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.
- Boulder Falls closure: Boulder Falls will be closed beginning 10/21 because of road construction in the area.
- Xcel Energy electric transmission line work: Xcel is working in the NCAR area; please check the temporary closures page for details.
- IBM Connector Trail closure: The trail will be closed west of 63rd St. beginning 9/11.
Project Updates & Other Alerts
Ecosystem health and resilience projects open house: OSMP invites community members to an open house on Thursday, Nov. 7, to learn about city efforts to preserve and restore natural areas and sensitive wildlife and plant habitats. This information session, like the trails open house OSMP held earlier this year, will provide community members an opportunity to learn about ecological projects the department has been working on and is planning to conduct next year.
Prairie Dogs public process: The City of Boulder has begun an expedited review of how it manages irrigated agricultural fields and prairie dogs later and is seeking input on ways it can foster healthy soils and promote sustainable agricultural land uses. 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
View main city calendar for all upcoming city events, or for more events like this
Featured Projects & Pages
Expedited Review of Prairie Dogs in Irrigated Lands
The City of Boulder will begin an expedited review of how it manages irrigated agricultural fields and prairie dogs.
OSMP Ecological Restoration Open House
Join OSMP staff to learn about department wide restoration projects focused on improving the condition and function of the native ecosystems around Boulder.
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
City Council unanimously accepted and adopted the OSMP Master Plan on September 3, 2019. Thanks to everyone who participated in this planning process.
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.
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