10 Hiking Trails within 10 Miles of Longmont

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10 Hiking Trails within 10 Miles of Longmont

Under the Colorado “Safer at Home” Order it is recommended to stay within 10 miles of your home (see page 3 of the Order). Living in Longmont, that means there are not many trails that are in the mountains. However, I was determined to put together a list of the best trails in the area where fellow Longmont residents can recreate close to home during this pandemic and beyond.

The first list includes 10 hiking trails within 10 miles of Longmont, no matter where you live in the city. Below, this post also includes profiles of an extra 10 hiking trails within 10 miles of home, depending on where you live in Longmont.

The List –

1) McIntosh Lake

McIntosh Lake Longmont

Distance – 3.5 miles

Elevation Gain – 39 ft

Notes – This is one of our favorite trails in Longmont, especially around sunset. Popular activities here also include biking, running, and paddle boarding.

2) Golden Ponds

Golden Ponds

Distance – 2.6 miles of trails

  • City of Longmont Golden Ponds Nature Area Profile
  • COTrex Map

Notes – A lovely little park with several ponds and mountain views. Has more shade than most other trails in Longmont. Popular activities here also include biking and fishing. Connects with St. Vrain Greenway.

3) St. Vrain Greenway

St. Vrain Greenway

Distance -8 miles one-way

Elevation Gain – 262 ft

Notes – This trail runs about 8 miles long from Golden Ponds Nature Area to Sandstone Ranch Nature Area. It passes through several parks along the way. According to the City of Longmont, it is the “Crown Jewel” of the Longmont trail system. A popular biking trail.

4) Sandstone Ranch

Sandstone Ranch

Distance – 2.6 miles of trails. Main loop trail is 1 mile.

  • City of Longmont Sandstone Ranch Community Park & Nature Area Profile
  • COTrex Profile

Notes – A lovely park with an interesting sandstone rock formation and several ponds. Features excellent views of the Front Range and Rocky Mountains from the summit. Links with the St. Vrain Greenway.

5) East Boulder Trail at White Rocks

East Boulder Trail at White Rocks

Distance – 5 miles out-and-back

Elevation Gain – 170 ft

Notes – Although some may not like the fencing on either side of the trail, the views of the Indian Peaks and Boulder mountains are spectacular. Links with Teller Farms Trail (another 4 miles out-and-back).

6) Pella Crossing and Mill Ditch Loop

Pella Crossing

Distance – 3.2 miles

Elevation Gain – 49 ft

Notes – A beautiful series of ponds to meander about. Lots of park benches for sitting and enjoying the views. A popular location for fishing.

7) Lagerman Reservoir

Lagerman Reservoir

Distance – 1.6 miles

Elevation Gain – 19 ft

Notes – A short, but beautiful hike. You can see interesting birds, such as ospreys. You can pair this hike with the Open Sky Loop, just across the road.

*From April 1 – August 31, the western end of the reservoir is closed for nesting birds.*

8) Open Sky Loop

Open Sky Loop

Distance – 5.3 miles

Elevation Gain – 173 ft

  • HikingProject Trail Profile
  • Boulder County Parks & Open Space Lagerman Agricultural Preserve Profile

Notes – This trail loops through a meadow, passing by several farms. You can pair this hike with the Lagerman Reservoir Trail, just across the road.

9) Dry Creek Trail

Dry Creek Trail

Distance – 3.9 miles

Elevation Gain – 39 ft

Notes – An easy trail that passes through a few community parks, mostly hugging the banks of Dry Creek. Path is paved and is popular with cyclists.

10) Niwot Extended Loop

Niwot Extended Loop

Distance – 5.1 miles

Elevation Gain – 347 ft

Notes – One of several trail / loop options in Niwot. Part of this loop passes through meadows with mountain views.

Other Trail Options Around Longmont

Depending on where you live in Longmont, the below trails may also be within 10 miles of your home.

Trails within 10 miles of north Longmont –

1) Rabbit Mountain

Rabbit Mountain

Distance – 5.8 miles

Elevation Gain – 607 ft

Notes – Good amount of distance with great views of the mountains.

2) Hall Ranch Loop

Hall Ranch

Distance – 9.8 miles

Elevation Gain – 1,477 ft

Notes – Great variety of scenery. If you do the loop trail, you will likely encounter mountain bikers. If you want a hikers-only trail, another option at Hall Ranch is The Nighthawk Trail (9 miles out-and-back).

3) Heil Valley Ranch – Picture Rock Trail

Distance – 9.8 miles

Elevation Gain – 984 ft

Notes – A nice trail with some interest points along the way. A popular mountain biking trail.

Trails within 10 miles of south Longmont –

1) Heil Valley Ranch Trail

Distance – 9.6 miles

Elevation Gain – 1,272 ft

Notes – Great variety of scenery. A popular mountain biking trail.

2) Joder Ranch

Joder Ranch

Distance – 4 miles

Elevation Gain – 711 ft

Notes – A sorely underrated trail. Over half goes through sunny and open ranch land, but it includes a lovely ponderosa pine forest area as well.

3) Sawhill Ponds

Sawhill Ponds

Distance – 2.2 miles

Elevation Gain – 22 ft

Notes – Great views of the mountains. A popular area for birding. You can pair this trail with Walden Ponds.

4) Walden Ponds

Walden Ponds

Distance – 1.4 miles

Elevation Gain – 9 ft

Notes – Great views of the mountains. A popular area for birding. You can pair this trail with Sawhill Ponds.

5) Coot Lake

Coot Lake

Distance -1.3 miles

Elevation Gain – 29 ft

Notes – A lovely small lake with views of the Boulder mountains. Parking is limited, but you can also park across the street in the big parking lot designated for Tom Watson Park. You can pair this hike with trails at Boulder Reservoir.

6) Boulder Reservoir Loop Trail

Boulder Reservoir

Distance -5.3 miles

Elevation Gain – 200 ft

Notes –  Parking areas near the boating area / beach require an entry fee during the summer months. You can park for free to hike this loop at the Boulder Reservoir West Trailhead or Eagle Trailhead.

7) Boulder Valley Ranch – Eagle, Hidden Valley, and Cobalt Trail Loop

Eagle Trail Boulder Valley Ranch

Distance – 6 miles

Elevation Gain – 469 ft

Notes – There are several options for trails here. Features open fields, views of the Boulder mountains, and a small reservoir.

8) Boulder Valley Ranch – Left Hand Trail

Left Hand Trail

Distance – 8.2 miles out-and-back

Elevation Gain – 272 ft

Notes – Fairly flat trail in wide open grassland with views of the Boulder mountains. Half the trail passes by Left Hand Reservoir. A popular mountain biking trail.

To Conclude

Depending on where you live, there are at least 20 trails in the Longmont area that you can enjoy close to home. Happy hiking, everyone!

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