Flatirons Trail

Sites on this Trail

Boulder Reservoir
Description:
Anyone looking for waterbirds in Boulder County must make sure to check Boulder Reservoir, especially in autumn. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a fee is charged for entry, but the birding is best after the weather cools down. Rarities that have been found here in fall include Red-necked Grebe, Pacific Loon, Arctic Tern, Long-tailed Jaeger, and Ruff. More likely finds are Osprey, Bald Eagle, Forster’s Tern, and California Gull. Also consider visiting the adjacent Coot Lake for more viewing opportunities. Note: dogs are not allowed from May 15 - Labor Day.

Directions:
From Denver: take US Hwy 36 west and exit CO 157/Foothills Pkwy. north to CO 119/Diagonal Highway. Go northeast out of town on CO 119 to Jay Rd. Go west on Jay Rd., and just past the highway, head north onto 51st St. Continue north on 51st St. for about 2 miles to Reservoir Rd. Go east on Reservoir Rd. to the entrance station.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Twin Lakes Open Space
Description:
These two lakes rarely attract many interesting waterbirds, but the trees around them can be terrific in spring migration for warblers, flycatchers, and other migrants. A well-known pair of Great Horned Owls nests in a hollow snag just across the creek from the path. In spring, when the young become visible in the nest, it is common to find a gaggle of owl-watchers blocking the trail.

Directions:
From Denver: take US Hwy 36 west toward Boulder and go north on CO 157/Foothills Parkway to CO 119/Diagonal Highway. Go northeast out of town on CO 119 to Jay Rd. Head east at Jay Rd. for 1.5 miles to 63rd St. Go north on 63rd St. for 0.7 miles to Nautilus Dr. Go east on Nautilus Dr., keeping left at the fork, and park along the road.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
East Boulder Trail – Gunbarrel Farm/ White Rocks Trail
Description:
The open space and White Rocks Trailhead provide access to the same area from two different directions. Gunbarrel Open Space rises on a high prairie bluff with nesting Grasshopper Sparrow in summer, along with Western Kingbird, Horned Lark, and Blue Grosbeak. Traveling south, the trail drops down to cross the creek, where Tree Swallow, Warbling Vireo, and Bullock’s Oriole nest, then runs to the White Rocks Trailhead. Note: dogs are not allowed at the White Rocks Nature Preserve.

Directions:
From Denver: take US Hwy 36 west toward Boulder and exit CO 157/Foothills Parkway north to CO 119/Diagonal Highway. Go northeast out of town on CO 119 to Jay Rd. Go east on Jay Rd. for 3 miles to 75th St. Head north on 75th St. for about 0.25 miles to Heatherwood Dr. Go northeast on Heatherwood to Cambridge St. Heatherwood will curve north and then west; Cambridge is just before Heatherwood heads west. Go north on Cambridge St. and parking is at the end of the road, at the corner of Cambridge St. and Boulderado Dr.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Boulder Creek & 75th Street
Description:
Located next to Walden Ponds and connected via footpath, the bridge over the creek here is a traditional nesting site for American Dipper, and Eastern Phoebe has also nested here in some recent years. The trees attract spring migrants, including vagrant warblers.

Directions:
From Denver: Take US 36 west toward Boulder. Exit at CO 157/Foothills Pkwy. and head north to Valmont Rd. Go east on Valmont Rd. to 75th St. heading north. In about a mile, the parking lot will be on the west side.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat and Sawhill Ponds
Description:
These properties are some of the most important birding areas in Boulder. On the ponds, look for ducks, shorebirds, and the occasional vagrant. Near the parking lot for Walden Ponds, a boardwalk across Cottonwood Marsh provides up-close looks at Tree Swallows in nest boxes, and Red-winged Blackbirds on territory. Watch for garter snakes, frogs, and other critters along the edges of the ponds.

Directions:
From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36 and exit at Foothills Pkwy. Take Foothills Pkwy. north and turn east on Valmont Rd. Head north on 75th St. for 0.5 miles, then go west on Walden Ponds Rd. to the parking lot.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Teller Lake #5
Description:
This lake sits amidst farmland utilized for livestock grazing, crop production, and even beekeeping! The water sometimes attracts interesting waterbirds and Dickcissel has at times bred in the fields to the south. Lark Bunting and Blue Grosbeak have also been spotted here. The nearby black-tailed prairie-dog colonies are sure to attract raptors and other predators. Note: dogs are not allowed within 100 yards of Teller Lake.

