As we say goodbye to the fall season in Boulder, the magic of winter arrives. Here are a few winter hikes to add to your list.

Winter has arrived, and we are now moving into the season of chillier outdoor adventures. With the appropriate hiking gear, winter can be a wonderful time to experience many of the 161 miles of trails Boulder offers.

Here are many winter hikes to check out during the colder months:   

Flagstaff Summit: There are many hiking opportunities around Flagstaff summit – the Ute, Boy Scout, Tenderfoot and Chapman Drive trails, and the Sensory Trail where you can explore nature without using your eyes. Every snowstorm changes the summit road and parking areas into a cross-country ski experience with gentle grades, no cars, and lots of beauty. Remember: Flagstaff Summit Road is closed from Nov. 1 through April 30; however, all trails remain open. Visit OSMPTrails.org to see trail closures.

Enchanted Mesa / Kohler Mesa Loops: Enchanted Mesa provides a variety of trails winding among ponderosa pine forests and small meadows, while providing stunning views of the Flatirons. The adjacent Kohler Mesa offers many options to lengthen your hike. These trails are relatively flat, and many are free from slippery ice - but take strap-on boot traction, like Yak-tracks or Micro-spikes, just in case.

Sawhill Ponds. Located on 75th Street near its junction with Valmont Road, Sawhill Ponds is a great place to savor winter’s calm. The trails are flat and smooth, providing a respite from the steep icy trails of the mountains. Snow covers the ground and blankets the icy ponds. Wind rustles through the cattails. Wildlife proceeds with the subdued rhythms of winter.

North Sky and Vesper Trails: Consider visiting Boulder’s newest trails! The North Sky Trail provides expansive views of the Boulder Valley while the Vesper Trail provides views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. We close the North Sky Trail when muddy conditions are present, so be sure to visit OSMPTrails.org to see current trail closures. Text “OSMP” to 888-777 to sign up for text updates about muddy trail closures.

South Boulder Creek and Cobalt/Sage/Eagle Trails: The City of Boulder welcomes visitors experiencing disabilities to open space. During the winter, we suggest community members experience the South Boulder Creek Trail with an adaptive mountain bike. For those who are more adventurous, we recommend the Cobalt / Sage / Eagle trails.

REMEMBER: The Boulder Star area is closed. The City of Boulder invites you to view the Boulder Star from afar at other open space locations.

Winter hiking can present its own set of challenges. Here are tips to keep in mind before hitting the trail:

  • Always practice responsible recreation. Read our “10 Essential Tips to Enjoy and Protect Boulder Open Space and Parks.”
  • Know before you go. Learn more about where you are planning to visit by exploring our trail and trailhead search webpage. See current trail closures by visiting our interactive trail map.
  • Create a plan. Take time to plan what trails you will access. Remember: Have a backup plan in the event of changing weather conditions or an emergency situation. Don’t forget to tell people where you are going.
  • Wear appropriate clothing. Having several layers of clothing when visiting open space during the winter is critical given temperatures and weather conditions can change quickly.
  • Wear proper footwear. Trails can be slick from snow and ice during the winter months. To avoid an accident on the trail, use strap-on boot chains for extra traction.
  • Remember sunscreen. Boulder's high elevation exposes you to stronger UV rays, which can cause uncomfortable sunburns.
  • Stay alert. The outdoor environment is a rapidly changing environment. Unexpected terrain challenges and natural hazards may be present.
  • Don’t take unnecessary risks. Be mindful of your abilities and don't take on an outdoor challenge that may be too difficult.
  • Stay on trail. When people walk off trail on open space, they widen trails and damage nearby plants. Walking off trail also increases unmaintained “social” trails, which can reduce large habitat areas that many wildlife species need to thrive. Remember to walk through mud.
  • Demonstrate trail Courtesy. Remember to slow down and communicate. Be prepared to stop, say something like “on your left,” and pass safely.
  • Follow yielding guidelines. Yield to people going uphill. Everyone yields to horses. Bikers yield to hikers and horses.
  • Protect nature. Help preserve our special lands for future generations. Follow "Leave No Trace" principles to leave open space just as you found it. Remember to pack out all trash and dog waste when receptacles are full or unavailable.
  • Respect others' experiences. Respecting others' activities while recreating outdoors fosters a positive outdoor experience for everyone.

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