One of my favorite things about hiking in Colorado are the endless options! One of my least favorite things about hiking in Colorado is deciding between those same endless options! A single trailhead can have several trails leading out from it making the decision on which trail to choose tough! One of these areas is the Doudy Draw Trailhead in Boulder. The trailhead is located off Hwy 93 and Eldorado Spring Drive.
I combined several trails to make up a great 8 mile, mostly looping route at the Doudy Draw Trailhead. I headed out on the Dougy Draw Trail with a slight incline and wide gravel trail for 1. 3 miles. Next, I turned right onto Spring Brook North Trail where the trail narrowed, the incline grew, and the trail narrowed for the next 1.2 miles [2.5 mile mark] until I reached an intersection of trails. At the bridge I turned right and stayed on Spring Brook North Trail but the terrain changed to a wide gravel road and a nice descent! Another intersection led me to Goshark Ridge Trail which led me back uphill on a narrow, rocky trail which looped me back to the bridge which I crossed this time. Next, I continued my right turns onto Spring Brook South Trail where the trail led me through the forest until I reached Doudy Draw Trail and headed back to the trailhead.
Okay, that was a lot! It is definitely “easier” when you’re out there but I did have this route downloaded on my AllTrails app and referred to it whenever I reached an intersection. Don’t let that discourage you as this is a great route and one I’d definitely recommend!
Good to Know
Distance: 8 mile figure-8 loop from Doudy Draw > Spring Brook North > Goshark > Spring Brook South > Doudy Draw
Elevation Gain: ~1,100 ft
Terrain: Mix of gravel, dirt and rocky
Parking: Available at Doudy Draw Trailhead
Facilities: Available at Doudy Draw Trailhead, about 0.5 miles up the trail
Fun Facts: The view of Eldorado Canyon from the west side of the trail is awesome!
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