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This out-and-back trail climbs gently along a babbling creek with undulating terrain.


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Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

Point to Point

6,520' 1,987 m

High

6,072' 1,851 m

Low

454' 138 m

Up

6' 2 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Family Friendly Fun "stepping stone" crossings and wide shallow pools of water in sections of the creek offer many opportunities for play.

Need to Know

The parking holds about 28 cars (enlarged from its previous 3). There's a handicapped-access porta-potty (with a permanent toilet coming sometime in 2020).

Description

Before the 2013 flood, the Anne U. White Trail was a favorite of families with children because of the many "stepping stone" creek crossings, and potential stopping places where the stream widened and shallow pools of water offered open invitations to wade and play in the water. With the December 2019 winter season re-opening, it's too early to tell whether the stream will still offer those sandy, wide, areas for play (Spring/Summer updates coming!) , but the stepping stone crossings are back, and the trail currently offers an easy to moderate adventure for hiking families, or a short but interesting and smooth running trail.

From the parking lot, you immediately step across Fourmile Canyon Creek on a few large stable stones that trail maintenance staff provided. You'll encounter approximately 25 similar crossings during the 1.7 mile upstream hike. As you progress, you'll intermittently climb short and somewhat steep sections, often on stone stairs set into the hills. In a few spots, you might want to hold hands with children due to a bit of exposure, but in general the trail is safe for kids to explore with some freedom, and the creek is shallow.

After about 1/2 mile at the ~8th crossing, a short uphill section leads to a stone bench where you might want to stop for a snack, or sit quietly and listen to the trickling water below. When you arrive at the end of the trail, there are some nearby rocks where you can sit and have a little picnic before heading back the way you came.

Trail maps such as Google Maps show the trail extending beyond the 1.7 mile marker, but this is private property. The end of the trail is clearly marked with a sign.

Contacts

Shared By:

Emily Goodin with improvements by Boulder County Parks & Open Space

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 7 votes

#2

in Boulder

#6995

Overall
  4.6 from 7 votes
5 Star
71%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Boulder

#516

in Colorado

#6,995

Overall
16 Views Last Month
2,435 Since Dec 27, 2019
Easy/Intermediate

11%
67%
22%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

So much work to make all these creek crossings!  Thanks trail-builders!
Aug 16, 2021 near Boulder, CO
Typical boulder-sized stepping stones to cross the water.
Aug 16, 2021 near Boulder, CO
One of the many creek crossings.
Dec 30, 2019 near Boulder, CO
Stone bench near the 8th creek crossing.
Dec 30, 2019 near Boulder, CO
Pool and mini waterfall - even in August!
Aug 16, 2021 near Boulder, CO
A good reminder...
Aug 16, 2021 near Boulder, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 16 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 18, 2022
Gilad Solter
Awesome with kids, creek was dry
Jul 9, 2022
Jimmy Climbs
Jun 17, 2022
Tamara Didenko
Nov 7, 2021
Andrew Kemp
Nov 29, 2020
Spencer Douglas
Sep 25, 2020
Andrea Johnson
Sep 19, 2020
Don Blake
trail is clear and dry. lots of poison ivy, but it's beautiful in the orange fall color. 3.4mi — 1h 45m
Aug 15, 2020
Lisa Ritchie