Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead

 

Click the map at left for a larger image.

 

LOCATION

One mile north of Boulder on Highway 36, then one mile east of Highway 36 on Longhorn Road (a dirt road). The turn-off from the highway onto Longhorn Road is marked with a sign for Boulder Valley Ranch Open Space. 

Please check for temporarily or seasonal closures and advisories.

 

PARKING

Parking lot on south side of Longhorn Road.

TRAILS

The Eagle (2.6 mile from Mesa Reservoir to Eagle Trailhead) and Sage Trails (1.8 mile [2.7 for whole Sage/Eagle Loop]) form a loop between this trailhead and the Eagle Trailhead. Heading southward on the Sage Trail you can either take this loop or head westward on the Cobalt Trail below an old smelter of 1930 & ‘40's vintage and connect to the Eagle Trail as it heads toward the Foothills Trailhead. Another option is to pass the Cobalt Trail (0.9 mile) and take the Eagle Trail as it turns up toward the now dry Mesa Reservoir. A loop hike is available in the Mesa Reservoir area by following the Hidden Valley (1.0 mile) and Mesa Reservoir Trails (0.8 mile). Bicyclists and equestrians frequent these trails.

ACCESSIBILITY

This area is identified as being popular with people using wheelchairs. See theTrails Accessibility Guide (TAP) (3.44 MB).

RESTROOMS 

Located at the trailhead.

PICNIC FACILITIES

No picnic facilities.

BIKE REGULATIONS

Bicycles are allowed on the Eagle and Sage Trails. Bicycles may be ridden only on those trails that are posted with the international bicycle symbol.

Other bike trails on Open Space and Mountain Parks

DOG REGULATIONS

Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times unless they meet the voice and sight control standard and display a City of Boulder Voice and Sight tag. Dog excrement removal is required by law.

HORSE REGULATIONS

Allowed on all trails. Off-trail riding is discouraged to protect rare plants and wildlife habitat.

WILDLIFE

There is an abundance of raptors: eagles, northern harriers, red-tailed hawks may be observed. Mule deer and coyotes are frequently sighted. Many snakes can be found in this area including rattlesnakes and bull snakes.

Boulder Valley Ranch is home to a fragile plant community on the black "Shale Barren" soils. Bell's Twinpod (pictured at right) is a very rare plant that is unique to shale soils of Front Range Colorado.

HISTORIC INFO

• Present working and historic ranch.
• Remnants of a smelter on the south side of Longhorn Road.
• The 1990 Olde Stage fire burned in this area.
• Silverlake Ditch fed Mesa Reservoir until abandoned. Mesa Reservoir is now dry.

Before You Go

Please know OSMP rules and regulations.

Please study our six Leave No Trace" Principles to protect the land.

Dog owners: see our special dog page.

Hikers and climbers: Please be aware of all area closures.

Mountain bikers: Follow this link for trails where you can bike.

 

Last Updated on Thursday, 21 January 2010 15:40