Home › Colorado › Boulder › Cottonwood Trailhead
Cottonwood Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 48 Google reviews · Running trail in Boulder, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cottonwood Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Cottonwood Trailhead
“I'd recommend it if you just want an easy walk outdoors.”
It's a fairly simple flat trail that weaves from just behind the Municipal Airport off of Independence Road to Jay Road. I'd recommend it if you just want an easy walk outdoors. Along the way there is some tree shading but a large portion of the trail is open to the sun so be aware of that on sunny and hot days.
Short connector trail along Goose Creek. Prairie dog colony to the SW of the parking lot, Boulder Airport to the NE. Fun place to watch the planes and hang gliders come in to land as they fly low and almost directly over the parking area. Hayden Lake is close to the trailhead and brings in lots of birds.
This is basically a short connector trail in the Lobo system. It's flat, mostly on a dirt road, but goes through beautiful meadows and along an irrigation ditch and stream crossing. It's a pleasant ride/walk.
Usually plenty of spaces, occasionally some mud and you have to cross the road to get to the trail but traffic is not too bad so that's rarely a problem.
Trail conditions & character
“Prairie dog colony to the SW of the parking lot, Boulder Airport to the NE.”
“From cottonwood trailhead to CU boulder east campus, single trip is about 3.”
“It's flat, mostly on a dirt road, but goes through beautiful meadows and along an irrigation ditch and stream crossing.”
“Nice shady stroll to stretch your legs on a paved walkway/bikeway.”
“It's a fairly simple flat trail that weaves from just behind the Municipal Airport off of Independence Road to Jay Road.”
Plan your run at Cottonwood Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebouldercolorado.gov
- Phone+1 303-441-3440
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Boulder
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wonderland Lake
4.7 ★★★★★ 514 reviews
Dog-friendly and popular trail featuring a lake, foothills and mountain views, plus a playground.
Bobolink Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 557 reviews
Park for hiking, biking, running and other recreational activities, full of trees and wildflowers.
Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Rolling to flat, 3-mile loop for walking, hiking and cycling trails amid meadows and an active cattle ranch.
Centennial Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 221 reviews
Hiking spot featuring well-marked trails, views of the Front Range, and ample parking.
Lions Lair And Sunshine Canyon Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 437 reviews
Steep hiking path along a mountainside with scenic views of Boulder and Denver.
Gregory Canyon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 563 reviews
Hiking area offering trails to the top of Green Mountain, plus an amphitheater.