Boulder, CO: Big Bluestem Trail to South Boulder Creek Trail

Boulder, CO: Big Bluestem Trail to South Boulder Creek Trail

This easy, 4.4-mile loop outside Boulder links Big Bluestem Trail to South Boulder Creek Trail and features vibrant wildflowers and 5-star views of the Flatirons.

Author:	Backpacker Magazine
Date:	28 Aug 2009 4:52:18 PM
Activity:	Hiking ActivitySearchHiking
State:	Colorado (CO)
Distance:	4.41 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 466 ft Total Loss: 466 ft Net Change: 0 ft
Difficulty:	3 / 10
USGS Topo Map:	Louisville, Eldorado Springs
Tags:	Colorado, Boulder, Front Range
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

Located at the foot of Boulder's Flatirons, this easy, 4.4-mile loop is perfect for a quick dayhike or a scenic trail run. From the South Boulder Creek Trailhead, hike west on Thomas Lane, a dirt road that leads to the Big Bluestem Trail. After 0.3 mile, pass through a metal gate and continue west on Big Bluestem Trail. The dirt path runs across mixed grass prairie with postcard-worthy views of the Flatirons. Less than a mile and a half later, the trail begins a gentle climb up grassy slopes dotted with wildflowers.

The route tops out at a T-junction at mile 2.2. Turn left on the wide and well-maintained Mesa Trail and begin the return descent. Less than half a mile later, make another left turn onto South Boulder Creek Trail, a narrow, rock-strewn path that travels past grazing cattle and more picturesque views of the Flatirons. After 4.3 miles, turn left at the final trail junction for the 200-yard stretch back to the parking area.

MORE INFO: Open Space and Mountain Parks

-Mapped by Kim Phillips

TO TRAILHEAD: From Table Mesa and Broadway St., head southeast on Broadway/CO 93. In 2 miles, turn right into the South Boulder Creek Trailhead parking area (next to Thomas Lane).

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

Big Bluestem to South Boulder Creek Loop

Dist: 4.41 mi	Points: 431	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Big Bluestem to South Boulder Creek Loop

Points of Interest

SBC001

Location: 39.960196°, -105.236991°
South Boulder Creek Trailhead: From the parking area, walk north to Thomas Lane, a dirt road flanked by a handful of houses.

SBC002

Location: 39.960581°, -105.236841°
Turn left onto the dirt road and head west toward the Flatirons.

SBC003

Location: 39.960595°, -105.242578°
Pass through a metal gate, then continue heading west on the Big Bluestem Trail.

SBC004

Location: 39.960560°, -105.246001°
Pass through a second gate. Continue following the Big Bluestem Trail. A prairie dog colony borders the trail; listen for their high-pitched calls. Next, the trail curves to the south and parallels the Flatirons.

SBC005

Location: 39.957108°, -105.250724°
Hike past an old fence and continue heading southwest through the grassy expanse. Seasonal wildflowers add splashes of color to the landscape.

SBC006

Location: 39.954001°, -105.264591°
The trail starts to climb gently up the grassy hillside.

SBC007

Location: 39.949887°, -105.267172°
Pass through the third gate.

SBC008

Location: 39.948538°, -105.267209°
Keep straight @ 3-way, heading south.

SBC009

Location: 39.947317°, -105.266045°
The route tops out at mile 2.2. Turn left @ T-junction onto the Mesa Trail and begin the return descent. The trail widens for the next 0.2 mile.

SBC010

Location: 39.945312°, -105.263346°
Turn left @ 3-way onto the South Boulder Creek Trail. Head northeast.

SBC011

Location: 39.946159°, -105.260082°
Pass through the fourth gate and walk through grassy fields. Cows graze on the both sides of the trail.

SBC012

Location: 39.949436°, -105.252292°
Walk through a 5th gate.

SBC013

Location: 39.952692°, -105.243273°
Walk through the sixth gate.

SBC014

Location: 39.956925°, -105.239700°
Pass through the seventh (and final) gate. Ahead, the trail rounds to the northeast through a small grove of trees.