch Trail
Looks like a Utah arch at the end, with cool red rocks along the way, and is largely shaded in the back ¾ of the hike.
The Royal Arch Trail, located in Chautauqua Park, is a 3.4-mile round trip that leads to a stunning natural rock arch. The trail is moderately difficult, with a steady incline and rocky terrain. Along the way, hikers are treated to views of the Flatirons and dense forest (shade) areas. The arch itself is a breathtaking sight and provides a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation. A prime photo opp as well 😉
Benefits for Mental Health:
Benefits for Mental Health:- The trail’s moderate difficulty offers a balanced challenge, suitable for those looking to push their limits without feeling overwhelmed.
- The iconic Royal Arch serves as a rewarding destination, encouraging goal-setting and perseverance.
4. Flatirons Vista Trail
For a less strenuous hike with equally beautiful views, the Flatirons Vista Trail is an excellent option. This 3.3-mile loop is relatively flat and offers expansive views of the Flatirons and the surrounding plains. The trail is well-maintained and less crowded, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude.
Benefits for Mental Health:
- The gentle terrain allows for a more relaxed hiking experience, ideal for mindful walking and deep breathing exercises.
- Wide-open spaces and fewer crowds enhance the sense of freedom and tranquility, promoting a meditative state.
5. South Boulder Peak
This one is steep and offers a unique summit experience. It also goes through an area where a forest fire burns over the mountain, which is a rare thing to see. It is not all of the hike, so you will still be afforded a beautiful steep canyon hike with a creek that runs much of the summer.
As one of the highest peaks in Boulder, South Boulder Peak offers a challenging 8.5-mile round-trip hike with significant elevation gain. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas and offers spectacular views from the summit. This hike is recommended for experienced hikers looking for a full-day adventure. Bring food and more water than you might think you need.
Benefits for Mental Health:
- The rigorous hike demands physical endurance and mental fortitude, encouraging a deep sense of mindfulness and presence.
- Achieving the summit fosters a profound sense of achievement and connection with nature, often leading to a meditative state of euphoria.
Tips for a Mentally Rejuvenating Hike
To maximize the mental health benefits of hiking, consider the following tips:
Turn your phone off:
If you want to use it for photos, intentionally put it in airplane mode so it’s only a camera. Consider even leaving it at home or in the car. People lived like that for all of humanity. These hikes will have other people occasionally so you will not be so remote the phone is a safety issue.
Practice Mindfulness:
Focus on the present moment. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Let go of any intrusive thoughts and immerse yourself in the natural environment. See how often you can catch your mind wandering to things that aren’t making you feel great or are taking you away from the cool experience. No need to chastise yourself, your brain is trying to keep you safe. It’s a good opportunity to tell your brain, maybe even out loud, I’m safe. I can rest. Those things I am thinking of will be here later and I will attend them then.
Hike with Intention:
Set a positive intention for your hike. Whether it’s to find clarity on a personal issue, practice gratitude, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, having a purpose can enhance your experience. Just going on the hike is a huge intention when it’s a rough day or you have to work hard to get there, so find your balance between ‘doing the hike right’ and just seeing what happens.
Stay Hydrated and Prepared:
Make sure to carry enough water and snacks. Being well-prepared ensures that you can focus on your hike without worrying about basic needs. Colorado is so dry and Boulder has less O2 so we have to breathe more breaths per minute, which uses more water too. In general, 2 liters of water per person is a safe amount of water. Don’t forget snacks. It’s no fun to hike hangry.
Go at Your Own Pace:
Hiking is not a race. Listen to your body and go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. This reduces stress and allows you to fully enjoy the experience. This is a great chance to practice being good enough and not accomplishing something to prove your worth. Just enjoy your body and the mountains.
Conclusion
Go outside and move your body away from the pavement, you will be glad you did.
Boulder, Colorado, offers some of the most beautiful and diverse hiking trails that are perfect for enhancing mental health. Whether you are looking for a challenging climb or a leisurely walk, there is a trail for everyone. By immersing yourself in nature, you can find peace, clarity, and a renewed sense of well-being. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and set out on an adventure that promises not only physical benefits but also profound mental rejuvenation.
Start Working With a Therapist in Boulder, CO
You deserve support in addressing the mental health concerns affecting you most this summer and all year round. Our team of caring therapists can help you make the most of the great outdoors and take in the rejuvenating power of your surroundings. You can start your therapy journey with North Boulder Counseling by following these simple steps:
- Contact us to request an appointment.
- Learn more about our therapists and play therapy
- Start managing disruptive behavior in more effective ways!
Other Services Offered with North Boulder Counseling
Our team understands that you may experience multiple mental health concerns at one time. This is why we are happy to offer support for a variety of mental health issues with both in-person therapy and online therapy across the state. In addition to play therapy, our team also offers depression treatment, anxiety treatment, postpartum anxiety treatment, postpartum depression counseling, perinatal support, counseling for women, counseling for men, parenting coaching, grief counseling, trauma treatment and EMDR, depression treatment, teen therapy, and LGTBQ counseling. Please visit our blog or our about us page to learn more helpful information.
