Improvements will include new restroom, parking upgrades, a new fishing pier, enhanced bus drop-off, children’s nature discovery area, a short trail loop and an upgraded “bird blind” to help visitors observe wildlife.
Starting as early as Monday, March 3, the City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department will close the Sawhill Ponds Trailhead east of Boulder through the end of the year to conduct significant trailhead improvements.
Visitors can access the Sawhill Ponds Trail loop during the trailhead closure through the Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat trailhead and the Walden Ponds Trail to the north. Walden Ponds is managed by Boulder County Parks & Open Space and subject to county regulations.
OSMP anticipates completing Sawhill Ponds trailhead improvements by the end of 2025 – weather permitting. OSMP recognizes the impact that trailhead closures may have on visitors and appreciates the community’s patience as it works to complete significant improvements at Sawhill Ponds, Marshall Mesa and Chapman Drive trailheads. Visitors are encouraged to explore alternate destinations at OSMPTrails.org.
As part of upcoming trailhead improvement work, OSMP will construct a new nature discovery area to help youth experience the outdoors in an intentionally designed area for nature programs.City improvements also will include a new fishing pier, enhanced bus parking, a short trail loop, and an upgraded “bird blind” to help visitors observe wildlife.
Additionally, the department will also improve parking and access to the Sawhill Ponds Trail for community members experiencing disabilities, helping them to experience the fishing pier and picnic areas better. Planned trailhead work will complement Sawhill Pond Trail improvements, which focused on welcoming visitors experiencing disabilities, that the city completed in 2024.