The Eagle Trail and Sage Trail form a lollipop loop through semi-arid short grass prairie between the Boulder Reservoir and Boulder foothills.

These versatile 4-season trails are open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians. Connections with the Boulder Reservoir Loop, North Rim, Left Hand and Cobalt trails enable longer routes through this bucolic landscape.

You can access the Eagle-Sage Loop from the Eagle Trailhead on 51st street, or the Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead on Longhorn Road. The following description begins at the Eagle Trailhead and travels counterclockwise:

The Eagle Trail heads west on level track to the Sage Trail split (.5 miles : 5,295'). The Sage Trail bends northwest through open space, a good place to see prairie dogs, rabbit, coyote and raptors.

You'll pass a sparingly marked split atop the first of several rolling hills for the North Rim Trail (1.0 miles : 5,320'), which leads north to Neva Road.

The Sage Trail continues past a private ranch, through a cattle gate (1.35 miles : 5,330') and southwest to the Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead (1.65 miles : 5,370').

Here you'll find connections with the Cobalt and Left Hand trails, the former leading west to a web of short trails between Boulder Valley Ranch and Highway 36, the latter due north to Left Hand Reservoir and Neva Road.

The Sage Trail continues south over low rolling hills lined by cottonwood at the base of a steep mesa. Look for owls in these sprawling treetops.

The Sage rejoins the Eagle Trail at 2.35 miles (5,371'), were it begins a long winding descent with terrific views over the Boulder Reservoir vicinity.

The trail levels by a small pond (3.1 miles : 5,230') and climbs steeply back to the Sage Trail to complete the loop (3.25 miles : 5,295'). Retrace your steps back to the Eagle Trailhead parking lot (3.75 miles).