Closely following its scenic namesake waterway for most of its journey, the popular Boulder Creek Path runs east from Boulder Canyon to the outskirts of the Valmont Reservoir.
About the Route
The trail's western end is dirt and gravel, but becomes paved as the trail enters the city and travels through downtown Boulder, community parks and the University of Colorado campus.
Connections
Trail connections can be made to the Goose Creek Greenway near the Boulder Creek Path's eastern end.
The Boulder Creek Path runs between CO 119 (Boulder) and Old Tale Rd. (Boulder).
Parking is available at:
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Everything is very good except because in some parts there are homeless people sitting or lying on the road where it is supposed to be for bicycle traffic!
This path is littered with homeless people! Their tents, clotheslines, and trash line the river and completely destroy what would be a beautiful view of the river. Worse than the bike paths in downtown Denver!!
Beautiful trail along the creek. Can get crowded, so watch out for others and don’t be in too big a hurry.
The classic Boulder multiuse path. It is a very scenic cruise for its entire length. The path is usually always in great shape (unless recent flooding, blow down, or construction) and there are no street crossings (all are underpasses). Going west to east (down creek) you can get your speed up in areas but be cautious as there are some blind corners. More importantly, there are a lot of other trail users, so best to take it easy. Note that there are newly redone sections in the western part of town that help segregate walkers from wheeled traffic by having specific, marked "lanes" for each. Still, as always, pays to be alert and courteous.
This year we started at Carpenter park and rode west on the trail through downtown and partway up the canyon. It passes CU, Boulder High, the courthouse, and runs right through the city. But every crossroad has an underpass, and the trail is wide in most parts. Thats good because it is heavily used. The creek is by your side the whole way. When you get to the canyon, it starts to climb as you head west. Go as far as you are comfortable.
Starting at Carpenter Park, head east on Boulder Creek trail to the end at Arapahoe, then out and back on Wonderland and Cottonwood trails, then out and back on Goose Creek trail, then out and back on Skunk Creek and Bear Creek trails, then back to Carpenter park, you can make a 22-mile East Boulder Loop.
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