Mountain Hiking

by Harold Sears

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In and Around
Boulder, Colorado

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Indian Peaks

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In the Carolinas

Happy Highways

Sombrero Marsh

Sombrero Marsh offers only a short walk. There are boardwalks through the lowlands and gravel paths through higher grasslands. But there is a wooden observation blind overlooking marshland and a large pond, with guides to about 35 different species of birds, waterfowl, and mammals that frequent the area. A sign explains that this is Boulder County's largest natural wetland, an alkaline salt marsh.

There is also a Sombrero Marsh Education Center with a small outdoor discussion area, piles of rocks and bones, raised gardens, labeled plants, flowing water, composting and recycling centers, and a wind turbine and solar panels up high. I stopped by on an off day, but I could imagine excited school groups and varied educational activities in season.

Getting There

In Boulder, drive north on Foothills Parkway, 157. Turn right on Arapahoe Rd., 7, to 63rd St. Turn right and drive about 0.1 mi., and curve left. You can park at this curve, or if the gate is open, drive another tenth or two and park by the fence that separates the school district bus garage from the marsh property. Entrance to the marsh is at the east end of this road. Alternatively, you can drive 0.2 mi. past 63rd St., turn right just before (west) of the Boulder Valley School Districe Education Center, and make your way south to the back of the property where there is Marsh parking.

The above thumbnail links to a part of my trail map. It shows 63rd St. and the Marsh property, but does not show trails. An extensive trail map for all of Boulder County is available from the Boulder Area Trails Coalition (link on home page).

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Cautionary Note -- If any of the hikes described on this site sound like something you would like to do yourself, please use good judgment and prepare yourself according to your skills, your interests, and the season. What was fun for me under one set of circumstances might not be fun or even safe for another under other circumstances. Do not consider these descriptions to be unqualified recommendations.