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Eastlake #3 Park & Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 124 Google reviews · Running trail in Thornton, Colorado · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- 140 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Eastlake #3 Park & Nature Preserve'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.
Marshy park with wildlife and a 1.5-mi. walking path around a lake.
What runners say about Eastlake #3 Park & Nature Preserve
“The lake area has a beautiful spot that would be perfect for sketching or painting.”
“I entered from the tennis court side, and the park was very quiet with very few people around.”
“A local dog walker warned me that coyotes may appear in the area, so stay aware if you’re walking alone.”
As of 8/17/21 the trail is fully opened again! There’s a 1.4 mile loop that circles the lake. I’ve been walking here in my lunch break for 4 years now, it’s a great place to take a short walk. I’ve seen all sorts of birds, dozens of really cool species. Turtles, frogs, snakes, and even coyote.
This is a hidden gem. There are plenty of lakes and parks in the vicinity. This one just has more in it. The lake and path are great, but the scenery is outstanding. It's like a small bird sanctuary.
Great place to go for a walk. Plenty of wildlife to see and have a seat on one of the benches to peacefully take it all in & reflect. Maybe a good idea to put some bug spray on.
This is my favorite neighborhood park, I walk my dogs here when I can. It gives me a sense of being in the country, while still being smack dab in the middle of the city. I love when I see the wild turkeys.
Trail conditions & character
“The lake area has a beautiful spot that would be perfect for sketching or painting.”
“A local dog walker warned me that coyotes may appear in the area, so stay aware if you’re walking alone.”
“I entered from the tennis court side, and the park was very quiet with very few people around.”
“There's about a mile loop around the park for people to walk or bike.”
“No parking except on the street and there are a few parks for the Kiddo's to run around at !”
Plan your run at Eastlake #3 Park & Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- Loop distance140 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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.
- Websitecityofthornton.net
- Phone+1 303-255-7833
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
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Eastlake #3 Park & Nature Preserve
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