Doudy Draw to Springbrook Loop

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation: 5,670 ft - 6,246 ft
Elevation Gain: 576 ft
Dogs: Doudy Draw (Voice & Sight), northern Springbrook (on leash), southern Springbrook (not allowed)
Bathroom at the Trailhead: Yes
Date Hiked: 3 May 2014
Tags: #Boulder, #osmp, #hiking

The Flatirons viewed from the Doudy Draw Trail

South of Boulder near Eldorado Canyon State Park are a series of open space trails that wander serenely through the hills west of Highway 93. In spring, the grassy knolls and Ponderosa Pine covered mesas are filled with Meadowlarks, Mule Deer, and giddy Boulderites competing to get one of the few parking spaces at the trailheads.

Starting out on the Doudy Draw Trail. The first half mile is graded dirt.

Looking down into the drainage

On this trip we started at the Doudy Draw Trailhead on Eldorado Springs Drive (Highway 170), hiked up Doudy Draw to the Springbrook Loop, and followed that loop on the north side (dogs are not allowed on the south side) until the intersection with the Goshawk Trail for an out and back outing. Folks with no dogs can do the entire loop.

Crossing the Community Ditch irrigation canal

Turning onto the Springbrook Loop

The further you head up this route the more isolated the feel. Highway 93 drops away, the hillsides close in, and nothing is left but clouds and blue skies. That is of course until you look up to see an on rushing horde of mountain bikers and trail runners jostling for first dibs on knocking you flat. The runners in particular seemed to travel in packs of seven or eight. We Coloradoans are a fit bunch and the Bolder Boulder is at the end of May so I get it, I really do.

The landslide in the distance was caused by the 2013 flood.

Ah the green grasses of spring!

On this trip, the incredible force of the 2013 flood was in evidence. Lower down the drainage was a gaping scare of dirt and river rock with downed trees still slammed against obstacles. Further up whole hillsides had slipped away leaving wounds just waiting for this years storms to make them fester and ooze.

Looking north

On top of the mesa looking towards Eldorado Canyon State Park

The views of the Flatirons and in particular Shadow Canyon below Bear Peak are particularly nice on this trail. There are hidden meadows and exposed cliffs that one can't see anywhere else. One a clear day the Eastern Plains stretch away into eternity.

A good portion of the Springbrook trail is in the trees.

The bridge that starts the Goshawk Trail. Following the road would lead to the Fowler Trail.

The first half mile of the route is on an accessible gravel path to a picnic area and bathroom. At 1.2 miles is the turn off for the Springbrook Loop. If you stayed on the Doudy Draw Trail, you would eventually climb up to the top of Flatirons Vista. At 2.5 miles the route reaches a broad dirt road and water diversion ditch. A bridge spans the ditch and marks the start of the Goshawk Trail. Since this trail does not allow dogs, we turned around and retraced our steps.

Looking up the backside of Shadow Canyon. Bear Peak is on the far right and South Boulder Peak is the next peak to the left.

Boulderites aren't the only ones swarming over the trail.

Once again, I have to applaud Boulder and Boulder County for the effort they have made in preserving open space.  The trails south of Boulder are some of my favorites. If you can though go mid-week or after work. You'll have a better chance of getting a coveted parking spot and will blessed with solitude and the hush that comes as the sun slides inevitably behind the Flatirons.

Doudy Draw to Community Ditch

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation: 5,670 ft - ~5,770 ft
Elevation Gain: 100 ft
Bathroom at Trailhead: No but there is one 0.5 miles up the trail
Dogs: Off leash with Boulder green tag
Date Hiked: 29 March 2013
Parking fee for non-Boulder county residents
Tags: #Boulder, #osmp, #hiking

Looking west at the Flatirons on the expansive Community Ditch Trail

The Doudy Draw to Community Ditch Trail near Eldorado Springs is a flat route that traverses a wide-open expanse of prairie between Boulder and Highway 128. There are two ways to take this out and back route.  This post describes starting at the Doudy Draw Trailhead on Eldorado Springs Road. This option has the advantage of providing a parking lot and bathroom (half a mile up the trail).  The downside is a parking fee that Boulder charges for non-residents. It is possible to start this route from Hwy 93 if you are willing to scrunch your car onto the shoulder of this busy highway. There is room for one to two cars where the ditch itself crosses over to the Marshall Mesa Trail System. This option would not be suitable if you have children or dogs that might bolt into the perpetual traffic racing up the road. 

Starting out on the smooth Doudy Draw Trail

The bathroom/picnic area at 0.5 miles

Starting at the parking lot, the first 0.5 miles up the route is on the Doudy Draw Trail nestled between two low, grass-covered hills. This trail is a wide, smooth,  gravel path that is wheelchair accessible. It ends at a small picnic area and bathroom.  50 yards beyond this is the junction with the Community Ditch Trail which heads westward and gradually climbs between more rolling hills. 

