Boulder, CO: Anne U. White Trail
The rocky recess of Fourmile Canyon offers up one of Boulder's less-traveled foothill trails. Canyon shade and a crisscrossing creek keep this 3.1-miler perfect for a summer afternoon.
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From the primitive gravel trailhead on Pinto Drive, the trail heads west along the base of Fourmile Canyon, skirting huge rocky outcroppings and meandering alongside a stream. The trail crosses the narrow waterway for the first time within a half-mile of the trailhead, but weaves back and forth across it more than a dozen times in all—watch your footing on the slick rock-hop crossings. Though the easy-to-follow path climbs a couple of small hills, there are only a few memorable climbs: a stair-stepping hill at mile 0.6 and a rocky scramble that leads to a root step at mile 1.3. Turn around at a small clearing marked by a sign, where the trail ends and private property lines begin.
Note: Though this hike is great for warm, summer days. It’s less ideal for winter hiking when cooler temperatures prevent snow and ice melt on the trail.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland
Trail Facts
- Distance: 5.0
Waypoints
AUW001
Location: 40.0594706, -105.3196192
There are only a half-dozen parking spots at the small, gravel trailhead, so try to get there early on warm, summer weekends. The mellow trail begins at the gate on the lot’s west end.
AUW002
Location: 40.0563542, -105.3263032
The first creek crossing is at mile 0.5 and is like most of the others: small with well-positioned rocks for easy crossing. Watch your footing.
AUW003
Location: 40.057315, -105.327934
This short climb just after the first creek crossing is one of the more difficult on this easy route. Watch your step on the rock-enforced path on your way up and, if you need it, take a breather at trailside bench near the top.
AUW004
Location: 40.0597292, -105.334543
After this root step, the trail skirts the north side of a small meadow.
AUW005
Location: 40.059372, -105.3379655
The stream falls over a small step on a large rock wall. Spend a few minutes scrambling or lounging on the wall to your right, but continue on the trail by crossing the stream to the left.
AUW006
Location: 40.0588793, -105.3423429
The trail is flanked by private property and ends at this large, open clearing about 1.5 miles and 400 vertical feet from the trailhead.
Falls in Fourmile Canyon
Location: 40.0593638, -105.3379065
It’s a short scramble to this rocky crossing of the river at mile 1.3.
Trailhead
Location: 40.0594706, -105.3195548
The trail crosses this fence at the trailhead and continues west into Fourmile Canyon. Bikes aren’t allowed on this trail, but there is a bike rack just left of the fence; bring a lock.
Rocks
Location: 40.058169, -105.3232241
Large rocky outcroppings line the trail in several places.
Stream
Location: 40.0563296, -105.3261852
The trail crisscrosses this small stream as it winds across the bottom of Fourmile Canyon.
Climb
Location: 40.057315, -105.3278053
Rock steps on one of the trail’s longer climbs.
Steps
Location: 40.0597292, -105.334425
A quick root step takes the trail toward a small, open meadow.
Natural Art
Location: 40.0590887, -105.3376436
Flowers, rocks, and natural treasures atop a trailside stump.
Moss
Location: 40.0590887, -105.3400469
A moss-covered outcropping along the trail. Canyon shadows and a small stream keep this trail cool and damp.
Sign
Location: 40.0588588, -105.3422409
A trail sign also marks the west end of the trail coming from private property.
Trail End
Location: 40.0588834, -105.3422946
