Boulder, CO: Niwot Alternative Loop
Sample suburban recreational trails on this easy 3.8-mile Niwot route that showcases views of the Front Range along it's eastern fringe.
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This easy, 3.8-mile lollipop loop samples Niwot’s growing recreational trail system and makes an easy, afternoon outing on Boulder’s suburban trails. The route begins at the Niwot Loop Trailhead and crosses two small bridges before turning east on the hard-packed gravel trail. The outbound leg winds gradually uphill, rising 200 feet from the trailhead in 1.6 miles as it squeezes between large family homes and prairie-like open space. A 1.5-mile loop around Legend Ridge begins at Somerset Drive and briefly turns downhill before gently climbing west for great Front Range views that are especially vibrant a few minutes post sunset. After closing the loop, head west to start your cool-down and return to the trailhead.
A growing web of residential trails weaves through Niwot, and in addition to this mapped route, the Niwot Loop Trailhead offers easy access for Boulderites in search of alternative workout locales.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland and Kayce Wohlman
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.1
Waypoints
NAL001
Location: 40.088977, -105.168348
Niwot Loop Trailhead has plenty of parking and serves as a local recycling drop-off point. The train begins by crossing a bridge on the lot’s north side.
NAL002
Location: 40.0905957, -105.1671571
This alternative loop route doesn’t follow the Niwot Loop Trail. Instead, you’ll turn right here after the second bridge.
NAL003
Location: 40.088595, -105.1504576
An uphill stretch past enormous houses and three small ponds levels out at this Somerset Drive junction. Cross the road and join the trail in the Legend Ridge Open Space.
NAL004
Location: 40.0886114, -105.1413059
The trail turns north just after this road crossing. Traffic is light, but watch for nearly-there commuters on their way home.
NAL005
Location: 40.091517, -105.1479149
A 150-yard spur trail leads right toward the top of a small hill and more Niwot views. Continue south to close the loop and turn back toward the trailhead.
NAL006
Location: 40.087905, -105.17618
This trail-access point on Monarch Park Place is 0.5 mile west of the Niwot Loop Trailhead. As an out-and-back, it’s an easy mile to add to your run.
Trailhead
Location: 40.0889726, -105.1682353
The Niwot Loop Trailhead sign as seen from N. 79th Street. © Kristy Holland
Bridge
Location: 40.0893255, -105.1683533
The bridge is the first of two that you’ll cross just north of the trailhead. © Kristy Holland
White Rock Ditch
Location: 40.0905978, -105.1670766
You’ll pass this sign, on the north end of the second bridge, on your left and follow the trail east. © Kristy Holland
Niwot Loop
Location: 40.090606, -105.1669586
This trail bypasses the signed Niwot Loop and follows an alternative trail to the right. © Kristy Holland
Neighborhood Access
Location: 40.0909753, -105.160253
One of several neighborhood access trails leading away from this open-space path. © Kristy Holland
Trailside
Location: 40.0906634, -105.1543951
Near mile 1.4, this trail squeezes between a rock wall and a slickrock-like section of field.
Legend Ridge
Location: 40.0885868, -105.1501143
The trail continues around a housing development called Legend Ridge. © Kristy Holland
View
Location: 40.093175, -105.1454258
From the loop’s north side, you overlook Niwot’s growing neighborhoods and 50-mile views of the Front Range, including Longs Peak, Sawtooth Mountain and the Indian Peaks. © Kristy Holland
