Future Projects
Working to create more fun trails in and around Boulder
Future Projects
BMA continues to advocate for new mountain bike trails, especially trails that improve connectivity from town and between adjacent trail areas. Here are some of the projects on our radar.
South Boulder Connector
Project description: In 2025, the City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP) launched Strategic Plan Action 7C, Multimodal Access to Open Space and Mountain Parks. This effort aims to explore ways for people to reach open space without relying on cars. BMA recommends opening the existing Greenbriar Connector trail to bikes and evaluating whether South Boulder Creek West, Lower Big Bluestem, or a new alignment offers the best bike-accessible route to the South Mesa Trailhead.
What’s happening: OSMP will study this and other multimodal trail connections in 2026.
Betasso Connector
Project description: Boulder County Parks & Open Space evaluated several trails options in 2016 to add trail connections from Betasso Preserve to Boulder Canyon or Fourmile Canyon roads.
What’s happening: In November 2025, Boulder County Commissioners approved the acquisition of a new property that will make this connection feasible. BMA is advocating to update the 2009 Betasso Management plan and to explore the possibility of a new multi-use, climbing friendly connector trail and a downhill, bike-only trail to make a loop open to bikes 7 days a week!
More trails in North Boulder
Project description: The 2016 North TSA Plan that brought us the North Sky Trail also approved even more new trail opportunities. The Mahogany Trail will create a loop at Joder Ranch, Wrangler will connect to Kelso Road, and Talon will link Boulder Reservoir to Niwot Road. The Sage Singletrack that connects Cobalt to Eagle will be extended around the entire Sage/Eagle loop.
What’s happening: BMA will support final design work on the Mahogany Trail in 2026, with construction slated for 2027. Sage Singletrack design is planned for 2027 with construction in 2028/29. Wrangler and Talon are in the pipeline, with both trails planned for 2029 or 2030.
Indian Peaks Traverse
Project description: This trail through the Indian Peaks connecting Boulder County and Grand County, would wind from the foothills of the Front Range across the high peaks of Colorado and down to the valleys of Winter Park.
What’s happening: We’re working with the key agencies and landowners to support this project. Much of this singletrack trail exists, but a few key segments are still missing, such as the connection from the Toll Trail to Jenny Creek Road. After Colorado Parks & Wildlife killed the Eldo-to-Walker multi-use connector trail, we are back to the drawing board for identifying and advocating for a Boulder to Nederland singletrack connection. For now, the route is Chapman drive to Flagstaff Road to 68J to East Mag. Learn more.
Boulder to Erie Regional Trail
Project description: In 2024, BMA advocated for the Boulder County Commissioners to approve the Boulder to Erie Regional Trail along the RTD right-of-way. This proposed crushed gravel path will create a safe, off-road connection between Erie and Boulder.
What’s happening: With the alignment approved, Boulder County’s next steps are designing the trail and securing funding for its construction.
North Foothills Open Space
Project description: Boulder County Parks & Open Space will conduct a management plan that includes the Heil Valley Ranch, Hall Ranch and Rabbit Mountain areas.
What’s happening: The 2013 Flood put this process on hold, but exciting options are being talked about, such as a Heil to Hall connector, a Rabbit Mountain to Lyons connector, and additional trails at Heil and Hall. Stay tuned for updates!
HALL 2
Project description: Boulder County acquired the Hall 2 Open Space in 2011 and has been waiting for Aggregate Industries to complete mining reclamation before taking control of the property. This property has the potential to facilitate a Heil-to-Hall connection around the Ponderosa Overlook.
What’s happening: Mining reclamation began in Fall 2021 and is expected to take 6-9 months for the process to be completed and then another year or 2 for the state to sign off on the work. As of 2025, Boulder County has not taken possession of the property.