Trail Description

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The Doudy Draw Trail runs along the juxtaposition of Eastern Plains and Rocky Mountain upslope, a unique transition zone with uncommon ecological, geological and topographical range. Here plant and wildlife communities from each meet, creating one of the most diverse biological communities in Colorado. This versatile 4-season trail enjoys sensational views of the Boulder Flatirons, Eldorado Canyon area and Eastern Plains. Hikers, runners, cyclists, equestrians and winter sport enthusiasts will enjoy good trail conditions, mild grades and numerous routing options for extended exploration.

The Doudy Draw Trail heads south from the parking area, rising nominally on a wide, newly graded path to the Community Ditch Trail junction (.45 miles : 5,765’). In .6 miles the trail bends southeast beneath a low ridge, a good place to examine the Community Ditch below. This richly appointed riparian corridor hosts wild plum, chokecherry, hawthorn and hackberry, which provide food and cover for deer, bear, towhees, grosbeaks and orioles. Dawn, dusk and autumn travelers should be mindful of bear activity while passing through this area.

The trail moves easily up the draw to the Spring Brook Trail junction (1.2 miles : 5,958’), from which it drops gently, veers left at an unmarked spur (1.35 miles) and crosses the ravine (1.4 miles : 5,935’). Once over the trail continues south, climbing methodically up the ravine’s pine-studded west-facing ridge. The trail hairpins sharply back north (1.7 miles : 6,055’) with sensational panoramas across Boulder’s Front Range, Eldorado Canyon area and open space through which you’ve risen. A small window through Eldorado Canyon reveals a glimpse of the snowcapped Indian Peaks just before leveling off at the Flatirons Vista North-South Trail junction on the edge of an expansive mesa. (2.2 miles : 6,105’).

Bear left (east) on the Flatirons Vista North Trail. Travel eases considerably on a neatly groomed service road across the flat, sparsely treed mesa. Pass through a cattle gate and drop to another at the first of two connections with the Prairie Vista Trail (3.1 miles : 5,980’). Bear left and remain on the service road, gliding easily to its terminus at the Flatirons Vista Trailhead on Highway 93 (3.4 miles : 5,925’).

Those seeking a longer route between the Doudy Draw and Flatirons Vista Trailheads can find additional mileage on the Flatirons Vista South Trail and newly opened Spring Brook Loop Trail. The Flatirons Vista South Trail adds approximately 1.3 miles to the one-way distance by taking a more circuitous course across the mesa. The Spring Brook Loop Trail adds 2.8 miles (roundtrip), an easy excursion that circles the base of Eldorado Canyon.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N39 56.279 W105 15.392 - Doudy Draw Trailhead

• N39 55.916 W105 15.408 - .45 miles : Community Ditch Trail junction

• N39 55.439 W105 15.583 - 1.2 miles : Spring Brook Trail junction

• N39 55.376 W105 15.310 - 2.2 miles : Doudy Draw - Flatirons VistaTrail junction

• N39 55.417 W105 14.342 - 3.1 miles : Prairie Vista Trail junction

• N39 55.458 W105 14.133 - 3.4 miles : Flatirons Vista Trailhead

Worth Noting

• You may encounter free-range cattle on the Flatirons Vista Trail. With limited room to maneuver at times, you may simply have to wait for them to clear. Exercise patience and common sense if confronted.



• Respect private property boundaries and areas closed to protect ground-nesting birds. Dog owners should be mindful of specific leash laws on sections of this trail.



• The first .4 miles leading to the picnic area and privy are wheelchair accessible.

Directions to Trailhead

The Doudy Draw Trailhead is located 1.8 miles west of State Road 93 on Eldorado Springs Drive. It's on the left hand side (south), across the street from the South Mesa Trailhead.

Directions from Boulder

Take Broadway south out of town, where it will turn into State Road 93. Continue on State Road 93 until you reach Eldorado Springs Drive. Turn right and continue west for 1.8 miles. The Doudy Draw Trailhead will be on the left.

Contact Information

Boulder County Parks & Open Space
5201 St. Vrain Road
Longmont, Colorado 80503
Phone: 303.678.6200
Fax: 303.678.6180
www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace