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Ken and I have been on a mission this year to explore areas of Boulder County we are unfamiliar with and we have been so pleasantly surprised by what we have found. We have found multiple gorgeous trails which are a bit off the beaten path and that showcase the beautiful views and wildlife that makes this area special. This week we made the short trek to the Sawhill and Walden Ponds open space areas. Nestled in open space between Boulder and Gunbarrel, this area was formerly industrial gravel pits but what it looks like today could not be farther from its industrial roots. This area is made up of more than 2 dozen ponds and it hosts some of the most vibrant wildlife in Boulder County. We've been learning a lot about our local bird populations lately and this area is cited as one of the most important habitats for birds in Boulder County. If you want to put your nerd hat on as we have, you can check out this list put together by Boulder County- it lists all the birds it's possible to see out in this area. If you take a stroll out there, be sure to look for the osprey nest, the heron's nests, ducks, cormorants, and much, much more. |
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If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, you can print off this Walden Ponds Nature Detective Guide and the kiddos can complete it out at the ponds. Once they have it finished, they can send it into Boulder County and receive a "useful tool" for future outdoor adventures. We saw tons of people fishing out there this week and others out for a leisurely stroll. As far as some nuts and bolts- bikes are prohibited on some trails and dogs must be leashed at all times. Pro tip- All the water has been amazing for our natural wildlife areas this year but it has helped mosquitoes proliferate in a big way! Take your bug spray so the bugs don't get you! What are your favorite "off-the-beaten-path" trails? We'd love to hear from you! |
