South Boulder Creek-Bobolink Trailhead

Rating: easy-moderate

Distance:  1.4 miles

Surface:  crusher fines

Width: Avg: 7’6”   Min: 3’6”

Cross slope:  Max: 8-12% for 30’

Grade:  Avg: 2%   Max: 9% for 19’

Trail Notes: Small rolling hills are interspersed throughout the trail. The first hill has a grade of 5-7% (cross slope 2.5%) with others being 9% or less. There are plenty of places to pull off the trail and relax alongside the stream. After the first 0.5 mile you can take the concrete path west over a bridge to East Boulder Community Center or continue along 0.9 mile on the crusher fines to South Boulder Rd. If you continue through the underpass and head west, the trail goes for another 2 miles. This S Boulder Rd. to Marshall Rd. section of trail is relatively flat and is often used for cattle grazing.

Hard Spots: Near the end of this section, first the trail skirts the creek with a cross slope of 9.3%. The next section to S Boulder Rd. has a steep section as it goes over an irrigation culvert, reaching a grade of 8% for 34’. There is a concrete bridge after the culvert which has an approaching slope of 8.5% for 20’ with loose crusher fines. Careful on corner before you reach the underpass. It has a cross slope of up to 12%

Habitat: The South Boulder Creek Trail wanders through a lush riparian area with a large diversity of vegetation and wildlife, including the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse and the rare bobolink blackbird.

Culture and History: Look for the picturesque Doran Barn (1900) just south of S Boulder Rd. on the west side. The historic Abernathy Barn is located at the south end of trail across from the creek.