Best Elk Training Hike, Boulder: South Boulder Peak via Homestead Trail (8.43 Mi/2,992 ft Elev Gain)

This hike has a special place in my heart for sure since it was the first ever hike, I did after officially moving to Colorado. Unfortunately, IT WAS MY FIRST EVER HIKE IN COLORADO!!!! And let me tell you, after 3 months of recovering from shoulder surgery and barely moving or exercising... This one kicked my butt for sure. I definitely overestimated my ability. Whether that was due to the altitude or the lack of exercise the previous weeks, I am not sure.

Similarly, to all of the hikes I have done since. The reason I decided to jump right into this difficult hike was due to getting an elk tag. Having never hunted the Rocky Mountains or anything but cornfields to be honest. I knew I needed to get in shape for it.

The hike started off at a good pace to be fair. It was not very steep for the first 1.5 miles or so. The trail was decently wide and groomed and there were a few people on the trail as I made my way to the top. A pretty cool view to walk through. It was definitely more of a desert look than any other hikes I have done. Up until about 2.5 miles in. Then the trail dipped into the forest, and it got extremely steep. The majority of the time I spent on this trail was going up the last 25% or so.

The trail leads to South Boulder Peak which is the neighboring peak from Bear Peak. This point in the trail is definitely the place to blame for my knees and muscles of my legs being shot the next morning. The going up burned but the coming down just hurt my knees.

Couldn't beat the view from the top though. I spent a few minutes at the top on a rock overlooking the Denver area and Boulder. It was definitely worth it.

Until the rain started to come down. I had about 80 minutes to get from the top to the bottom and there was as lick drizzle on the boulders the whole way. At the end of the day, it took my about 3.5 hours to go 8.43 Miles and up 2,992 Ft of elevation.

This hike, behind Crate Lakes, is my favorite at this point in time. But, in terms of training for elk hunting I have done this trail twice after the first trial and I think it may be the best to prepare for outback hunting. Even if you are not into hunting, I still believe this trail presents a good opportunity and challenge to anyone who is visiting the Denver area. I might recommend doing it on

your last day out in the area or if you don't have plans the next day though ha-ha.