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This out-and-back trail climbs gently along a babbling creek with undulating terrain.


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Map Key

3.3

Miles

5.3

KM

92%

Runnable

6,516' 1,986 m

High

6,075' 1,852 m

Low

444' 135 m

Up

444' 135 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Overview

An easy trail that's been well-designed, this is a great out-and-back adventure for the family. Not right in the heart of town, this will (maybe) be a little quieter than other trails.

Need to Know

The parking holds about 28 cars (enlarged from its previous 3). There's a handicapped-access porta-potty (with a permanent toilet coming sometime in 2020).

Description

Before the 2013 flood, the Anne U. White Trail was a favorite of families with children because of the many "stepping stone" creek crossings, and potential stopping places where the stream widened and shallow pools of water offered open invitations to wade and play in the water. With the December 2019 winter season re-opening, it's too early to tell whether the stream will still offer those sandy, wide, areas for play (Spring/Summer updates coming!) , but the stepping stone crossings are back, and the trail currently offers an easy to moderate adventure for hiking families, or a short but interesting and smooth running trail.

From the parking lot, you immediately step across Fourmile Canyon Creek on a few large stable stones that trail maintenance staff provided. You'll encounter approximately 25 similar crossings during the 1.7 mile upstream run. As you progress, you'll intermittently climb short and somewhat steep sections, often on stone stairs set into the hills. In a few spots, you might want to hold hands with children due to a bit of exposure, but in general the trail is safe for kids to explore with some freedom, and the creek is shallow.

After about 1/2 mile at the ~8th crossing, a short uphill section leads to a stone bench where you might want to stop for a snack, or sit quietly and listen to the trickling water below. When you arrive at the end of the trail, there are some nearby rocks where you can sit and have a little picnic before heading back the way you came.

Trail maps such as Google Maps show the trail extending beyond the 1.7 mile marker, but this is private property. The end of the trail is clearly marked with a sign.

Contacts

Shared By:

Emily Goodin with improvements by Boulder County Parks & Open Space and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 9 votes

#2

in Boulder

#1235

Overall
  4.7 from 9 votes
5 Star
78%
4 Star
11%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Boulder

#243

in Colorado

#1,235

Overall
16 Views Last Month
2,435 Since Dec 27, 2019
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Anne U White trail.
Nov 27, 2023 near Boulder, CO
Typical boulder-sized stepping stones to cross the water.
Aug 16, 2021 near Boulder, CO
So much work to make all these creek crossings!  Thanks trail-builders!
Aug 16, 2021 near Boulder, CO
One of the many creek crossings.
Dec 30, 2019 near Boulder, CO
Stone bench near the 8th creek crossing.
Dec 30, 2019 near Boulder, CO
Pool and mini waterfall - even in August!
Aug 16, 2021 near Boulder, CO

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