Open Space and Mountain Parks

How do you want to enjoy Boulder’s open space in the future?

OSMP Alerts

Trail/Trailhead Closures

Project Updates & Other Alerts

Open Space and Mountain Parks Calendar

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.

Tell us how you would like to recreate and steward Boulder’s open space over the next decade and beyond through our online questionnaire by midnight, Tuesday Nov. 20. Your input will establish priorities for the Open Space and Mountain Parks Master Plan’s “Responsible Recreation, Stewardship and Enjoyment” focus area.

Trail closures related to Xcel transmission line work: The Bear Canyon Trail west of the Mesa Trail is closed while Xcel Energy continues work to replace electric transmission line infrastructure on city-owned open space and utility lands. This long-term trail closure will be in effect 24 hours a day and is expected to continue through November, weather permitting. There are several other trail closures south and east of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Details can be found at osmpprojects.org.

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 as of Nov. 14: Trails in the Marshall Mesa, Greenbelt Plateau, Flatirons Vista, Doudy Draw and Springbrook areas, and the Left Hand Trail from Boulder Valley Ranch to Neva Rd are closed because of muddy conditions. View more information about the muddy trail closures.
NCAR-Bear Canyon Trail: Closed M-F from Stony Hill access to NCAR-Bear Connector beginning Sept. 27
East Boulder/White Rocks Trail bridge closed

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

Eldorado Canyon to Walker Ranch Connection Feasibility Study: The findings of a feasibility study and a preliminary recommendation for a preferred trail alignment between Walker Ranch Open Space and Eldorado Canyon State Park will be presented from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Nov. 28. This meeting will be held at City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks 2520 55th Street, Boulder. Learn more.

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.

7

Wed7
10:30 a.m. Storytime Hike- Preparing for Winter!
Wednesday, November 7 @ 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

11

Sun11
10 a.m. Introduction to Wonderland Lake
Sunday, November 11 @ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

14

Wed14
4:30 p.m. Open Space and Mountain Parks Integrated Site Projects
Wednesday, November 14 @ 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Wed14
6 p.m. Open Space Board of Trustees Meeting (Televised)
Wednesday, November 14 @ 6 to 8 p.m.

15

Thu15
5 p.m. Open Space and Mountain Parks Integrated Site Projects
Thursday, November 15 @ 5 to 7:30 p.m.

18

Sun18
1 p.m. Nature for Kids & Parents: Gobble, Gobble
Sunday, November 18 @ 1 to 3 p.m.

Sun18
6:30 p.m. Bald Eagles in Boulder’s Backyard!
Sunday, November 18 @ 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

21

Wed21
10:30 a.m. Autumn Gratitude With Magnifying Glasses! Story Time and Kids' Hike
Wednesday, November 21 @ 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

24

Sat24
12 p.m. Fishing Fun for Kids
Saturday, November 24 @ 12 to 2 p.m.

28

Wed28
12 p.m. OSMP Master Plan Process Committee
Wednesday, November 28 @ 12 to 1:30 p.m.