The City of Boulder’s Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP) just launched a new webpage and interactive story map highlighting the major projects planned for 2025. Several of these will improve multiuse trails across the system—and some include exciting progress for mountain bikers. Here’s what’s in the works.
Hidden Valley & Degge Trail Reroutes
Get ready for a better ride! This summer, OSMP crews and partners (including Trail Program Director Mike Rutter with BMA) will kick off reroutes on the Hidden Valley and Degge Trails. These updates will improve the flow and durability of both trails, while protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources along the way.
Even better? The new alignments are being designed with everyone in mind—hikers, riders, equestrians, and especially adaptive mountain bikers. It’s a step toward making Boulder’s trail system more accessible to all users, regardless of ability.
And here’s the big news: when the reroutes are finished, both trails will be officially open to bikes for the first time. That means more miles to ride, with better trail design and access for all.
Read more about Boulder Valley Ranch Improvements
Foothills North Trail Re-Route
Big improvements are on the way for one of North Boulder’s busiest trail corridors. OSMP is re-routing sections of the Foothills North Trail—from the Foothills Trailhead over to the North Sky Trail junction, and then south to Dakota Blvd. They’re also upgrading neighborhood access points at 2nd and Denver, and making a small re-route to the lower part of Hogback Ridge Trail.
The goal? A better trail for everyone. The new alignment will be more sustainable, ditching erosion-prone sections and aiming to stay drier year-round. And like many recent OSMP projects, it’s being built for all users—walkers, riders, and equestrians—and will be fully accessible to adaptive mountain bikers.
Read more about Foothills North improvements
Marshall Mesa Trailhead
Marshall Mesa is getting a major facelift—and it’s all about better access and a more dialed-in experience for everyone who uses it. OSMP is making key improvements to vehicle and shuttle traffic flow, upgrading parking, and building a new accessible trail connection right from the trailhead. There’s even going to be a safe, direct link to the RTD Park-n-Ride crosswalk.
Trailhead upgrades don’t stop there: look for a new restroom, a shaded shelter (yes!), more bike racks, picnic tables, and benches. New signage will help visitors navigate the area and learn more about the land they’re exploring.
Chapman Drive Trailhead
Big changes are underway at the Chapman Drive Trailhead—and they’re all about making the area safer, more accessible, and more rider-friendly.
OSMP is building a new pedestrian bridge over Boulder Creek that will separate trail users from vehicle traffic and provide a smoother connection to the Boulder Canyon Trail. The project also includes upgraded accessible parking, improved paths, and a host of new amenities: more bike racks, an accessible picnic table, and a bike-fix station to keep your rig rolling.
Read more about Chapman Drive trailhead
Flatirons Vista Trailhead
If you’ve ever tried to park at Flatirons Vista on a busy day, you know it can be a bit… tight. Good news: OSMP is redesigning the parking lot to improve capacity, safety, and the overall visitor experience.
The new layout will include more total spaces, clearly marked trailer parking (hello, horse folks!), and upgrades like better bike racks and climate-smart landscaping. They’re also relocating the restroom to higher ground to avoid flood-prone areas—especially helpful for folks connecting in from Greenbelt Plateau—and making sure the whole site meets current accessibility standards.
Foothills Trailhead
The Foothills Trailhead is getting some much-needed love. OSMP plans to expand the parking lot and improve the layout to make it easier to get in, park, and get on the trail—especially during peak hours.
They’re also adding more bike racks to support multi-modal access, which means it’ll be easier to roll up and lock up if you’re riding in from town.
