Mallory Cave Trail is an intense trail on the NCAR Mesa Trail System in Boulder, Colorado.
From the trailhead sign, you’ll hike out on the NCAR Trail before coming to a “trails intersection” where you continue straight on Mallory Cave Trail. This is where the terrain turns from a wide, dirt path to a narrow rocky path. One of my favorite parts was seeing the actual rock climbers – so cool – and something I’d like to try someday!
Near the cave and end of the trail, you come to a large rock formation. I don’t know how to rock climb and didn’t want to get hurt so I decided NOT to climb up for a “better view”. I was kind of bummed not to “finish” but my husband was happy I made the safe choice!
Full disclosure here: I didn’t set out to hike Mallory Cave nor did I have any idea what the trail entailed when I chose to hike up the canyon! I knew I wanted to hike the NCAR Mesa and knew how to get to the trailhead and where to park but that was it! If I had to do it over, I’d pick a different trail and skip this one given the rock formation stood in my way from finishing.
Good to Know
Distance: 3.2 miles from the trailhead out and back
Elevation Gain: 840ft
Terrain: Packed dirt trail
Parking: Available at the NCAR Trailhead
Facilities: NOT available at the NCAR Trailhead
Fun Facts: Great trail to see rock climbers in action!
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