Open Space and Mountain Parks

Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) are a very special place. The open space lands teem with native plants and wildlife and are home to threatened and endangered species. They serve as a buffer between Boulder and nearby development. They sustain agriculture uses and add untold benefits to the natural environment - clean air, water, and earth.

The lands shape the urban mosaic of the Boulder Valley and provide residents with passive recreation opportunities. Trails are used by walkers, hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, dog walkers and other passive recreational uses.

OSMP Alerts

Trail/Trailhead Closures

Please see the temporary closures page for more details on the trail closures below. OSMP's interactive trail map also shows these longer-term trail closures and restrictions:

Muddy trail closures: Please check the trail map or temporary closures page for any muddy trail closures.
NCAR-Skunk Canyon and NCAR/Table Mesa-Bear Trails: Xcel is completing work in the area and these trails may see intermittent closures.

Project Updates & Other Alerts

OSMP Master Plan Update: The City of Boulder has released the Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Draft Master Plan - advanced with input from thousands of people who shared more than 10,000 comments – guiding management of city open space over the next decade and beyond.

View the complete OSMP Draft Master Plan

You can also view sections of the document below:

View the OSMP Draft Master Plan Executive Summary
View the OSMP Draft Master Plan Strategies At A Glance

We want to hear from you! Tell us how well you think your values are reflected, that we have heard your input, and that your funding priorities for open space have been incorporated into the draft plan.

Complete an online questionnaire open through midnight, Wednesday, June 12. Feedback provided by midnight, Monday, June 3, will be shared at a joint City Council-Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) study session Tuesday, June 11.
Provide feedback through “drop-in” listening sessions that will be held from 4 to 7 pm, Thursday, May 30, and 10 am to 1 pm, Saturday, June 1, at OSMP’s Hub Building at 2520 55th St.
Share input with Open Space Board of Trustees during an open comment period at trustees’ next meeting Wednesday, June 12.
Email OSMP staff, the OSBT and the Boulder City Council.

To see community feedback that has informed the draft plan visit our What We’ve Heard page.

Wonderland Lake: Thank you to everyone who shared constructive and valuable input for the Wonderland Lake area this past winter. In the coming weeks, Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) will announce the first of several community-input opportunities to build on what our community told us and to hear ideas about on-the-ground management actions that fit the character of Wonderland Lake area and are in alignment with community values. Learn more

Tall Oatgrass Management Program: Learn about why it's so important to aggressively manage tall oatgrass in Boulder County and what OSMP is doing about it:

OSMP administrative offices have moved: The offices relocated to 2520 55th St. in Boulder.

Purchase OSMP annual parking permits online: Visitors whose vehicles are registered outside of Boulder County can now purchase OSMP annual parking permits online. Learn more about parking permits.