White Rocks Trailhead

Click the map for a larger PDF map (2.18 MB).

LOCATION

West of 95th Street on West Phillips Road, approximately 1.5 mi. north of Valmont Road.

Please check for temporary or seasonal closures or advisories.

PARKING

A small parking lot (approx. 10 cars) just north of W. Phillips Road at the trailhead.

TRAILS

East Boulder Trail extends to the west from this location through rolling hills of the grassland ecosystem. (**Please note that all visitors must stay on trail in the White Rocks Nature Preserve as the property is private land for which Boulder holds a conservation easement.) The western terminus is at the Gunbarrel Trailhead at the intersection of Boulderado and Cambridge in the Heatherwood neighborhood. The trail may also be taken southward, where it forks and crosses the private driveway (**Please stay on trail and do not hike on this private driveway), through rolling hills with vistas of the White Rock cliffs, past wetlands and over the bridge at Boulder Creek. The trail passes through the Lower Boulder Creek Habitat Conservation Area (HCA) where off-trail travel is not permitted without a permit. This southbound trail can be taken across Valmont Road and into Teller Farm. Its terminus is at the South Trailhead of Teller Farm (north of Arapahoe Road).

ACCESSIBILITY

This area is identified as being popular with people using wheelchairs. See the pdf Trails Accessibility Guide (TAP) 2.56 Mb. Photo - Red-winged Blackbird

RESTROOMS

No facilities available.

PICNIC FACILITIES

No picnic facilities.

BIKE REGULATIONS

Bicycles are allowed throughout the length of the East Boulder Trail. 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 are not permitted in the White Rocks Nature Preserve or within 100 yards of Teller Lake. All dogs must be leashed in the Trailhead Leash Area. Beyond the trailhead, 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. Dogs are not permitted north of Valmont Road. Dog excrement removal is required by law. Dog regulation maps are available on the Dog Regulations by Area page.

HORSE REGULATIONS

Horses are allowed on all trails. On-trail riding is encouraged to protect rare plants and wildlife habitat.

WILDLIFE

The White Rocks Nature Preserve supports a diverse array of animal. Among them are raptors, waterfowl, songbirds, white-tail deer, bats, coyotes, foxes, snapping turtles, and snakes.

HISTORIC INFO

The ponds in the White Rocks Nature Preserve were previously gravel pits mined and reclaimed by the Flatirons Company.
The area has a rich agricultural history.

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.

White Rocks Trailhead

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