EXPLORE ELDORADO CANYON
Fowler Trail
Enjoy an easy, family-friendly walk beside Eldorado Canyon’s dramatic lichen-covered cliffs, with wildlife-viewing signs and great spots to watch rock climbers.
Fowler Trail
Fowler Trail is an easygoing, family-friendly hike through Eldorado Canyon State Park, with dramatic sandstone walls, views of South Boulder Creek, and frequent opportunities to watch climbers on the cliffs across the canyon.
The route follows a historic railroad grade, giving hikers a wide, mostly gentle path through the canyon. Interpretive signs along the way highlight the area’s wildlife, plants, geology, and climbing culture—making this a fun choice for curious kids as well as adults.
Take your time, bring water and a camera, and keep dogs leashed. The route can be enjoyed as a shorter accessible stroll or extended into the approximately 4-mile out-and-back hike, depending on how far you continue along the connected trail system.
Why You’ll Love This Hike
Fowler Trail delivers huge Eldorado Canyon scenery without a demanding climb. The wide, mostly gentle route reveals striking canyon walls, mountain ridges, valley views, South Boulder Creek, and the railroad cutting through the landscape below. Along the way, interpretive signs, wildlife-viewing opportunities, and a good chance of spotting climbers on the cliffs make this a rewarding outing for families, visitors, and anyone who wants a memorable Front Range hike.
Trail and park information—including fees, hours, access, reservations, rules and conditions—is subject to change. Always confirm current details with the official managing agency before your visit.
Before You Go
Fowler Trail is within Eldorado Canyon State Park, so a valid Colorado State Parks pass is required. Timed vehicle-entry reservations are required for the inner canyon on Saturdays, Sundays and designated summer holidays from May 1 through October 1. Cell service can be unreliable inside the canyon, so save your reservation confirmation, directions and trail information before you arrive.
NOTE: Fowler Trail can be accessed from County Road 67 in Boulder, where limited free street parking is available near the trailhead. There is no fee to enter the trail from this access point. Parking is limited, so arrive early and be considerate of nearby residents and road traffic.
If you enter through Eldorado Canyon State Park or continue into the park, a valid Colorado State Parks pass is required. Timed vehicle-entry reservations may also be required for the inner canyon on Saturdays, Sundays and designated summer holidays from May 1 through October 1. Cell service can be unreliable in the area, so save directions and trail information before you arrive.
Trail and park information—including fees, hours, access, reservations, rules and conditions—is subject to change. Always confirm current details with the official managing agency before your visit.
Wildlife in Eldorado Canyon State Park
Keep your eyes open as you explore Rattlesnake Gulch Trail. Mule deer, elk, black bears, bobcats, red foxes, coyotes and mountain lions inhabit the foothills in and around Eldorado Canyon. Bighorn sheep, fox squirrels and ringtails may also be found in the park, while bats use caves within the Inner Canyon.
Birdwatchers have plenty to look for, with more than 80 resident and migratory bird species recorded in the area. Golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and prairie falcons nest in and around the park, along with songbirds such as Steller’s jays, broad-tailed hummingbirds and lesser goldfinches.
The park is also home to prairie rattlesnakes, western milksnakes, prairie lizards and western terrestrial garter snakes. Stay on designated trails, keep dogs leashed and give every wild animal plenty of space. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Eldorado Canyon State Park
General Information
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Best Times to Hike
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Official Trail Map
Plan your hike using Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), the official statewide trail map from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado DNR. View the Fowler Trail route, elevation profile, trail details, weather and downloadable GPX information.
Map & Directions
Eldorado Canyon State Park Access
321 Eldorado Springs Dr, Boulder, CO 80303
Free County Road 67 Trail Access
County Rd 67, Boulder, CO 80303
Limited free roadside parking; no fee to access the trail here.
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