Directions:
From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36 and exit at Foothills Pkwy. Head north and turn east on Valmont Rd. The Teller Lakes trailhead is on the south side of Valmont Rd., about two miles east of 75th St.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Erie Lake and Thomas Reservoir
Description:
These small lakes are best known as places to find gulls in the colder months, when the water is partly frozen. They can also attract ducks and other waterbirds, and rarities have been found in the area; Erie Reservoir even once boasted a Yellow-billed Loon.

Directions:
From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. Exit CO 121/US Hwy 287 in Broomfield and head 7 miles north to Arapahoe Rd. Erie Reservoir is 0.25 miles north on US Hwy 287; the parking lot is on the east side. Thomas Reservoir is located at 119th and Austin Ave and the parking lot is on the south side of Austin Ave, just east of 119th.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Waneka Lake/Greenlee Wildlife Preserve
Description:
This lake is a great place to look for birds in all seasons. In summer, Pied-billed and Western Grebes can be found on the lake, and Swainson’s Hawk is easily seen. In migration, warblers and thrushes skulk in the undergrowth. In winter, ducks, geese, and gulls can congregate here, and the flocks can include rarities.

Directions:
From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. Exit at CO 121/US Hwy 287 in Broomfield, and go north on US Hwy 287 for 6 miles to South Boulder Rd. Head west on South Boulder Rd to Centaur Village Dr. Go north on Centaur Village Dr, go west (left) on Caria Dr, and continue for about 0.25 miles to the Waneka Lake Park entrance.

Access:
Open all year, 6am - 10pm
Valmont Reservoir complex
Description:
This complex of three reservoirs is an important birding spot in Boulder. In spring and fall migration, look for Western Grebes, Eared Grebes, and many ducks; Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, and Ferruginous Hawk are also regularly seen hunting in the area. The reservoirs can be scanned with a scope at any time from the Legion Park overlook. Alternatively, during weekday business hours, one can drive in from 75th Street, park at the Open Space offices, and walk west, climbing the butte for the best view.

Directions:
From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36 to CO 157/Foothills Pkwy. Go north on CO 157 to CO 7/Arapahoe Rd. and head east. Legion Park is on the north at the top of the hill, 2.5 miles east of Foothills Pkwy. To reach the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Annex, continue east on CO 7/Arapahoe Rd. to 75th St. Head north on 75th St. to Red Deer Dr., and then west to the parking lot.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Bobolink Trailhead
Description:
From late May through mid-July, the stars of the show along this trail are - you guessed it - Bobolinks! This is one of the few reliable nesting sites for the species along the Colorado Front Range. A nice riparian walk along South Boulder Creek provides viewing of some water and forest birds and adjacent tallgrass prairie provides habitat for grassland birds.

Directions:

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Baseline Reservoir
Description:
This private lake is a good place to look for migrating loons and diving ducks, including scoters, in late fall. Sometimes gulls roost on the southwest shore, near the road, where they are easily viewed. In winter, if the water is open, you may see some rare birds on the lake. The easiest viewing of the reservoir is on the southwest side, off Cherryvale's wide shoulder. Please watch for traffic.

Directions:
From Foothills Parkway (CO 157) in Boulder: head east on Baseline Rd. about one mile and turn right (south) on Cherryvale Rd. Pull over where the shoulder is wide, near the south end of the reservoir, to scan it from the roadside.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Doudy Draw and the South Mesa Trail
Description:
These open space trailheads near Eldorado Springs provide access to miles of hiking trails and some riparian habitat along the creek. Look for Spotted Towhee, Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in dense scrub, and Lazuli Bunting and the occasional Red-eyed Vireo in the taller trees. Keep an eye out for herds of mule deer and elk along the trails. Note: there is a fee to park at this property.

Directions:
From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US 36. Exit at Louisville/Superior/McCaslin Blvd. and go south to Marshall Road/CO 170. Go west on CO 170 and at CO 93, cross 93 to continue on CO 170 for two more miles. The parking lot for Doudy Draw is on the south side and the South Mesa Trail is on the north.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Description:
Driving into Eldorado Canyon, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of enormous cliffs where Canyon Wrens, White-throated Swifts, and Violet-green Swallows nest. South Boulder Creek carves a path through the canyon, providing the potential for seeing American Dipper in the rushing stream. Farther inside the park, mixed conifer forest offers typical foothills species ranging from Western Tanager to the striking Abert's squirrel. A State Parks pass is required for entry.

