Recreate Responsibly this Summer

Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) system offers over 155 miles of trails with something for every skill level. A little preparation goes a long way toward a safe and enjoyable outing.

Plan Ahead and Know Your Limits

Before you head out, take a few minutes to prepare:

• Search for trails by difficulty level and explore the interactive trails map to plan your trip.
• Check for trail closures and the weather forecast before you leave. Weather conditions in Boulder can change quickly.
• Let a friend or family member know where you are hiking and when you expect to be back.

What to Bring

Dress in layers and be prepared with rain gear, plenty of water and sun protection. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are especially important at altitude.

• Footwear: Wear appropriate shoes and stay on trail. Walking through mud (rather than around it) prevents habitat damage and trail widening.
• Headlamp: Bring one in case your hike takes longer than expected.
• Bug spray: Protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes, especially in spring and early summer.
• Snacks and a map: Keep your energy up and always have a paper map or one downloaded to your phone.

Parking and Trailhead Tips

• Trailhead parking lots fill up early on weekends. Check trailhead webcams to see real-time conditions before you leave.
• Have an alternate plan if the lot is full. Trails and parks are generally less crowded on weekdays.
• Never park in a way that blocks emergency access gates, fire lanes, pedestrian gates or driveways. Vehicles parked illegally are subject to ticketing and towing.

• Plan your visit to Boulder's trails & open spaces

City of Boulder is one of the few open space systems on the Colorado Front Range that allows dogs off leash, which is a privilege that depends on responsible dog guardianship. About 89 percent of Boulder's trails are open to dogs on leash.

Know the Rules

• Dogs must be leashed upon exiting your vehicle at all Boulder trailheads and in the surrounding trailhead area.
• Seasonal leash restrictions are in effect May 1 through July 31 and Aug. 15 through Dec. 1 on some trails to protect ground-nesting birds and bears. Read posted signs and check the Dog Regulations Map before you go.
• Off-leash privileges require a Voice and Sight Control Dog Tag. Your dog must respond reliably to voice and sight commands at all times.
• Never allow your dog to chase or disturb wildlife or livestock.
• City of Boulder ordinance requires all Boulder residents to license dogs four months or older.

Pick Up After Your Dog

An estimated 80,000 pounds of pet waste are left on Boulder open space property every year. Dog waste pollutes waterways, spreads harmful bacteria and parasites and encourages noxious weeds. It is required to immediately dispose of pet waste, either in the nearest dog waste bin or by taking it with you. Compostable bags and waste receptacles are available at many popular trailheads.

Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

Heat can be life-threatening for dogs. Walk your dog in the early morning or evening when it's cooler. If you hike midday, choose shady trails, stop often and bring plenty of water and a portable bowl.

Know the signs of heat emergency in dogs: excessive panting, reluctance to get up, dark or pale gums, dry mouth, thick saliva or disorientation. If you see these signs, move your dog to shade, apply cool wet rags to the body (especially the head and paws) and contact your veterinarian right away.

• Never leave your dog alone in a parked car in warm weather. On an 85-degree day, a car's interior can reach 120 degrees within 30 minutes.
• Keep your dog away from prairie dog colonies.
• Check your dog for ticks after every outing, and make sure rabies vaccinations are current.

• Learn more about dog regulations

Boulder's creeks, reservoir and lakes offer great opportunities for summer recreation. While we encourage everyone to enjoy our waterways, it's important to take precautions, especially during drought conditions when water levels and quality can shift quickly.

Don't Drink the Water

Do not drink water from Boulder Creek, Boulder Reservoir or other natural water bodies. These natural environments are refreshing to play in, but not safe to consume. When recreating in or near natural water:

• Avoid getting water in your mouth, eye or open wounds.
• Stay out of the water if you are sick or have a weakened immune system.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and shower after being in the creek.
• Avoid swimming within 48 hours of a rainstorm or if the water appears cloudy or discolored.

Algae Blooms

The City of Boulder reminds community members to be cautious around city lakes and ponds where algae blooms may be present. Some algae blooms can contain cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins harmful to people and pets. Algae blooms tend to appear in slow-moving water bodies such as lakes and ponds. Be aware that small children and older adults may face a higher risk from waterborne pathogens.

• Learn more about harmful algal blooms

Boulder is a beautiful place to recreate outdoors, and the same natural lands that make it special also create significant wildfire risk. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our community safe.

• Avoid fire ignition behavior and dispose of coals and cigarettes properly. One small spark can impact the entire community.

• Follow all year-round city fire restrictions: no fireworks and no open burning are just two to keep in mind/

• Be aware of daily fire conditions and act accordingly on high fire risk days and Red Flag Days

Be Prepared

Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility between the city and the community. Here's how you can be ready:

• Sign up for BOCO Emergency Alerts at BOCOAlert.org to receive customized alerts. You can also text BOCOinfo to 888777 for text notifications
• Create an evacuation plan with multiple routes and a grab list of essential items before an emergency occurs.
• If you feel your safety is compromised during a wildfire event, do not wait for an official order to evacuate. Leave immediately.

• Be Wildfire Ready

Whatever your adventure this summer, please leave Boulder's shared spaces like trails, open spaces, parks and waterways better than you found them. Pack out what you pack in, respect wildlife and other visitors, and look out for one another. Have a safe and wonderful summer!