Shadow Canyon Trail is best reached from the South Mesa Trailhead near Eldorado Springs, just a few miles south of Boulder. Following the Homestead and Mesa Trails, some remnants of original settlements from the late 1800's are passed. Shadow Canyon Trail is quite a change from the wide almost highway-like Mesa Trail. It gets narrow and quite steep in places. Devils Thumb, a rock formation that can be seen from Boulder on Bear Peak's southern ridge, stays to your right as you head up. Having climbed about 3000 vertical feet, a saddle between Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak is reached. It is a short hike to either of the peaks. I followed the trail up South Boulder Peak, at 8549 feet, some 90 feet taller than Bear Peak. South Boulder Peak stays hidden behind Bear Peak when viewed from most locations around Boulder. The summit is a bit rocky though not as pointed as that of Bear Peak and unobstructed views particularly west are excellent.
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