Help our community enjoy and protect shared open space and parks! Read our 10 essential reminders for visiting City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks and Boulder and Recreation park areas!
Explore, enjoy and care for our remarkable City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks! Before you head outdoors to enjoy Boulder's 155 miles of trails, read our 10 key tips to help you enjoy and protect Boulder open space and parks. Click on each tip to learn more!
Explore and search Boulder's 155 miles of Open Space and Mountain Parks trails through our interactive web map. Learn which trails allow bikes, dogs and horses and see their length, elevation gain and difficulty through our trail search webpage. Visit the Colorado Trail Explorer to also see Open Space and Mountain Parks trails and other paths maintained by neighboring open space and public land agencies.
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks invites community members to enjoy shared land. But remember: All of us have a responsibility to protect these lands for future generations. Photo by Katie Edward.
Consider visiting Boulder Parks and Recreation areas! The city manages more than 80 parks and recreation facilities, including playgrounds, picnic shelters, skate parks, sports fields, the Pearl Street Mall, the Municipal Plaza, Valmont City Park, community parks, neighborhood parks, pocket parks, dog parks and more. Search Boulder Parks and Recreation' park areas and recreational facilities.
The City of Boulder extends its deep gratitude to Tribal Nations for the opportunity to listen to them as part of ongoing city-Tribal Nation collaboration. As you step onto the land, consider and reflect that for more than 13,000 years, generations of Indigenous Peoples have traversed, lived in and stewarded lands that American Europeans colonized as Boulder.
The Peoples' Crossing is an area in west Boulder that Tribal Representatives named and honors Boulder as a crossroads for Indigenous Peoples who have traversed and lived in the mountains and plains of the Boulder area since time immemorial.
Visit our closure webpage to learn about more current trail and trailhead closures. Visually see current closures at OSMPTrails.org and Colorado Trail Explorer. Community members can text “OSMP” to 888-777 to receive text updates about muddy trail closures. View current wildlife closures we implement to protect sensitive habitats.
Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Department (BPR) encourages community members to sign up for its new text notification service to receive information about unplanned operational changes. Text updates will only be sent about changes that impact the rest of that day’s operations. Learn more about this service and sign up today!
Leave the car at home! Visit Open Space and Mountain Parks and Parks and Recreation areas on a bus, shuttle or bike. Consider visiting Boulder open space and parks on a RTD bus! The City of Boulder provides a free Park-to-Park shuttle service to and from Chautauqua Park, with several stops around Boulder. During the summer, there is also FREE shuttle bus service that provide visitors access to Eldorado Canyon State Park and the Marshall Mesa, Doudy Draw, and South Mesa trailheads. Many OSMP trailheads and Boulder parks have bike racks, so consider riding your bike to enjoy open space trails!
Understand open space ules and regulations before visiting shared public lands. View online maps to see current dog regulations and wildlife closure areas across Boulder's open space system. Read Boulder Parks and Recreation park regulations.
Learn the latest about open space news, projects and guided hikes by:
Read our guide to learn more about the types of e-bikes allowed on open space trails and where you can ride them on open space. Read more about electric micromobility, including e-bikes, inside the City of Boulder. E-scooters, e-skateboards, low-powered scooters and toy vehicles are not allowed on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks trails. Recreate responsibly. Whether biking or e-biking, be considerate when passing others on a bike. Slow down and communicate before you pass.
Boulder is a remarkable place and community! Remember: Shopping in Boulder helps fund your Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Learn about the unique and different experiences you can have in Boulder before and after visiting city open space and parks areas. Learn more about fun activities to do from our friends at Visit Boulder:
There are many other public land agencies in Boulder County and along the Colorado Front Range to visit, including:
Take time to plan your visit to Boulder open space and parks areas. Visit our trail search webpage to see a trail's length, its difficulty and whether it's open to bikes, dogs and horses. Don't forget to visit a Boulder park! See current closures across the open space trail system. See what days and times open space trails are most popular. Consider visiting a place you haven't gone before.
Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) has 155 miles of trails and 37 trailheads and 76 access points. One of the best things you can do to have an enjoyable, safe and unique outdoor experience is to plan ahead. But don't forget: Have a backup plan in case the weather or other unforeseen circumstances alter your plan. Photo by Jack Sasson.
Open Space and Mountain Parks' trailheads are often full on weekends, so you might not be able to find a parking spot. There may also be trail and parks and recreation facility closures that will affect your plan. Adverse weather or emergencies like fires and floods may also occur on open space, so have alternative routes if you need to leave the area.
Look at the weather forecast when creating your plan. Think about leaving earlier in the morning rather than in the afternoon. But remember: Colorado weather is highly unpredictable. If bad weather appears, use your backup plan and head back home.
