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.
- Xcel Energy electric transmission line work: Xcel is working in the NCAR area; please check the temporary closures page for details.
- 1st/2nd Flatiron Trail closure: The 1st/2nd Flatiron Trail will be closed Mon-Thurs every week into the fall.
- Settler's Park Trailhead closure: The trailhead will be closed on Thurs. 8/22 for maintenance work.
Project Updates & Other Alerts
Algae blooms at lakes and ponds advisory: The City of Boulder reminds residents and open space and parks visitors to exercise caution as sustained high temperatures have increased the risk of potentially harmful algae blooms at city lakes and ponds. In particular, the city advises residents to keep children and pets out of Wonderland Lake in north Boulder, where potentially harmful, blue-green algae blooms have been identified. Whenever community members see algae at area lakes and ponds, they should exercise significant caution to keep their pets out of those areas and avoid contact with water. Learn more about the advisory.
OSMP Master Plan Update: The Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) and Planning Board have recommended that City Council accept the OSMP Master Plan with minor modifications. The Final Plan, including minor modifications from OSBT, will be released August 22 and considered by City Council on September 3, 2019.
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.
Open Space and Mountain Parks Calendar
Free, public Nature Hikes and Programs can be found at NatureHikes.org.
Open Space Board of Trustees Meeting
@ 6 to 8 p.m.
The OSBT usually meets on the second Wednesday of every month. Please view the agenda for meeting information, including start time and location.
OSMP Master Plan Process Committee
@ 12 to 1:30 p.m.
The OSMP Master Plan Process Committee aims to engage decision-makers in developing, supporting and ensuring best practices for OSMP's Master Plan.
View main city calendar for all upcoming city events, or for more events like this
Featured Projects & Pages
Environmental Education Programs for Schools and Community Groups
Open Space and Mountain Parks provides free environmental education programs for schools and community groups. Learn more and request a program.
Voice and Sight Tags
Information on how to register for the Voice and Sight Tag Program or renew your dogs' Voice and Sight Tags.
Open Space and Mountain Parks Master Plan
The Final Plan, including minor modifications from Open Space Board of Trustees, will be released August 22 and considered by City Council on September 3, 2019.
Prairie Dogs
City plans and policies strive to strike a balance between protecting prairie dog populations and natural communities while maintaining open space land uses.
Open Space and Mountain Parks Integrated Site Projects
OSMP is developing Integrated Site Projects (ISPs) for several specific OSMP locations, including the Wonderland Lake area, Gebhard property and Gunbarrel Hill.
2016-2017 Visitation Estimate Data Explorer
The Visitation Estimate Data Explorer provides a dynamic interface for exploring trail counter data collected during the 2016-2017 Visitation Study.
Interactive Trail Map