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A good fitness ride in east Boulder County when foothills area trails are snow-covered or too wet.


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Map Key

11.8

Miles

18.9

KM

0%

Singletrack

5,357' 1,633 m

High

5,137' 1,566 m

Low

301' 92 m

Up

305' 93 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Open dawn to sundown. E-bikes allowed per Boulder County ( bouldercounty.gov/open-spac…).

Overview

This ride is a great fitness spin and popular on a cross bike. The scenery is pastoral, countryside and wildlife. It's on 80% separated doubletrack pathways with 20% gravel and paved country roads with good shoulders that are lightly traveled. The ride winds through the historic Rock Creek Farm which is Boulder County open space and the Carolyn Holmberg Preserve. You'll see many different species of raptors, including bald eagles in the winter months. In the fall, watch for pumpkin patch pickers and traffic as the Rock Creek Farm opens up to families picking pumpkins and enjoying fall festival activities.

Need to Know

This ride can be accessed from several trailheads with good parking in Louisville, Lafayette and Broomfield. The Coal Creek Trail is in close proximity to town centers of Louisville and Lafayette where there are good choices for post ride food and beverages.

Description

The ride is enjoyed on all-weather surface, crusher fine/gravel. It combines the Dry Creek Trail, with the Mary Miller Trail, and the Coal Creek Trail. 80% of this ride is separated doubletrack pathways with 20% gravel and paved country roads with good shoulders that are lightly traveled. Broomfield residents can easily access this ride via the Lake Link Trail and the Rock Creek Trail. Heading west on the Coal Creek Trail will connect you with the town of Superior and the Dirty Bismarck ride and associated trails. Heading east on the Coal Creek Trail will eventually connect you with the town of Erie and trails at Erie Forest.

History & Background

The ride winds through the historic Rock Creek Farm which is Boulder County open space and the Carolyn Holmberg Preserve. You'll see many different species of raptors, including bald eagles in the winter months. In the fall, watch for pumpkin patch pickers and traffic as the Rock Creek Farm opens up to families picking pumpkins and enjoying fall festival activities. Rock Creek Farm was a stop on the Overland Stage route in the mid-1800's. The farm was owned and operated by Mary and Lafayette Miller, the namesake for the town of Lafayette.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Van Abel with improvements by Max G

Trail Ratings

  2.9 from 19 votes

#1

in Louisville

#3516

Overall
  2.9 from 19 votes
5 Star
5%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
53%
2 Star
32%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Louisville

#583

in Colorado

#3,516

Overall
17 Views Last Month
6,815 Since Feb 3, 2015
Easy Easy

85%
0%
15%
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0%

Photos

Long's Peak
Feb 3, 2015 near Lafayette, CO
Flicker on the Broomfield trails.
Feb 3, 2015 near Lafayette, CO
Orographic Wave Clouds
Feb 3, 2015 near Lafayette, CO
The eastern shore of Stearns Lake, looking to the west from Mary Miller Trail
Feb 2, 2015 near Broomfield, CO
Looking west on the Dry Creek Trail.
Feb 2, 2015 near Lafayette, CO
Take a moment to learn the history of Rock Creek Farm, now preserved by Boulder County open space.
Feb 2, 2015 near Broomfield, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 2 days ago
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Check-Ins

May 25, 2024
C Fry
Jul 19, 2023
Easton Schlender
Fun track 11.8mi — 1h 12m
Jul 13, 2022
MeeRan Trombley
11.5mi — 1h 40m
Jul 10, 2022
MeeRan Trombley
Dec 6, 2020
Daniel Solorzano
Didn't turn on Taylor. Cut it by >1 mi 10.1mi — 0h 51m
Jul 27, 2020
Jennifer Ho
Jun 17, 2020
Daylene York
11.2mi
Nov 8, 2019
Laurie Allin
11mi
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