Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Blue Bird Loop

Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 2.7 (3)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Nederland
  5. Caribou Ranch Open Space
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A loop that encompasses a large meadow and a ponderosa/lodgepole forest. ”

John Scalese
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.9

Miles

3.0

KM

Loop

8,682' 2,646 m

High

8,531' 2,600 m

Low

171' 52 m

Up

162' 49 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Closed in spring for Elk calving. No bikes.

Description

This is a fun loop that rewards with views of a large meadow, a creek, mountain peaks and even provides a short but worthy side trip to the old Blue Bird mine. There are buildings in the meadow that are now used for an artists' retreat (they used to be a recording studio for very famous artists).

This is a great loop to do on a mellow morning.

Flora & Fauna

A large meadow with wildflowers in the summer and aspens that provide great fall color. In nice weather, there are loads of birds to sing for hikers.

Contacts

Land Manager: Boulder County, CO - Parks and Open Space

Shared By:

John Scalese with improvements by RalphE
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  2.7 from 3 votes

#3

in Caribou Ranch Open Space

#45671

Overall
  2.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
33%
Trail Rankings

#3

in Caribou Ranch Open Space

#3,240

in Colorado

#45,671

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,056 Since Oct 23, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
33%
0%
67%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Fantastic fall colors so close to Boulder.
Sep 24, 2016 near Nederland, CO
Sweeping meadows and aspens along historic grounds.
Sep 24, 2016 near Nederland, CO
The fall brings out nice colors in and around the large meadow.
Oct 23, 2015 near Nederland, CO

0 Comments

6,000 characters
6,000 characters

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 4 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 26, 2018
Dan Holdaway
Jul 9, 2017
Jen Scheid

Nearby Recommended Routes

PrevNext
March 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started