Flatirons Vista Trailhead

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

LOCATION

0.3 mile south of Highway 128 on Highway 93.

Please check for temporary or seasonal closures or advisories.

PARKING

Parking lot on west side of Highway 93.

TRAILS

Flatirons Vista Trail is a loop trail (3.3 mile) leading out from the trailhead westward through open stands of ponderosa pine before the junction with Doudy Draw Trail. Prairie Vista (0.9 mile) connects with Flatirons Vista South and offers visitors an opportunity to do a shorter loop back to the trailhead. Doudy Draw Trail descends from the western edge of the Flatirons Plateau into the draw and north to the Doudy Draw Trailhead. The Spring Brook Loop can be accessed by following the Doudy Draw trail 1 mile past the junction with Flatirons Vista. The Goshawk Ridge Trail and Eldorado Mountain HCA are accessible from Spring Brook Loop.

Community Ditch Trail (1.7 mile west of Hwy 93 and 1.9 mile east of Hwy 93) intersects the Doudy Draw Trail approximately 0.5 mi. south of the Doudy Draw Trailhead and heads eastward to the Marshall Mesa Trailhead or can be taken to trails leading to the Greenbelt Plateau Trailhead.

ACCESSIBILITY

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

PARKING

Parking lot at the trailhead, with parking fee.

BUS CONNECTIONS

An RTD bus passes very close to this trailhead. See Bus connections in English, Autobuses en español.

RESTROOMS

Restrooms available at the Doudy Draw picnic area, 3.4 miles from the Flatirons Vista Trailhead.

PICNIC FACILITIES

Picnic facilities located at Doudy Draw picnic area, 3.4 miles from the Flatirons Vista Trailhead. Grills and stoves are prohibited.

BIKE REGULATIONS

Bicycles are allowed on the Flatirons Vista Trails, Prairie Vista, and trails connecting with Doudy Draw and Community Ditch Trails. By crossing Highway 93 at the stop light, bikes may access the Greenbelt Plateau and High Plains trails and the Marshall Mesa area. 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

HORSE REGULATIONS

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

DOG REGULATIONS

Dogs are allowed on Spring Brook North and along Fowler Trail to County Road 67 if they are on a hand-held leash and on-trail; dogs are not allowed on Spring Brook South or Goshawk Ridge. In other areas, 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 regulation maps are available on the Dog Regulations by Area page. Dog excrement removal is required by law.

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 Trailhead because of black bear activity.

WILDLIFE

Coyotes, songbirds, birds of prey, mule deer, and bobcats are common year round. Bears can be sighted spring through fall. Bluebirds may gather here in the spring. Watch for golden and bald eagles overhead in the winter.

HISTORIC INFO

Current and historic grazing area.  Early history of Native American sites.

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