Trails

Boulder County, Larimer County and Jefferson County offer equestrians, hikers, and bikers some of the most beautiful trails in Colorado to explore.

Rules and regulations surrounding use of these precious natural resource are subject to change, and one of BCHAs primary goals is to keep the horse community informed on these issues. We expend considerable time and resources in our ongoing effort to ensure that Open Space, State Parks, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and National Forest trails will be available to horse owners now and in the future.

Join the Boulder Equestrians on Trail Facebook Group

The Boulder Equestrians on Trail Group is dedicated to trail riding discussion, news, and connecting equestrians in the City and County of Boulder. Post about your rides, give trail information, ask questions, discuss topics pertinent to using and riding Open Space trails and more. Find people to ride with and trailer pool. Enjoy. Connect. Have fun.

Click here to connect today!

Boulder Area Trails App

The Boulder Area Trails App is designed to connect local communities. the App enables users to find trails by use or type, plan routes, and link users to agency websites for more information.

One APP—All the Trails
Provides a single source for all designated public recreation trails and trailheads in and around Boulder and Broomfield counties.
Realtime Trail Closures
Trails closures are posted as soon as they are announced by each participating agency.
Offline Maps
The app will continue to work even when there is no cellular service.
Set Favorites
Select your favorite trails and trailheads for easy access.

Download the App
For more information visit Boulder Area Trails

Boulder Area Trails Coalition (BATCO) Map

The colorful, waterproof/tear proof BATCO Trails and Recreation Map of Boulder County shows all designated trails in the County, which routes are open to what user group, and which public land agency owns and manages them. Net proceeds from the sale of the BATCO Map go toward planning for, building, and maintaining multi-use non-motorized trails.

For more information visit BATCO

Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS)

With more than 100,000 acres under management, BCPOS manages some of the most equestrian-friendly trails in Boulder County. These include Rabbit Mountain, Walker Ranch, Hall Ranch, Heil Valley Ranch, Betasso/Benjamin Preserve, Rock Creek Farm, Mayhoffer/Singletree, and Caribou Ranch. We certainly appreciate the work BCPOS they have done— and continue to do—building and maintaining out open space and providing trailhead parking areas with restrooms.

For additional information visit Boulder County Parks & Open Space.

City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP)

OSMP manages over 150 miles of trails on about 45,000 acres surrounding the City of Boulder. Until relatively recently, all of those trails were open to horses. But with increasing urbanization, political decisions have been made which have resulted in fewer trails for horses, and even fewer places where equestrians can find parking for horse trailers. Those that are left are wonderful and include: Doudy Draw, Flatirons Vista, Springbrook Mesa, Goshawk Ridge, Mesa Trail, South Boulder Creek, Greenbelt Plateau, Marshall Mesa, Boulder Valley Ranch, East Boulder, and White Rocks. Equestrians have the opportunity to be good ambassadors for continuing our historic enjoyment of trails under City of Boulder management.

Habitat Conservation Areas

Visitors who remain on designated trails in HCAs do not need a permit. However, the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department now requires off-trail permits for off-trail use through a Habitat Conservation Area (HCA). Some of these areas include: Western Mountain Parks, the Southern Grasslands, Eldorado Mountain/ Doudy Draw, and Lower Boulder Creek. Maps of these HCAs and applications for permits can be found at osmppermits.org, or call (303) 441-3440.

Horse camping accommodations vary from pens with shelter, corrals, to primitive sites. Do your research and be prepared for all emergency situations.

Colorado State Parks’ Equestrian Trails

Equestrians throughout the state have many choices for trail riding in Colorado State Parks and several parks have public corrals for those camping with horses. The closest State Park for Boulder equestrians is Golden Gate Canyon, which has many miles of horse trails. The beautiful Harmsen Ranch Guest House has four bedrooms and two baths with a full kitchen, linen service, and gas fireplaces. Along with the guest house, two electrical RV sites​ are also available. Horses are welcome. For pricing information click here.

For more information on State Parks with horse-friendly option please click here.