Running Trails in Boulder

Top Running Trails

Boulder Valley Ranch

Distance: 3.8+ miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
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This network of flat to rolling dirt loops ranging from 3-7 miles is located just a mile or so north of town, and a sight to see, with sweeping vistas in every direction. The paths are primarily wide, smooth dirt and double-track. Highly exposed with minimal shade, Boulder Valley Ranch is a good winter option, thanks to its trails drying out quickly after snowfall. However, the trails can get quite hot during summer mid-days without shade. You will pass a working ranch and wide open pastureland dotted with prairie dog colonies. You can also link up with the adjacent Boulder Reservoir trails for longer routes up to 10 miles.

Parking: Free parking is available at the Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead on the south side of Longhorn Road (a dirt road accessed via Highway 36 north of Boulder).

Nearby Stops: Spruce Confections on North Broadway for fresh-baked carbs and espresso; Wapos (and adjacent art studios) for post-run tacos or a First Friday Art Walk; Upslope Brewing for brews and patio hangs.

Boulder Reservoir

Distance: 5.3+ miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
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Wonderland Lake Loop

Distance: 1.5 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
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Nestled among neighborhoods and parkland in the foothills of North Boulder, this gentle 1.5-mile (closer to 2 miles from the parking lot) loop comes with sweeping Flatirons views, tall cottonwoods that turn golden in the fall, the occasional glimpse of paragliders taking off from the foothills and a diverse bird population. It starts on the south side of the Foothills Nature Center (4201 N. Broadway), and its mellow vibe makes it a family-friendly spot.

Parking: Free neighborhood parking at Wonderland Lake Trailhead off Broadway and Sumac Avenue.

Public Transit: The RTD SKIP bus runs directly up Broadway, dropping off exactly at the Sumac Avenue intersection.

Nearby Stops: Ruzo Coffee just across Broadway; Lucky’s Bakehouse Cafe for a more proper post-run meal; PORTAL to recover with sauna and cold plunge therapy. (Please note: PORTAL is temporarily closed. We will update this page when they are back up and running.)

Mesa Trail

Distance: 6.6 miles (one way)
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
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Popular for longer training runs, Mesa Trail offers a bit more challenge with 2,500 feet of elevation gain if fully run out-and-back, and the views make it worth the effort. This rolling dirt trail closely parallels the Flatirons and foothills with technical rocky terrain and steep climbs through forests and open prairie. There are a few turnoffs and alternative trailhead options along the way if you’d like to customize your run.

Parking: Paid parking is available at Chautauqua Park (north end) and the South Mesa Trailhead (south end). Both lots fill up quickly on weekend mornings.

Public Transit: During summer months, the free Park-to-Park Shuttle runs to the Chautauqua Trailhead, and the free Eldo Shuttle runs to South Mesa.

Nearby Stops: Chautauqua Dining Hall and the Chautauqua General Store (at the north trailhead) for a good meal or snacks; Alpine Modern on The Hill for coffee; Neptune Mountaineering for gear in South Boulder.

South Boulder Creek Path

Distance: 3.4 miles (one way)
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
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This path follows the meandering South Boulder Creek through towering cottonwood trees and past grazing cattle in pastoral grasslands. Starting at Bobolink Trailhead, which is named after the bobolink ground-nesting bird, this busy trail is popular with wildlife- and bird-watchers and has a mix of crushed stone and dirt trail. Even if you don’t get to catch sight of a fox or an osprey, you’re sure to see the expansive, panoramic views of the Flatirons and rolling foothills in the distance.

Parking: Paid parking (free for residents) at the Bobolink Trailhead on Baseline Road.

Public Transit: The RTD DASH bus stops near the Bobolink Trailhead on Baseline.

Nearby Stops: Heady Coffee Co. just to the west on Baseline; McDevitt Taco Supply (next door to Heady) for post-run relaxation; or one of the many breweries operating out of East Boulder.

Dowdy Draw to Flatirons Vista

Distance: 7.9 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
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If you're looking for a smooth, rolling dirt trail without the intense technical climbing of the Mesa Trail, try this southern network of trails. You’ll travel through wide-open fields and ponderosa pine forests, catching some of the most epic panoramic views of the entire front range and Flatirons.

Parking: Paid parking at the Dowdy Draw Trailhead or Flatirons Vista Trailhead off Highway 93.

Public Transit: The free Eldo Shuttle runs to Eldorado Canyon, stopping at Dowdy Draw Trailhead, during summer weekends.  

Nearby Stops: In the Table Mesa Shopping Center in South Boulder on your way out of town, you’ll find Southern Sun, a neighborhood brewery with a huge patio and views; Runners Roost for any last-minute gear needs; and Boxcar Coffee for a pre-run pick-me-up.

Local Tips

Altitude

Boulder sits at an altitude of 5,430 feet (1,655 m), and if you’re coming from sea level, you need to allow 24-48 hours to acclimate. Run at a slower pace than usual and expect a higher heart rate.

Hydration

Our high-altitude, semi-arid climate may lead to dehydration more easily. Even when the weather is cool, carry water on your runs and hydrate more than usual both before and after. There are a few “hydration bars” in town if you’d like to prep or recover with an IV. Try Hydrate IV Bar, Onus iV and Alive and Well.

Trail Etiquette

Stay to the right on all multi-use paths and pass on the left. Downhill runners yield to uphill traffic (although uphill runners will often yield for a break!). Always yield to equestrians and people using assistive devices, and clearly announce your presence when passing hikers and folks with dogs by announcing “On your left” or “Passing on your left.” (A thank you and a smile doesn’t hurt, either.)

Be BoulderWise

Run in the middle of the trail, even if it's wet and muddy, to prevent erosion, trail widening or damaging trailside plants. Keep your pet on a leash where required. In Boulder you may be able to apply for a Voice and Sight tag to hike with your dog off-leash on designated trails. Read more BoulderWise tips so you can tread lightly.

Seasonal Safety

In summer, run earlier in the day to avoid midday heat and afternoon thunderstorms (lightning is a risk on the foothills). In winter, shaded trails (like sections of the Mesa Trail) retain hard-packed ice; traction devices like microspikes are highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions