Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
80.00 ft (24.38 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.80 mi (4.51 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The South Boulder Creek Trail System is a part of Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks system. Although there are multiple access points, Bobolink Trailhead is one of the most convenient to downtown, and it is the only place that offers quick access to both the north and south ends of the trail. If street parking is full, a designated parking lot is located on Cherryvale Road just south from Boulder Road. You can also get to the park via city buses.

By wandering the trails you can view Baseline Reservoir, the community of East Boulder, the Flatirons and Front Range to the west, and the Great Plains to the east. During the heat of summer when wildflowers are in bloom, you can splash in South Boulder Creek and enjoy shade under the trees. Come back in the fall to see brilliant colors on the aspens and cottonwoods.

This is a multi-use trail system that allows bikes and horses, but only in designated areas. Be sure to obey all signs and stay on trail to avoid damaging sensitive habitat.

Many forms of wildlife call this open space home. The trailhead is named after a ground-nesting bird called the bobolink, which can be found in the meadows east of the trail during the summer. Please view from a distance and do not disturb their nests. Deer are frequent visitors to the area as well and may be seen throughout the year.

Dogs are allowed on leash except on the segment of trail between Boulder Road and Marshall road. This is primarily to protect the nesting bobolinks and other ground birds.

​Note: This is a Voice and Sight Trail, which means that dogs are permitted off leash with the following conditions: (1) Guardians must be registered in the Voice and Sight Tag Program, (2) A Voice and Sight Tag must be displayed on the dogs, (3) Guardian has a leash for each dog, with no more than two dogs.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Multi-purpose trails. Kid friendly. Views of the Front Range.

Cons

Occasional bicycle traffic.

Trailhead Elevation

5,220.00 ft (1,591.06 m)

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers
ADA accessible

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Location

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