Go dogs go!
Boulder’s voice and sight tag program, more commonly known as the green tag program, allows pet owners to walk their dogs off leash by meeting certain standards. Owners must watch a video about voice and sight control, register with the city’s open space and mountain parks department and purchase the tags, which cost $15.
Not all city and county parks allow dogs to be off leash. Some don’t allow dogs at all.
For dog regulations in specific areas and trails, go to https://bouldercolorado.gov/pages/dogs-on-osmp.
Winter’s here, but that’s no reason to take a break from hiking and biking and trail running. Not in Boulder.
When choosing a trail for some chilly but fresh air, it comes down to sun exposure — and these trails have it.
Grab your jacket and a hat and hit some dirt. To check out trail maps before you head out, go to the Open Space and Mountain Parks page for trail maps and descriptions at https://bouldercolorado.gov/trails-and-recreation” title=”bouldercolorado.gov“>bouldercolorado.gov/trails-and-recreation.
Teller Lake
The pastoral trails around Teller Lake wander through open east county farmland. You might temporarily forget that you’re in Colorado … until you look west. Going for mileage? Connect to the East Boulder and White Rocks trails, which head into Gunbarrel. Dogs are not allowed north of Valmont Road, nor within 100 yards of Teller Lake.
Trailhead: The south Teller Farm trailhead is off of Arapahoe Road between 75th and 95th streets; the north trailhead is off of Valmont.
Boulder Valley Ranch
There’s plenty of sunshine to be had on these wide-open, rolling prairie trails between the foothills and the Boulder Reservoir. For cyclists and runners going for distance, it’s easy to connect these trails to the roads (gravel and paved) north of Boulder. Dogs are allowed under voice and sight control.
Trailhead: Take U.S. 36 north of town for a mile to Longhorn Road. Turn right and follow it to the end.
Mount Sanitas
You’re sure to warm up on the climb to the summit of Mount Sanitas, which makes it an ideal choice for a cool day. Plus, though Sanitas has its shady spots that collect some snow and ice, it’s still one of the best hikes in Boulder no matter the season. On a snowy day, you might even find solitude up there.
Trailhead: Bottom of Sunshine Canyon Drive, just west of Fourth Street and Mapleton Avenue.
Marshall Mesa
This area gets plenty of sun and makes for a fun, easy mountain bike outing or run when other trails are snowed in — and trail users know it, so it can attract a crowd. The hills can be icy, especially in the shade, so be cautious on bike or foot. Dogs are allowed to be off leash under voice and sight command.
Trailhead: Just east of Colo. 93 and Marshall Road
South Boulder Creek
The Cherryvale Trailhead is a good starting point for runs on the sunny South Boulder Creek Trail, as is the East Boulder Community Center. Runners and hikers can connect to the western part of the trail, past Colo. 93 — bikes can’t. Dogs are prohibited south of South Boulder Road. The southern trails are somewhat exposed can get windy, so go prepared or go on calm days. And enjoy the Flatirons views.
Trailhead: Just south of South Boulder Road
Contact Jenn Fields at 303-473-1108 or fields@coloradodaily.com
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