OSBT Chair Michelle Estrella and Mayor Aaron Brockett at the grand opening celebration on July 22, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the opening of the North Sky Trail on July 22, 2024, a long-awaited addition to our community. This project was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP), Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) and passionate volunteers.
Many of us attended the June 7, 2016 City Council public hearing to support this trail, and this project has been more than eight years in the making. BMA made a promise to help build and maintain North Sky, and we have fulfilled that commitment by working alongside OSMP staff to create this vital new connection from North Boulder to Joder Ranch.
The North Sky Trail was called for in OSMP’s North Trail Study Area Plan. The last time a new OSMP trail was opened to cyclists was back in 2015 when OSMP acquired Joder Ranch and before that was 2008 when the Flatirons Vista/Doudy Draw/Springbrook area was completed.
Despite being a small non-profit with only two paid staff members, BMA’s strength lies in our 300+ volunteers who help build and maintain multi-use trails throughout Boulder County. Our Trails Program Director, Mike Rutter, played a pivotal role leading volunteer groups and building sections of the trail. BMA also covered the costs of renting a mini-excavator for trail construction, contributing significantly to the trail’s development.
Here are some key stats about BMA’s contribution:
- Mini-excavator rental, repair, and transport for 7 months value: $21,000
- Mike’s staff time: 500 hours
- 170 BMA volunteers: 535 hours
- 8,000 linear feet of machine-built trail
- 5,280 linear feet of volunteer hand-finished trail
If OSMP had contracted these services, it could have cost upwards of $150,000. Instead, BMA provided this invaluable support at no cost, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing our trail systems.
Thank you to our friends the Cloud City Wheelers in Leadville for loaning us their mini-excavator, we would not have been able to do the work we did without their help.
And now, here’s what you need to know about North Sky:
- North Sky is a flowy green trail that is fun for all
- Open to bicyclists, hikers, and equestrians. E-bikes are currently not allowed except for those with a mobility disability
- Trail length: 3.75 miles
- Elevation gain south to north: 380 feet
- Elevation gain north to south: 415 feet
- Gravel bike friendly
- Southern access point: 2nd Street & Denver in the Dakota Ridge neighborhood
- Northern access point: Joder trailhead, 7481 N Foothills Hwy, Boulder, CO 80302
- Dogs are allowed August 1 through April 30, and must be leashed at all times. Dogs are prohibited on the trail May 1 to July 31 to protect nesting bird habitat.
OSMP will close the North Sky Trail when it’s muddy to help prevent trail tread damage and protect adjacent plant resources. Text “OSMP” to 888-777 to sign up for text updates OSMP muddy trail closures.
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