Doudy Draw Trailhead

Click on the map at left for a larger PDF map (3.11 MB).

LOCATION

1.8 miles west of Highway 93 on Eldorado Springs Drive (Highway 170).

Please check for temporary or seasonal closures or advisories.

PARKING

Parking lot on the south side of Eldorado Springs Drive. Parking is not allowed on Highway 170.

TRAILS

Doudy Draw Trail (1.7 mile + 0.5 mile to intersection with Community Ditch Trail)meanders southward along the draw to the junction with the Spring Brook Loop Trail. Spring Brook Loop heads west from Doudy Draw toward the Eldorado Mountain Habitat Conservation Area (HCA). The Goshawk Ridge Trail travels through the HCA; an off-trail permit is required for off-trail travel in the HCA. After the Spring Brook Loop junction, Doudy Draw crosses the creek and heads east up the slope to the Flatirons Vista Trails. Here you will find open stands of ponderosa pine on a savannah ecosystem. Flatirons Vista North or South will lead to the Flatirons Vista Trailhead on Highway 93.

Community Ditch Trail (1.7 mile west of Hwy 93 and 1.9 mile east of Hwy 93) heads along the community ditch from the Doudy Draw Trail approximately 0.2 miles south of the picnic area. This trail can be taken to the Marshall Mesa Trailhead or to trails leading to Greenbelt Plateau Trailhead, both east of Highway 93.

Download the Doudy Draw Eldorado Mountain trail brochure426.02 KB with map and description of trails in this area.

ACCESSIBILITY

This area is identified as being popular with people using wheelchairs. See the  Trails Accessibility Guide (TAP) 2.56 Mb. 

RESTROOMS

Facilities 0.3 mile south on Doudy Draw Trail at the picnic area.

PICNIC FACILITIES

Picnic table 0.3 mile south on Doudy Draw Trail. Grills and stoves are prohibited.

BIKE REGULATIONS

Bicycles are allowed at the Doudy Draw Trailhead with connections to Community Ditch, Flatirons Vista Loop and Spring Brook Loop. Biking Doudy Draw trail to Flatirons Vista Trails and Trailhead allows bikes to access the Greenbelt Plateau and High Plains trails and the Marshall Mesa area (by crossing Highway 93 at the stop light). Doudy Draw also leads to the Spring Brook Loop Trail and the connection along Fowler Trail to County Road 67. Bicycles are not allowed on the Goshawk Ridge Trail. Bicycles must remain on-trail and may be ridden only on those trails that are posted with the international bicycle symbol.

Other bike trails on Open Space and Mountain Parks

PARKING

Parking lot at the trailhead, with parking fee.

DOG REGULATIONS

All dogs must be leashed in the Trailhead Leash Area. Beyond the trailhead, dog control requirements vary from trail to trail, so carefully watch for dog regulation signs at trailheads and trail intersections, and check the Dog Regulations by Area page before your trip. On Doudy Draw Trail 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. On Spring Brook North, dogs are allowed on-leash and on-trail; dogs are not allowed on Spring Brook South or Goshawk Ridge Trail. Dogs must be leashed seasonally on the upper section of the Doudy Draw Trail south of Community Ditch Trail and west of the Flatirons Vista Trails because of black bear activity. Dog excrement removal is required by law.

HORSE REGULATIONS

Equestrians are allowed on all trails in the Doudy Draw area. Off-trail riding is not allowed in the Spring Brook Loop area and Eldorado Mountain HCA, and is discouraged in other areas to protect rare plants and wildlife habitat.

WILDLIFE

Black bears and mountain lions inhabit this area. Many other wildlife species are common including birds of prey, mule deer and coyotes. Songbirds are active along the riparian (stream side) corridor.

HISTORIC INFO

Early history of Native American sites. Remnants of historic homesite at the picnic area. The small building located on the northeast edge of the picnic area served as a milkhouse. The stream was diverted to enter the milkhouse and keep the canisters of fresh milk cold until they could be hauled to market or used by the Doudy family. The Denver, Utah & Pacific railroad grade cuts along the contour from Flatirons Vista trailhead, through Doudy Draw toward Eldorado Springs (only a few miles of the grade were completed before the project went bust). Current and historic cattle grazing and ranching.

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, 04 April 2013 10:24