Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for all of unincorporated Boulder County.

Thursday, April 23, High Fire Danger Day. No Open Burning in Boulder County.

Boulder Canyon Trail
Boulder Canyon Trail

Boulder Canyon Trail

The Boulder Canyon Trail is open. A temporary repair was made near the bridge a quarter-mile east (downhill) of Fourmile Canyon Drive. The trail is narrow so please use caution in the area. Learn More

The Boulder Canyon Trail is a 2.6 mile trail that follows along Boulder Creek. The trail connects with the Boulder Creek Path into Boulder.

Trails

  • Boulder Canyon Trail
    2.3 miles – Easy
    Hiking Allowed Dogs Allowed Bikes Allowed E-bikes Allowed Horses Allowed

Temporary Repair

The Boulder Canyon Trail is open to pedestrians and cyclists. Staff implemented a temporary repair on April 3.

What happened? A large hole formed under the trail near the bridge approximately one quarter mile east (downhill) from Fourmile Canyon Drive. The trail was temporarily closed at the bridge until a repair could be made.

Is it fixed? A temporary repair was made to stabilize the trail, but the hole remains.

Is it safe to use? Yes, but caution is needed. A chain fence is in place to block off the damaged area narrowing the trail to 6 feet wide instead of the full 10 feet width of the bridge. Trail users are asked to pass with care through the narrowed section, be alert to others, and allow additional space and time when navigating the area. Do not approach or attempt to access the fenced off area.

Will there be additional closures? Possibly. Staff are closely monitoring the temporary repair to ensure it remains safe. Short notice, brief closures may be needed to maintain or reinforce the repairs.

When will a permanent repair be made? Staff are currently working toward a permanent repair, but it will take several months to create a plan, obtain the necessary permits, and coordinate with the involved agencies. Heavy equipment will likely be needed to enter Boulder Creek which can only be done in late fall or winter when water flows are at safe levels. The trail will be closed when permanent repairs are made.

How can I receive updates? Updates will be posted on this page and you can sign up to receive email and/or text alerts whenever trails open or close.

A trail leads to a bridge with a fence that blocks a hole in the ground
A sign next to a trail that reads Caution Narrow Trail Ahead
A fence blocks reduces the trail width in front of a bridge.
Fencing along the bridge reduces the width of the trail.
Machinery removes dirt in front of the bridge to expose the hole below the trail surface.
The opening of the hole that sites below the trail surface.
A large hole that sits below the trail.

Parking Areas

There are several informal parking areas located along CO 119/Boulder Canyon Drive.

Boulder Creek Path and Chapman Drive Trailhead

The eastern end of the Boulder Canyon Trail connects with the Boulder Creek Path that is managed by the City of Boulder.

The western end of the trail connects to the Chapman Drive Trailhead that is also managed by the City of Boulder.

Visitation Numbers

Visitation by Day of Week

Bar graph showing visitation by day of the week on the Boulder Canyon Trail. The most visits were on Saturday (20%) and Sunday (22%).

Visitation by Hour

Bar chart showing 9am-noon is the busiest hour on weekdays and weekends.

Visitation by Month

Line graph showing visitation by month. May through September were the busiest months.

Contact Us

Parks & Open Space

303-678-6200
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Office Location

5201 St. Vrain Road
Longmont, CO 80503

Office Hours

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Thursday
Friday by phone, email, or appointment only.

Parks are open sunrise to sunset

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