Royal Arch
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Mallory Cave: A Boulder Hiking Adventure
Hike to Mallory Cave near Boulder for stunning views, challenging trails, and a glimpse into a protected bat habitat.
Mallory Cave Trail, near Boulder, Colorado, offers a moderate to advanced hike through scenic terrain leading to a gated cave. Named after a CU Boulder student who rediscovered it in 1932, the trail provides stunning views and a challenging scramble near the cave entrance. Note that the cave is closed to protect bats, and seasonal closures may affect access to the final climb.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Mallory Cave
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Mallory Cave Trail, Boulder, Colorado, 80305, US
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Getting There
Driving
To reach Mallory Cave Trail, drive to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) at 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, CO 80305. From Denver, take US-36 to Boulder, then exit onto Table Mesa Drive and follow it west. The road winds through a neighborhood and ends at the NCAR parking lot. Parking is free. From the parking lot, the Mallory Cave Trail is accessed via the Walter Orr Roberts Trail.
Walking
From the NCAR parking lot, walk west on the Walter Orr Roberts Trail for about 0.5 miles until it intersects with the Mesa Trail. Turn left (south) onto the Mesa Trail, and then turn right onto the Mallory Cave Trail. Follow the signs for Mallory Cave. The Mallory Cave trailhead begins just after you cross over the Mesa Trail junction. The hike to the cave is uphill and takes approximately 1-2 hours. Be prepared for a steep scramble to the cave entrance. There is no cost for accessing the trail.
Local tips
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Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, especially during peak season.
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Check for seasonal trail closures (April 1 - October 1) that may restrict access to the final climb to the cave.
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Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the final section involves a steep and rocky scramble.
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Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as parts of the trail are exposed.
Discover more about Mallory Cave
Mallory Cave Trail is a popular hiking destination located on Dinosaur Mountain near Boulder, Colorado. The trail, accessed from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) parking lot, offers a moderately challenging 1.4-mile hike (2.8 miles round trip) with an elevation gain of over 600 feet. The path winds through diverse terrain, including valleys, rocky areas, and pine forests, with the iconic Flatirons visible in the distance.
Originally discovered by loggers and later rediscovered in 1932 by a University of Colorado student named E.C. Mallory, the cave is now a protected habitat for Townsend's big-eared bats. To protect the bat population from white-nose syndrome, the cave entrance is gated, and the final segment of the trail leading directly to the cave may be closed seasonally from April 1 to October 1. Despite the closure, hikers can still enjoy the panoramic views of Boulder and the surrounding plains from the trail's end.
The hike is considered intermediate to advanced, with a steep, rocky scramble required to reach the cave entrance. Hikers should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for potentially icy conditions during winter months. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash.
A brief summary to Mallory Cave
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