Directions:
From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. Exit at Louisville/Superior/McCaslin Blvd. and go south to Marshall Rd./CO 170. Go west on CO 170 and at CO 93, cross CO 93 to continue on CO 170; after about 3 miles, the road dead-ends at the town of Eldorado Springs. The road continues as a dirt road that dead-ends at the park, on the left.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Lower Bear Canyon Trail
Description:
This easy trail leaves a neighborhood and parallels a shrub-filled drainage up into the ponderosa pines. Look for Bushtit, Spotted Towhee, and both Blue and Steller's Jay. It is good place to see migrant birds in late spring, and Virginia's and MacGillivray's Warbler in summer.

Directions:
From Denver: go west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. US Hwy 36 changes to 28th St.; continue north and at Table Mesa Dr., go west. In about 2 miles, head south on Lehigh St. to Bear Mountain Dr. At Bear Mountain Dr., go southwest for 0.4 miles to the trailhead, located on the west side. Parking is on the street.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Gregory Canyon
Description:
Right on the edge of Boulder, Gregory Canyon is excellent for a diversity of species, including Broad-tailed Hummingbird, three species of Empidonax flycatcher, Warbling and Plumbeous Vireo, Canyon Wren, Gray Catbird, Virginia and MacGillivray’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lesser Goldfinch. The cliffs overhead are home to Canyon Wrens and a few pairs of Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. Note: there is a fee to park at this property.

Directions:
From Denver: go west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. Exit at Baseline Rd. and head west. Baseline Rd. will curve sharply north at the base of the foothills. Just past the curve on the west is Gregory Canyon Rd. Go south on Gregory Canyon Rd. until it ends at the parking lot.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Boulder Creek (downtown section)
Description:
A paved walking and biking trail follows Boulder Creek through much of the city of Boulder, canopied by mature cottonwoods and willows. Breeding birds include White-breasted Nuthatch, Warbling Vireo, and the rare Eastern Screech-Owl. Migrants pass through in spring and fall and American Dipper can be found along the creek, especially in winter.

Directions:
The trail has many access points. To get to one of the best areas for birding, from Denver: go west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36, which becomes 28th St. Go west at Colorado Ave., then north on Folsom St. At the bottom of the hill, just past the bridge, go west into a university parking lot. There are some metered public parking spaces near the creek path.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Wonderland Lake
Description:
Nestled in a scenic neighborhood in north Boulder, this area offers open space, short and easy trails, and water access that attracts a diversity of waterfowl. Trails leading away from the lake cross foothills grassland and tallgrass prairie stands, providing plenty of habitat for a variety of birds.

Directions:
From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. US Hwy 36 will curve to the right and changes to 28th St. Continue north and at CO 119/Iris Ave, go west to CO 7/Broadway. Head north on Broadway for 2-3 miles; the parking lot is at 4201 North Broadway, adjacent to the Foothills Nature Center.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Betasso Preserve
Description:
This popular park west of Boulder, with miles of trail through meadows and pine savannahs, is a great place to find specialty species of the ponderosa belt, including Mountain and Western Bluebirds, Pygmy Nuthatch, Wild Turkey, and the tufted-eared Abert's squirrel.

Directions:
From US Hwy 36: head west toward Boulder and continue as the road curves north and changes to 28th St. Go north on 28th St to CO 119/Boulder Canyon Dr. Head west on CO 119 to CR 122/Sugarloaf Rd. Go north on CR 122 to Betasso Rd. Head east on Betasso for about 0.5 miles and at the fork, continue north to the main parking lot.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours
Walker Ranch Open Space
Description:
This open space in the foothills above Boulder is a good place to find low-elevation mountain species like Pygmy Nuthatch, Mountain Chickadee, Mountain Bluebird, and both sapsuckers. In winter, you can find flocks of Dark-eyed Junco, including all five Colorado subspecies. Keep your eye to the sky, as Golden Eagles sometimes fly over the mountain. Be sure to stop by the Flagstaff Nature Center at the summit of Flagstaff Mountain Road.

Directions:
From Denver: go west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. Exit at Baseline Rd. and head west. Continue on Baseline; it turns sharply and changes to Flagstaff Rd. The first Walker Ranch trailhead is on the west side. To reach additional trails and the historic homestead, continue south on Flagstaff Rd.

Access:
Open all year, Daylight hours