Huckleberry Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Huckleberry Trail runs along the eastern side of Ponderosa State Park, with a couple of great places to get into the lake to cool off. It's open to mountain bikers, but it is not ridden very much. True to its name, there are plenty of huckleberries when they are in season.

You can pick up this trail in several places, but this route starts on southeast edge of the park along the sandy trail by the big tree. The trail wanders through the big ponderosa pines, over a few small rolling hills, follows a doubletrack for a short while, and then goes back to singletrack. The trail crosses a closed road and after a minute or two you'll start to see the lake. The trail drops down to the water's edge at a sandy beach, perfect for a swim or playing fetch with the dog. There are great view of Boulder and Jughandle Mountains from here too. There's even a bench if you want to sit for longer.

The trail continues on the lake edge for a few hundred feet and then goes back into the trees. You'll go by Huckleberry Bay and if you want to cut the hike short, turn left and take the road back. Stay on the trail and head out toward the point. There is a good climb, but it is short (0.2 miles). Soon the trail leaves the trees and enters an open meadow. Go right to continue out to the road to the point; go straight to get to the Narrows Overlook, or go left for the Ridgeline Trail.

Mule deer, owls, ponderosa pines (big ones), and huckleberries.