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A steep trail to nice cave (cave currently closed).


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Map Key

0.8

Miles

1.2

KM

Point to Point

7,076' 2,157 m

High

6,210' 1,893 m

Low

866' 264 m

Up

10' 3 m

Down

22%

Avg Grade (12°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Cave · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The Mallory Cave Trail is a short, steep hike to a large cave. The cave was originally discovered by loggers cutting down trees on Dinosaur Mountain, and then re-discovered in 1932 by a University of Colorado Student named E.C. Mallory.

Begin hiking from the NCAR parking lot. Head west on this trail until you intersect the Mesa Trail. Turn left on the Mesa Trail, and then quickly head west up the clearly marked trail to Mallory Cave.

This steep trail leads you up Dinosaur Mountain through impressive sandstone formations with outstanding views of Boulder and the plains back east.

At the end of the hike, keep an eye out for a red rock staircase which leads straight up to the final staging area before climbing to the cave itself.

Note: Mallory Cave is closed until further notice, but the trail remains open. The closure is due to an epidemic of white-nosed syndrome, a fungal disease that has destroyed bat populations across the country. Humans are thought to be the main cause of spreading.

Contacts

Shared By:

Dana Prosser

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 17 votes

#1

in NCAR

#757

Overall
  4.3 from 17 votes
5 Star
35%
4 Star
59%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in NCAR

#128

in Colorado

#757

Overall
17 Views Last Month
7,914 Since May 12, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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72%
6%
22%
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Photos

Mallory Cave
Jan 6, 2024 near Boulder, CO
Mallory Cave
Jan 7, 2024 near Boulder, CO
Looking out from ledge on Dinosaur Mountain trail that leads right above Mallory cave to rock climbing areas.
Jun 23, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Mallory Cave is a must see in Chautauqua.
Apr 10, 2017 near Boulder, CO
Mallory Cave is gated off to humans, but large slits allow flying creatures to reach their homes inside.
Apr 10, 2017 near Boulder, CO
You'll have a pretty awesome view from Mallory Cave.
Apr 10, 2017 near Boulder, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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