Mountain Hiking

South Boulder Creek East 

The most popular trailhead is at the north end, on Baseline Avenue, just west of the Cherryvale intersection—the Bobolink Trailhead. Heading south, there is both a paved bike trail and a dirt pedestrian trail running parallel and a little closer to the creek. There is easy access to the water in several places, historical and ecological interpretive signs, and a diversion dam that reminds us of the importance of irrigation to both farm and pasture. 

About 0.6 mi. south, the bike path veers west into the East Boulder Recreation Center, and the dirt path continues south along the creek. In December, I enjoyed the buff grasses standing against white snow. Old and tangled cottonwood trees created a maze-like pattern against the sky with scattered masses of squirrel and bird nest. Squirrels danced along slender branches, a large hawk soared in silhouette against the light sky, and a Kestral balanced high on a twig tip. 

At the south end, as the trail turns west and passes through University property, there is a small prairie dog colony. They sat, fat and watchful, at their burrow openings.