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Centennial Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 221 Google reviews · Running trail in Boulder, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Centennial Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking spot featuring well-marked trails, views of the Front Range, and ample parking.
What runners say about Centennial Trailhead
“Very clean trail head with wonderful views!”
“Trail Series, Part 16 Finding a good trail in Boulder, Colorado, is about as hard as finding a beautiful mountain to gaze at while in “The Centennial State.”
“The trail itself is great for hiking or running (no bikes allowed) and is well marked.”
Great trails and awesome views! Lots of parking and dogs are also allowed. I saw deer and falcons among other birds. I went around 1:30 I'm the afternoon. Definitely going to explore more trails next time!
Trail Series, Part 16 Finding a good trail in Boulder, Colorado, is about as hard as finding a beautiful mountain to gaze at while in “The Centennial State.” If you can’t find one then you really aren’t actually trying.
One of the busiest trailhead in Boulder I think, I came there at 9:40 am in the morning, the Park lots were all full, I parked alongside the nearby road. The red rock trial is moderate for hiking while it is hard for running due to narrow trail with many stones or slippery dusts, as well as the elevation, the anemone…
Great trail, went 3.83 miles, took me 2 hrs. Lots of great seanery. Trails are well maintained and are busy. Went off on other little trails connected. You could hike in here all day. This trail is up by Boulder Co.
Trail conditions & character
“Trail Series, Part 16 Finding a good trail in Boulder, Colorado, is about as hard as finding a beautiful mountain to gaze at while in “The Centennial State.”
“It has an easy launching point at the Centennial Trailhead located on Sunshine Boulevard just outside of “downtown” and you’ll find a great parking lot that includes restrooms.”
“The views are nice and the conditions are quite manageable with limited bugginess and an elevation of only around 5,000 feet.”
“I was part of the Boulder County team that envisioned the mixed use Benjamin loop addition to the Betasso trail system.”
“It has an easy launching point at the Centennial Trailhead located on Sunshine Boulevard just outside of “downtown” and you’ll find a great parking lot that includes restrooms.”
“While it only provides a brief workout, you can easily extend your adventure by continuing on the Lion’s Lair Trail (no bikes and no dogs allowed).”
“The trail itself is great for hiking or running (no bikes allowed) and is well marked.”
“This has to be one of the most accessible runs (or hikes) that I’ve been on while visiting Colorado.”
Plan your run at Centennial Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebouldercolorado.gov
- Phone+1 303-441-3440
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Boulder
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Boulder Canyon Trail
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Gregory Canyon Trailhead
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Wonderland Lake
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Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead
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