Heading towards the junction with the Community Ditch Trail

The ditch

The Community Ditch Trail weaves back and forth for 1.9 miles as it follows the ditch across the praire landscape.  0.5 miles past the original junction is a cattle gate. From this point on the views behind you of the Flatirons grow along with serene views of the grasslands to the north.  Only a few houses dot the landscape to mare the serenity of the route. This portion of the route is more rutted and rocky, but is still an easy jaunt.

The initial part of the Community Ditch Trail is wide with easy access to the water for the four-legged ones.

Looking down into a draw

The turn around point is Highway 93, or for a longer outing, one can attempt to cross the highway to Marshall Mesa and its 3 mile trail loop. The Colorado Department of Transportation is planning on building an underpass at this location as part of its widening of Highway 93.  That will be a welcome addition indeed for the plethora of mountain bikers who routinely risk their lives riding across the road.

A typical segment of the route.  Note the ever present ditch (not always wet) and rutted road (from mountain bikers)

Looking west as the trail winds across an open hillside

Spring and fall are a great time to hike the Community Ditch Trail.  It is warmer when the more exposed trails are wind swept, and it is less popular than other nearby trails. It is great for a trail run or stroll with the dogs.

Another S-curve in the trail

The further west you go, the more dramatic the views to the north.  All we need are a few Buffalo!

Flatirons Vista

Distance: 3.4 mile loop
Elevation: 5,925 ft -6,105 ft
Elevation Gain: 180 ft
Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes
Dogs: Off leash with Boulder green tag
Date Hiked: 29 April, 2012
Fees: $5 to park if not a Boulder Co. resident
Tags: #Boulder, #osmp, #hiking

The view of the Flatirons from the Flatirons Vista Trail on an afternoon in spring.  Woe to those who have to live in Colorado! 

Flatirons Vista is a short open space trail on the border of Boulder and Jefferson Counties. It is one of my favorite trail runs, but is also a wonderful afterwork stroll with the dogs.  With expansive views of the Flatirons, open meadows, and perennial blue skies, this is a great all season hike.

The new and improved trailhead

Map of the trail system.  Note the new Prairie Vista Trail that makes a smaller loop within the larger one.

The City of Boulder has improved this area significantly in recent years.  There is a new expanded parking lot, bathroom,  additional trail (Prairie Vista), and most recently a new parking fee.  There was a time when I had this trail all to myself, but no longer.  These improvements have led to an increase in traffic, particularly mountain bikers who can connect to this trail system with Marshall Mesa via the Greenbelt Plateau.

Heading southwest on the initial segment

The trail turns westward with the Flatirons always in view

This is a loop hike, but I have always taken it counter-clockwise, starting off on the right towards the new junction of the Prairie Vista and Flatirons Vista Trails (see map).  You need to read the trail signs or you'll end up on the wrong trail.  There is a short spur that is only marked Prairie Vista heading south, so don't be confused.

The junction with the Doudy Draw Trail (right fork).  Follow this a short ways for nice views and then return to the  junction to continue on Flatirons Vista.

The route heads southwest briefly before turning westward.  The trail in this area is open and wide, as in semi-truck wide.  With minimal elevation gain, this segment is a great, although rocky run, with wonderful views of the Flatirons.

For a short ways, the Flatirons are still in view as the trail heads southwards.

At 1.3 miles is the intersection of the Doudy Draw Trail, which heads down the embankment and eventually meets up with the parking lot for the Mesa Trail off Eldorado Canyon Blvd (6.8 miles one way). There are several view points on the decent of Doudy Draw where you can't see a single sign of civilization.  On a warm summer evening after the sun has set behind the Flatirons,  this area takes on an ethereal glow as the subdued light reflects off the green meadows below.  For a half hour the world is transformed into a peaceful, otherworldly oasis.  I always imaged this is what heaven was supposed to be.

The second half of the route weaves in and out of Ponderosa Pines

After the junction, the trail enters into a broad stand of Ponderosa Pines.  For 1.2 miles the trail weaves northward until reaching a fenced boundary, which it follows closely before turning northwest.  The last 0.8 miles is through open meadow with views of the plains to the east and the rolling hills to the south.  The NREL wind farm is visible and near the trailhead there is a small pond that is perfect for quick doggie swim.

The NREL wind farm 

The trail passes right next to the far end of this small pond.

The trick to enjoying Flatirons Vista is knowing when to go.  It can be scorching hot in the middle of summer day but for most of the rest of the year the trail is delightful.  Try running it some time and you'll boost the calorie burn while still enjoying the incredible scenery.

The final pitch back to the trailhead