Boulder Winter Trails

I loved that Colorado Daily wrote this article about some of the best places to hike in the winter. So much so that I wanted to spread their message (I hope they don't mind)!

I'll add, that along with the famous Sanitas trail off of Mapleton (which we love as a family!), one of our favorite areas is around and in between the Eagle Trail and Boulder Rez areas (close to Haystack Mountain)... the Eagle/Sage/Lefthand Trails - more of that below the Colorado Daily article.

Five sun-catching trails
Hike, ride, run where the snow melts first
By Jenn Fields
fields@coloradodaily.com
original article: http://www.coloradodaily.com/ci_14225404?source=most_emailed

I'm also including a good writeup from GetBoulder about a great group of trails. It's a system of great trails that all lead to each other nicely. In fact, my wife boards a horse right near the Boulder Reservoir an is able to get miles worth of riding in that section of th county. Beautiful views and a perfect area for cyclists as well!

Biking the Eagle/Sage/Lefthand Trails
By Casey Benito, 2002 college student

From a biker’s standpoint, the Eagle/Sage/Lefthand Trail north of Boulder near Boulder Valley Ranch is one of the nicest trail networks in Boulder County. This multiuse trail is easily accessible, can be ridden by people of varying bike-riding skills and offers beautiful views all around.

You can always ride something new, too, as so many interconnecting trails are worth exploring. Whether you’re looking for fast-paced single-track, challenging technical climbs or just an easy ride, these trails have it all. Some days I want to get out and take a quick loop; other days I feel like pumping down the trail. No matter what my mood is on any particular day, I can always find a ride to fit it.

One nice aspect of this network is beautiful views. Pastureland surrounds you on all sides, and small lakes and streams dot the trail. The Front Range and Flatirons stretch to the west and south; Haystack Mountain sits on the northern perimeter. One of my favorite things is riding along the farm ditch that borders Sage Trail. Here, mature cottonwoods provide plenty of shade as well as fun climbing opportunities.

Access: This network has many access points: the North Rim housing development off Niwot Road; Neva Road near Lefthand Valley Reservoir on U.S. Highway 36 north of Boulder; and 51st Street between Diagonal Highway (Colorado Highway 119) and Niwot Road. Parking is available at each entrance.