Cradleboard Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The multi-use Cradleboard Trail is open to leashed dogs, bikes and equestrians. This trail can be traveled in either direction and has almost no change in elevation.

Starting from the pull out off Brainard Drive, the wide crushed gravel Cradleboard Trail heads northeast near a marshy wetland pond. This area is protected for wildlife habitat, so stay on the trail. Soon the trail approaches the Buffalo Gulch Stream and follows it. There are only a few scattered trees along the stream, so don't expect any shade on this route. Upon arriving at South 104th Street, the Cradleboard Trail crosses the street and continues north. To reach the neighborhoods from here, take 104th Street south a few steps and join the Lac Amora Link Trail.

The Cradleboard Trail passes between 104th Street and another small pond. Next, cross a farm road and the namesake Rock Creek before cutting through open fields to the southern shore of Stearns Lake. The Cradleboard Trail ends at the junction with the Mary Miller Trail.

Historical Factoids: In 1870, this area was used as a Pony Express stop. The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve was named after this former Boulder County open space director who promoted the acquisition of this part of the Rock Creek Farm for many years until it was finally purchased in 1980-1982. After her death in 1998, the property was rededicated to include Carolyn Holmberg's name. Holmberg is credited with preserving 40,000 acres of land in Boulder County from development.

Grebes, heron, waterfowl, owl, magpies, kingfishers, muskrat, prairie dogs.