Mallory Cave, nestled within the Front Range of Boulder, Colorado is one of the area's most popular day hikes. Short but steep, Mallory Cave be be accessed from either NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) or Chautauqua Park. The shorter route (and gallery below) is from NCAR. Be sure to check for closures as the cave is often closed during the summer months for bat nesting.

Looking north at the Flatirons from the Mallory Cave Trail

Wild Bergamot flourishes where the Mallory Cave Trail meets the Mesa Trail

From NCAR, the trail descends towards and intersects the Mesa Trail, providing sweeping views of the Front Range

Mallory Cave is hidden from view and is accessed via a short, steep rock scramble

A hiker admires the size and depth of Mallory Cave, a known nesting area for bats

Looking east from the inside of Mallory Cave

A Bull Snake slithers across the Mallory Cave Trail

A view of Boulder's Flatirons from the Mallory Cave Trail

NCAR - The National Center for Atmospheric Research provides an interesting trailhead