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Boulder County

Gunbarrel

Attractions and Places To See around Gunbarrel - Top 20

Attractions and places to see around Gunbarrel, Colorado, offer a blend of natural beauty and local points of interest. This community, situated between Boulder and Longmont, provides access to various outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore scenic open spaces, trails, and cultural sites. The area is characterized by its natural landscape and community amenities.

Best attractions and places to see around Gunbarrel

  • The most popular attractions is Davidson Mesa Overlook, a viewpoint that offers sweeping views of the Flatirons…

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Cottonwood Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of the Cottonwood Trail is a short, but sweet, crushed gravel trail that connects Independence Road to Jay Road. It's a nice, scenic way to avoid some of …

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Lee Hill Drive Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Lee Hill Drive is a popular and challenging climb that connects the intersection of Lee Hill with Olde Stage just outside of North Boulder, and Lefthand Canyon. The backside of …

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Green Mountain Peak

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Summer and winter alike, this peak is always accessible and provides very beautiful views especially on the nearby Indian peaks.

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51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of 51st Street from the main Boulder Reservoir parking area to the Eagle Trail Trailhead (which is also where 51st turns into 55th street) is a fun section …

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Davidson Mesa Overlook

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From this overlook, which has a bike repair station if needed, you get fantastic, sweeping views of the Flatirons and the town of Boulder.

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Popular around Gunbarrel

Hiking around Gunbarrel

MTB Trails around Gunbarrel

Running Trails around Gunbarrel

Cycling around Gunbarrel

Road Cycling Routes around Gunbarrel

Gravel biking around Gunbarrel

Tips from the Community

mtnMan47
August 14, 2025, 51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead)

Since the earlier post from October 2023, several new gravel trails have been headed up to and down from the mesa. Flowy routes that are fun.

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Be a nice person Busy trail - Brush up on trail etiquette.

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Wonderful rock formation over boulders; summit with a small stone pyramid and a panoramic view of all the mountains visible from here. Ascent via various routes - basically accessible from all directions. If you're looking for solitude, you're in the wrong place here, but there aren't any crowds either. It's worth it!

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This location has a portable toilet paid for by a member of the cycling community. For more details https://boulderbeat.news/2023/04/19/biking-porta-potties/

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From this overlook, which has a bike repair station if needed, you get fantastic, sweeping views of the Flatirons and the town of Boulder.

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Lee Hill Drive is a popular, challenging climb that connects the intersection of Lee Hill with Olde Stage just outside of North Boulder, and Lefthand Canyon. The backside of Lee Hill (the Lefthand Canyon side) is a little nicer for climbing because there is less traffic than on the the Boulder side where there is no shoulder on a series of initial switchbacks. Regardless of which way you go up Lee Hill, coming down the 1,400 foot climb is a real treat after the challenging journey up!

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This section of 51st Street from the main Boulder Reservoir parking area to the Eagle Trail Trailhead (which is also where 51st turns into 55th street) is a fun section of gravel with a nice downhill from the pavement to a short, punchy hill to the trailhead. You get great views over Boulder Valley Ranch to the foothills and Flatirons west and southwest of this section of road.

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Jamie S.
October 23, 2023, Cottonwood Trail

This section of the Cottonwood Trail is a short, but sweet, crushed gravel trail that connects Independence Road to Jay Road. It's a nice, scenic way to avoid some of the busy road crossings on Diagonal Highway while enjoying riding next to a creek and past some open fields. While all of this section of trail is very doable on a road bike, there is a bridge crossing that sometimes has planks loose or missing so be aware of that if you're skinnier tires!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy outdoor activities or short walking trails in Gunbarrel?

For easy outdoor activities, you can explore Twin Lakes Open Space, which offers pleasant walks around two small lakes and opportunities for birdwatching. The Cottonwood Trail is another great option, providing a short, scenic crushed gravel path next to a creek and open fields, ideal for a relaxed stroll or bike ride. Sawhill Ponds also features scenic hiking trails suitable for nature enthusiasts.

Where can I find scenic viewpoints with great views of the Flatirons or mountains?

The Davidson Mesa Overlook offers fantastic, sweeping views of the Flatirons and the town of Boulder. For stunning vistas of the nearby Indian peaks, head to Green Mountain Peak, which is accessible year-round. Additionally, the 51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead) section provides great views over Boulder Valley Ranch to the foothills and Flatirons.

Are there any challenging hikes or climbs for experienced outdoor enthusiasts?

Yes, the Lee Hill Drive Climb is a popular and challenging route for cyclists, offering a rewarding descent after the uphill journey. For hikers, Green Mountain Peak provides a year-round accessible summit with beautiful views, which can be a challenging ascent depending on the chosen trail.

What cycling opportunities are available around Gunbarrel?

Gunbarrel offers diverse cycling opportunities. The Lee Hill Drive Climb is a well-known challenging road cycling route. For a mix of gravel and views, the 51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead) section is a fun ride. You can also find numerous cycling routes, including the 'Gunbarrel loop via the East Boulder Trail' or the 'Boulder Creek Trail – Boulder Creek Path loop', by exploring the Cycling around Gunbarrel guide.

Are there dog-friendly trails or open spaces in Gunbarrel?

Yes, Twin Lakes Open Space is a cherished natural attraction that features both on-leash and off-leash sections for dogs, making it a great spot for you and your canine companion. However, please note that dogs are not allowed in the White Rocks Nature Preserve or within 100 yards of Teller Lake.

What options are there for gravel biking in the area?

The 51st Street (Gravel to Eagle Trailhead) offers a fun section of gravel riding with great views. For more extensive gravel biking adventures, you can check out routes like the 'Boulder Reservoir – Lefthand Trail loop' or the 'Twin Lakes – Boulder Reservoir loop' in the Gravel biking around Gunbarrel guide.

Where can I go running around Gunbarrel?

Gunbarrel provides several excellent running options. You can run around Twin Lakes Open Space or utilize the East Boulder Trail for enjoying the outdoors. For specific routes, consider the 'Twin Lakes & Gunbarrel Commons loops' or the 'East Gunbarrel running loop' found in the Running Trails around Gunbarrel guide.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Gunbarrel?

Absolutely! The Cottonwood Trail is a family-friendly crushed gravel path suitable for walks and easy bike rides. Twin Lakes Open Space is also great for families, offering easy walks and birdwatching. For a unique indoor experience, the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory offers free tours that are engaging for all ages, including a famous mint room and tea sampling.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails near Gunbarrel?

Yes, the White Rocks Trailhead & Nature Preserve offers several trails that are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the Davidson Mesa Overlook is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing stunning views for everyone.

What cultural sites or unique local businesses can I visit in Gunbarrel?

Gunbarrel is home to the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory, which offers free tours to learn about tea making and sample various blends. Beer enthusiasts can visit local breweries like Avery Brewing Company and Asher Brewing Company. Downtown Gunbarrel also features unique local shops and boutiques.

What is the Boulder Reservoir and what activities can I do there?

The Boulder Reservoir, a short drive from Gunbarrel, is a popular destination for a variety of water-based activities. You can enjoy swimming, boating, paddleboarding, and picnicking. It offers stunning mountain views and sandy beaches, making it a great spot for a day out.

Are there any places to relax and enjoy community events in Gunbarrel?

Yes, Gunbarrel Community Park is a central location where you can relax and often find local community events taking place. It's a great spot to enjoy the local atmosphere and connect with the community.

Most popular routes around Gunbarrel

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