Having several layers of clothing when visiting open space is important for Colorado and Boulder's unpredictable weather. Ensure your hiking shoes or boots fit well and provide good ankle support. Before embarking on a long hike, wear your new shoes on shorter walks to break them in. Trails during the winter may be icy, so wear traction devices on your shoes.
If you are planning a longer hike, bring water and food to help prevent fatigue, dizziness, and dehydration. If you want to bring your dog along, always remember have water for your furry friend.
Boulder's high elevation exposes you to stronger UV rays, which can cause uncomfortable sunburns. Applying sunscreen will help you stay safe and comfortable during your outdoor adventure.
Make sure your phone is charged in case you need assistance or if there is an emergency. But remember: Cell service may be extremely limited in mountain locations. Try to text 911 if you don’t have enough cell service to get a phone call through.
Tell people where you're going. It's important for others to know your route and expected return time in case of an emergency. It can also expedite search and rescue efforts if you become lost or injured.
When creating your plan for visiting Open Space and Mountain Parks, consider a trail's elevation gain and how difficult a trail may be. Boulder's elevation and dry conditions can make longer hikes challenging – even for those who visit open space every day. Know your limits and create a plan to have an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience.
Be mindful of your abilities and don't take on an outdoor challenge that may be too difficult. Many search-and-rescue responses occur when people overestimate their abilities and don't consider the risks of outdoor activities.
Be mindful of your abilities and don't take on an outdoor or recreation challenge that may be too difficult. Many search-and-rescue responses occur when people overestimate their abilities and don't consider the risks of outdoor activities.
We recognize the special connection our community and visitors have with nature. We invite our community to enjoy shared open space and parks responsibly.
There happens to be something behind “feeling good” outdoors. Scientists have been diving deeper into how our very species needs nature to thrive. Learn more about how nature brings out the best in us.
Help preserve our special lands for future generations. Follow "Leave No Trace" principles to leave open space just as you found it. Remember to pack out all trash and dog waste when receptacles are full or unavailable. And give back to the land we all love! Volunteer for City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks.
When people walk off trail on open space, they widen trails and damage nearby plants. Walking off trail also increases unmaintained “social” trails, which can reduce large habitat areas that many wildlife species need to thrive. Remember to walk through mud.
Reading signs and following city open space regulations are crucial in helping our community enjoy and protect open space. Be alert for open space signs, particularly ones that remind visitors not to go off trail in locations designated as wildlife closure areas.
Through unique learning opportunities and programs, we hope to inspire an informed community who will participate in local stewardship. Join us and learn some of the stories these lands have to tell. Sign up for a nature hike and other OSMP education programs at NatureHikes.org. Learn more about nature on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks.
Our “Staff Picks” for summer outdoor experiences brings you recommendations from the people who know the system best. Read our summer recommendations for community members can find the shade, beat the heat, take out-of-town guests and enjoy city open space!
You love hiking. You love OSMP. You love the trails. Challenge yourself to hike all OSMP trails! Some people may choose to hike all of the designated trails, but others may decide to create their own personalized challenge. Here are some personal challenges that have been suggested to us.
We are all part of an inclusive community where all people feel welcome, safe, and able to enjoy the benefits of community open space and parks. Visitors of all identities and abilities deserve respect and courtesy while recreating.
We recognize the special importance of connecting with nature. City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks works to increase outdoor access for people of all abilities. Learn about our work to help community members experiencing disabilities enjoy shared public land.
People visit trails and parks for many reasons, including emotional and physical well-being and spending time with friends and family. Some are focused on specific activities, such as hiking, biking, climbing, riding a horse or spending time with their child on a playground. Respecting others' activities while recreating outdoors fosters a positive outdoor experience for everyone.
Consider taking time to give back to the land we all love. Sign up for Open Space and Mountain Parks volunteer projects! The department offers one-day volunteer projects and ongoing volunteer opportunities to help us steward shared open space. Learn more at VolunteerOSMP.org.
The outdoor environment is a rapidly changing environment. Unexpected terrain challenges and natural hazards may be present. Be aware of what's in front of you and your surroundings.
Always stay alert on the trail. For example, warmer weather brings out rattlesnakes as they leave their winter dens. Watch out for them, especially on south-facing rocky slopes. Leash your dogs, and don’t let them explore prairie dog burrows. Photo by Greg Joder.
If bad weather begins to appear or if it begins raining, visitors should reconsider their plan and head back to their vehicles. Do not take unnecessary risks if you hear thunder or see lightning.
Wayfinding, safety and regulation signs are critical in helping visitors have enjoyable and safe outdoor experiences while protecting our shared natural areas. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for signs to keep you headed on the right trail and to avoid entering a sensitive wildlife habitat.
