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This nearly flat multi-use trail tours the grassy fields of Carolyn Holmberg Preserve.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.5

KM

Point to Point

5,284' 1,611 m

High

5,234' 1,595 m

Low

18' 6 m

Up

67' 20 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

4%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs Leashed

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

Description

The Mary Miller Trail can be done in either direction and makes for a pleasant mellow hike close to town. Leashed dogs, bikes and equestrians are allowed on this trail.

Starting from the Stearns Lake Trailhead off 104th Street, head east on the wide crushed gravel path. This trail follows the southern shore of pretty Stearns Lake. Before long, you'll reach a junction with the Cradleboard Trail which departs to the south. Stay on the Mary Miller Trail and at the next fork choose either the trail next to the marshy shore or the wider one just a bit further from the water. These trails rejoin at the east side of the lake. Keep an eye out for birds at the lake, anglers also try their luck here.

Enjoy the views across the lake towards the foothills. The trail soon leaves the lake and crosses some farm roads to parallel a fence line. Pass through pasture and grassy fields, being sure to greet the hordes of prairie dogs who make this area their home. The Mary Miller Trail ends at an underpass for Highway 287 where it connects to the southern end of the Dry Creek Trail.

Historical factoid: this trail was named after a homesteading pioneer Mary Miller who farmed with her family near here. Mary Miller established the town of Lafayette, CO in 1888, naming it for her husband who died 10 years previously. 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.

Flora & Fauna

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

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  2.8 from 4 votes

#14

in Louisville

#43742

Overall
  2.8 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#14

in Louisville

#3,168

in Colorado

#43,742

Overall
5 Views Last Month
660 Since May 5, 2015
Easy Easy

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Photos

Heading back to the parking lot, looking west.
Feb 18, 2016 near Broomfield, CO
Stearns Lake as seen from the top of the dam.
Jun 27, 2020 near Broomfield, CO
The eastern shore of Stearns Lake, looking to the west from Mary Miller Trail
May 5, 2015 near Broomfield, CO
Take a moment to learn the history of Rock Creek Farm, now preserved by Boulder County open space.
May 5, 2015 near Broomfield, CO
Nice picnic area at the trailhead near Rock Creek Farm and Stearns Lake.
May 5, 2015 near Broomfield, CO

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