This was an amazing trail near boulder! We decided instead of trekking the beginning we drove to…read morethe top of the mountain instead for the vantage points. It was high up (over 9000k ft) and I've never experienced elevation like that before so taking a few steps made me out of breath very quickly. The views were incredible though! Seeing the valley of Denver and the Rocky Mountains on the other side were breathtaking. There wasn't much snow for March as you could only see it on mountains that were much farther west and taller. It really gives you an idea of how high up the mountain is when you see people and trees look like the size of ants. The drive to the top was also wild with a twisty road that definitely felt like something that would be extremely difficult if it were icy out which thankfully it wasn't when we visited! Highly recommend checking out if you are in the boulder area.

This easy loop trail is great if you're looking to get out into the mountains but don't want to…read morehike anything hard. Its a mellow trail that is great for letting your dog run and play without being too exhausting for you. Just drive 5 minutes past the crowded Chautauqua parking area up Flagstaff Road (look out for deer!) and park at Realization Point. The best part is I went here on a Saturday afternoon and hardly say anyone except some deer.

Nice local hike if you are in the longmont area…read more There are trash cans and a recycling can at the trailhead. However, there are no dog poop bags. if you are bringing your furry friend, be sure to pack some bags along with you. There are 3 different trails at the open space none of them overly long. The overlook trail is more rocky though not bad. There are also no trees. The loop trail has some trees but its not really shaded. The loop trail does have some lovely views. In september to at some point in January, the trail does close to hikers monday through weds. for "elk management" so be sure to check cotrex to see if trail is open or closed. Winter is really a great time to hike this area. The temps are cooler and the snow makes the trees and area look magical.

For an easy hike, this is the spot. The views are unbelievable…read more The terrain and surroundings change from barren rocky trails to meadows to forest lands. The prickly pears had just bloomed and we saw lots of birds and two different groups of mule deer. It's a great hike to take with kids. The elevation changes are gradual. You do share the trail with horseback riders and mountain bikers so be aware.

A fabulous local park for everyone, especially close to north boulder/gunbarrel & niwot areas…read more This park has an excellent playground for toddlers. Truly great if your kids are between 2-5yrs old, this is a wonderful motor skills playground. It has a woodland theme with cute mushroom steps & faux wood decorative details. There is a permanent shaded picnic bench area with two long picnic benches. No bbq facilities anywhere. There are also benches throughout for close by seating. In the summer they put out two cloth tarps for shading the sandpit and part of the playground too. There are a few huge green grass areas great for frisbee & soccer fun. Also a long pathway around good for bikes & scooters. The neighborhood locals walk their dogs on it and it leads to a longer trail network. There is no bathroom here at all tho! Definitely worth a visit however.

The Skim: Beautiful 3.3 mile loop for easy-to-moderate hiking! Lots of shaded areas and easy access…read morefor on-leash dogs. Not-so-great parking situation. This trail is great! It's far enough away to have the serene 'mountain' feel but close enough to be convenient. You can bring your dogs and walk them on-leash (they'll love this trail!). The trail seems to be popular for trail running and biking, but you cannot bike here on Wednesday/Saturday. So those days are the best for hikers. There are also picnic areas available for picnicking as well! Plenty of shade for cooling down, too. The only downside is parking. There are two VERY SMALL lots with one overflow lot. On the weekend it gets busy and finding a spot can be a real struggle.

It is hard to review this trail after Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a neighborhood…read morewalkway, so local, you are passing homes at times. Flat mixed terrain and very easy. Most times, you are 50 feet or more from the lake. Even so, it is hard to believe a trail exists so close to Broadway. Just don't set your expectations high. Upon reaching the lake, I would go left. It is a loop so it really doesn't matter, but the eastern side is more naturalistic with a view. It is the closest point of contact with the lake. If you go the other way, you abruptly come to a residential neighborhood and most head up the block to continue the trail. Picnic tables and playground on the other end (midpoint). As a side note, how are lakes the size of ponds and reservoirs the size of lakes around here?

If I lived nearby, I'd frequent this trail but otherwise it's not worth visiting. The trail…read morenetwork isn't that long, there are no (visible) restrooms nearby, parking is tight and it's a bit crowded. The lake is pretty but nothing to get all excited about. There are so many trails in the general area that are worth the effort IMO. We've had a rainy season (which has been heavenly) so the bugs were bad by the water.

Great local park to cool off. My dog especially loves it here because being by the creek, it's…read moreusually ten degrees cooler than in the city. You can approach off Arapahoe Ave. There's parking for about a dozen cars, and more up on the top of the hill. There are plenty of picnic tables, and I think only once on July 4th I've seen them all used at once. There's a ton is spots for creek access for swimming, kayaking, tubing, or fishing! I love the nature as there are a ton of beautiful big trees. The creek path runs through the park so you can walk, bike, or hike for several dozen miles in each direction. There are a few houses less folks but I've never had an issue with anyone at this park. Everyone is typically very nice and having fun.

A lovely neighborhood park along a bike trail. Picnic tables and playground and spots to just hang…read moreout. Limited parking spaces.

This is a small but interesting local park that serves an Educational Center for local schools and…read moreimportant habitat for birds and marsh animals. From the city historical website, it may have been one of, if not the only year round body of water in Boulder pre-settlement. It is located near some industrial areas but still maintains its rural character. You can enter from the Boulder Valley school parking during M-F hours, or drive around in 63th off hours. There's a good amount of parking and the typical signage, clear the city put money into this park. There's a couple paths and a nice boardwalk, providing good areas to walk and view the marsh. In March, I could only see some Magpies out, but I'm sure lots of birds come in warmer times. I believe dogs are not allowed. From the website: "Sombrero Marsh is a small Habitat Conservation Area with several short trails and a boardwalk that skirts the eastern shore for public use. This alkali marsh is rare to this area of the United States. Observe unique habitat and surrounding wildlife. Note that dogs are prohibited. The Sombrero Marsh environmental education center is the result of a partnership between the Boulder Valley School District, Thorne Nature Experience and City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. It contains classrooms, viewing and assembly areas, and a laboratory for studying water and wetland soils."

Community Ditch is a 10.8 mile out and back trail located near Boulder, Colorado. The trail is good…read morefor all skill levels but I really like it for mountain biking & trail running. It's a beautiful trail that has panoramic views of the flatirons. It's pretty flat with very little elevation gain. Pretty quiet trail, not usually a lot of traffic, but lots of bikers. A nice walk for fall, a little bit too unshaded for the summer. There are very few trees, so if you are hiking it in the summer, be sure to bring lots of water, a hat and some sun screen.