Call 911 if someone is injured, if you see smoke or if there is another emergency occurring. Try to text 911 if you don’t have enough cell service to get a phone call through.
Be thoughtful about wearing headphones or earphones. It’s important to hear everything around you, including the incredible sounds of nature.
Lead by example and demonstrate responsible recreation and good trail and park courtesy behaviors. Inspire others to help everyone in our community enjoy and protect shared Boulder open space and parks.
We need your help to inspire others to practice responsible recreation on open space! Consider volunteering as a Boulder Mountain Bike Patrol member, Dog Ambassador or a Trail Ambassador to help us create enjoyable, meaningful and respectful outdoor experiences for everyone. Learn more about ongoing volunteer opportunities at VolunteerOSMP.org.
No matter what type of activity you are enjoying – hiking, walking, biking, or riding a horse – remember to slow down and communicate. Be prepared to stop, say something like “on your left,” and pass safely.
Remember these guidelines on how to yield to other trail users:
We recognize how important it is for our community to enjoy Open Space and Mountain Parks with their furry friends. But we also want to remind dog guardians of their responsibility to help us protect nature and provide an enjoyable outdoor environment for everyone. View online maps to see dog regulations across Boulder's open space system. View Boulder Parks and Parks regulations, including dog regulations. Consider visiting one of Boulder Parks and Recreation's dog parks.
Keep your dog leashed or participate in the city’s Voice and Sight off-leash program. Carry waste bags and pick up after your dog to keep trails clean and safe. Prevent your dog from chasing or disturbing wildlife. Bring enough water for you and your dog to stay hydrated.
Always pick up after your furry friend. BAG IT, PACK IT and CAN IT. Immediately BAG your dog’s DOO. If a waste can is not immediately within reach, PACK IT (carry it with you) and then CAN IT in a pet waste composting or waste receptacle. Not only is dog waste unsightly and creates a bad smell for everyone, but it can also harm water quality and native plants.
The best way to minimize dog and wildlife encounters and provide enjoyable experiences for people who may not like dogs on Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks trails is to leash your dog. All dog guardians, including Voice and Sight Tag Program participants, must always have a leash while visiting open space with their dog.
Would you like your dog to enjoy open space without a leash? Does your dog follow your voice commands? Consider participating in our "Voice and Sight" off-leash trail program. Completing all program requirements may take up to a month before your dog can visit open space without a leash.
All ignition sources – including fireworks, cigarettes, grills and campfires – are prohibited on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks lands. It is illegal in the City of Boulder to use or possess fireworks of any kind.
Everyone has a responsibility to prevent wildfires and help reduce wildfire risks in our community. Learn about ongoing work City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks is doing to help reduce fire risks in our community.
Check and follow all fire restrictions and fire bans in Boulder County. Be sure to visit other county, state and federal public land agency websites to see fire restrictions they have implemented.
Show respect for everyone by following all regulations to prevent wildfires. Remember: Call 911 if you see a fire starting or if you see smoke. Try to text 911 if you don’t have enough cell service to get a phone call through.
If a fire or another emergency happens, use your backup plan to consider alternative routes to leave the area. Cell service may be limited in mountain open space areas, so consider bringing a print trail map. Remember to ensure your phone is charged before visiting open space.
Read more about what City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks is doing to reduce shared wildfire risks in our community. Learn what you can do to minimize your wildfire risk at home.
Boulder is unique among the Front Range for the unique and diverse natural areas and wildlife habitats we protect. Please help us to keep wildlife wild! Observe wildlife from a distance, do not follow or approach them and never feed animals.
We recognize the special connection our community and visitors have with nature. We invite our community to enjoy shared open space and parks responsibly. Please help us to keep wildlife wild! Observe wildlife from a distance, do not follow or approach them, and never feed animals.
Did you know that City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks provides habitat for 1,046 plants? When people go off trail and create new paths – known as "undesignated" or "social trails" – they can steadily harm plant habitats. Those trails can also reduce the size of wildlife habitats. Numerous small disturbances can quickly harm sensitive natural resources and have a lasting impact on shared public lands.
We are all responsible for protecting the land that feeds and cares for wildlife. Do not enter designated closure areas that help us protect sensitive wildlife areas.
Open Space and Mountain Parks is home to bear habitats. If you see a bear, stay calm and
Open Space and Mountain Parks is also home to mountain lion habitat. If you see a mountain lion:
Bears have always been a part of life in Boulder. Urban bear activity typically increases in late summer and early fall as bears enter the stage of hyperphagia, a period of excessive eating, to fatten up for hibernation. The city encourages community members, including University of Colorado Boulder students, to be extra vigilant and ensure trash containers are locked. Learn what you can do to help keep bears safe and help make your home unattractive to bears.
