Attractions and Places To See around Sunshine - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sunshine include a variety of challenging climbs, scenic summits, and diverse trails. This region offers numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration, featuring significant elevation changes and panoramic views. Visitors can find routes suitable for hiking and cycling, with options ranging from gravel paths to mountain ascents. The natural landscape is characterized by prominent peaks and canyons, providing a setting for active pursuits.
Best attractions and places to see around Sunshine
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lee Hill Drive Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Green Mountain Peak
Highlight • Summit
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Green Mountain Lodge
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Mount Sanitas
Highlight • Summit
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Tips from the Community
Since the earlier post from October 2023, several new gravel trails have been headed up to and down from the mesa. Flowy routes that are fun.
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Wonderful rock formation over boulders; summit with a small stone pyramid and a panoramic view of all the mountains visible from here. Ascent via various routes - basically accessible from all directions. If you're looking for solitude, you're in the wrong place here, but there aren't any crowds either. It's worth it!
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The lodge was built by the CCC in 1934 to have a charming backwoods appearance. This is a great spot to picnic and enjoy being out in the foothills.
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One of the most famous trails in downtown Boulder is known for its challenging terrain and easy accessibility, making it a popular choice amongst hikers in the region. To ensure a satisfying experience, it's crucial to begin your run early.
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Lee Hill Drive is a popular, challenging climb that connects the intersection of Lee Hill with Olde Stage just outside of North Boulder, and Lefthand Canyon. The backside of Lee Hill (the Lefthand Canyon side) is a little nicer for climbing because there is less traffic than on the the Boulder side where there is no shoulder on a series of initial switchbacks. Regardless of which way you go up Lee Hill, coming down the 1,400 foot climb is a real treat after the challenging journey up!
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This section of 51st Street from the main Boulder Reservoir parking area to the Eagle Trail Trailhead (which is also where 51st turns into 55th street) is a fun section of gravel with a nice downhill from the pavement to a short, punchy hill to the trailhead. You get great views over Boulder Valley Ranch to the foothills and Flatirons west and southwest of this section of road.
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Lee Hill Drive is a popular and challenging climb that connects the intersection of Lee Hill with Olde Stage just outside of North Boulder, and Lefthand Canyon. The backside of Lee Hill (the Lefthand Canyon side) is a little nicer for climbing because there is less traffic than on the Boulder side where there is no shoulder on a series of initial switchbacks. Regardless of which way you go up Lee Hill, coming down the 1,400 foot climb is a real treat after the challenging journey up!
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This section of 51st Street from the main Boulder Reservoir parking area to the Eagle Trail Trailhead (which is also where 51st turns into 55th street) is a fun section of gravel with a nice downhill from the pavement to a short, punchy hill to the trailhead. You get great views over Boulder Valley Ranch to the foothills and Flatirons west and southwest of this section of road.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular attractions around Sunshine?
The Sunshine area is renowned for its challenging climbs and scenic summits. Among the most popular are Mount Sanitas, a famous hiking trail known for its challenging terrain and accessibility, and Green Mountain Peak, which offers beautiful views, especially of the nearby Indian Peaks. For cyclists, the Lee Hill Drive Climb is a popular and challenging route.
Are there challenging climbs for cyclists in the Sunshine area?
Yes, the Sunshine area is well-known for its challenging climbs. The Lee Hill Drive Climb is a popular and demanding route connecting Lee Hill with Olde Stage and Lefthand Canyon. Another notable area is Sunshine Canyon (Gravel Section), which is a popular ride from downtown Boulder into the foothills, often completed by local cyclists on road bikes despite its gravel surface.
What kind of views can I expect from the summits around Sunshine?
From summits like Green Mountain Peak, you can expect very beautiful views, especially of the nearby Indian Peaks and the Continental Divide. Mount Sanitas also offers rewarding views after its challenging ascent. Additionally, the 51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead) section provides great views over Boulder Valley Ranch to the foothills and Flatirons.
Are there gravel trails suitable for cycling in Sunshine?
Absolutely. The Sunshine area features several excellent gravel trails. The Sunshine Canyon (Gravel Section) is a popular, well-graded, and hard-packed gravel ride. Another option is the 51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead), which offers a fun section of gravel with scenic views.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Sunshine area is ideal for various outdoor activities, particularly hiking and cycling. You can explore numerous trails for running, such as the 'Mount Sanitas via Lion's Lair loop' or 'Wonderland Lake Loop'. For cyclists, there are extensive routes like 'Ward via Lefthand Canyon and Lee Hill' or 'Jamestown loop via Olde Stage and Lee Hill Drive'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Running Trails around Sunshine, Cycling around Sunshine, and Road Cycling Routes around Sunshine.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Sunshine?
Visitors particularly appreciate the challenging yet rewarding nature of the trails and climbs, along with the stunning panoramic views. The accessibility of popular spots like Mount Sanitas from downtown Boulder makes it a favorite. The back-country views from Green Mountain Peak, especially of the Indian Peaks, are also highly praised.
Are there any trails with significant elevation changes?
Yes, the Sunshine region is characterized by significant elevation changes. The Lee Hill Drive Climb, for instance, involves a 1,400-foot ascent. Many of the summits and climbs in the area, such as Mount Sanitas, are known for their challenging terrain and rewarding ascents.
Where can I find trails with views of the Flatirons?
For views of the Flatirons and foothills, consider exploring the area around 51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead). This section of gravel road offers great views over Boulder Valley Ranch to the foothills and the iconic Flatirons to the west and southwest.
What kind of natural monuments can I visit?
The Sunshine area features several natural monuments that are popular for their scenic beauty and outdoor activities. Green Mountain Peak and Mount Sanitas are both recognized as natural monuments, offering stunning views and challenging trails for hikers.
Are there any canyons to explore in the Sunshine region?
Yes, Sunshine Canyon (Gravel Section) is a prominent canyon in the region. It's a popular route that takes you from downtown Boulder up into the foothills, passing by other popular hikes like Mount Sanitas and Lions Lair. The upper section is gravel, offering a unique cycling experience.
What should I know about traffic when cycling on climbs like Lee Hill Drive?
When cycling on climbs like Lee Hill Drive, it's good to know that the backside (Lefthand Canyon side) is generally nicer for climbing due to less traffic compared to the Boulder side, which has no shoulder on a series of initial switchbacks. Always be aware of your surroundings and traffic conditions.
Most popular attractions around Sunshine
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