The area of the Boulder Reservoir and the Boulder Valley Ranch offer some scenic running over a variety of terrain: a waterfront loop around the Reservoir, or scenic open grassland running at Boulder Valley Ranch. Run them separately or combine for a ~10 mile loop. 

Boulder Reservoir

Supplying 20% of Boulder’s drinking water, the 700-acre Boulder Reservoir is one of the city’s most popular running and cycling destinations. Offering volleyball courts, boat rentals, restrooms, showers, a seasonal swimming beach, several picnic tables, and horseshoe pits, the Boulder Reservoir typically fills by June, and draws down in September. It’s a scenic 5.25 mile loop around the reservoir, on mostly graded dirt, with water and mountain views the whole way. Note this trail does have one steep hill.

Boulder Valley Ranch

The flatter Boulder Valley Ranch Loop is an approximately 4-mile run, and can be done standalone or combined with the Reservoir loop. Used for walking, running, cycling, horseback riding, and mountain biking, the Ranch is accessible year-round. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, tranquil atmosphere, wildlife, and dozens of rare butterflies. It’s open & exposed. Also note that this loop is both dog and kid friendly. 

Combining these two areas is a 10 mile run — see our route map, below.