Eagle Sage Loop

This is a great trail if you are in the Boulder area and want something fairly easy or quick. This 3.75 loop can be hiked in about an hour and a half since it is fairly flat. The elevation gain is minimal. You start out at the Eagle Trailhead located west of the Boulder Reservoir.

Start out at the Eagle Trailhead and head about .5 miles down the trail and then branch off onto the Sage Trail. You will continue on this trail as it loops around the area and then meets back up with the Eagle Trail for a lollipop loop. About 1 1/2 mile into the hike you will arrive at the Boulder Valley Ranch area. There is a little gate here that you go through and then continue on the Sage Trail until it loops back around. There are some other trails that branch off along the way so make sure you are staying on the correct trail. It is marked well. The path winds through open space, grasslands, past a small lake and through a more tree-filled area.

This trail travels through a historic and working ranch so you may run into cattle grazing in the area. Be sure to give them their space and leave them alone. There are several species of wildlife in the area: many raptors (eagles and hawks), deer, coyotes and rattlesnakes. At dawn and dusk, be aware of your surroundings as coyotes can be aggressive, especially toward dogs.

This is a multi-use area so make sure you don't mind sharing the trails with other hikers, bikers, runners, horses and dogs. Also, tennis shoes/running shoes are great for this trail since it is fairly flat and easy.

Getting there: Follow Highway 36 about a mile north of Boulder and turn east onto Jay Rd. Turn north onto 51st St. and head past the Boulder Reservoir. The road turns into a dirt road at the reservoir and continue until you see the Eagle Trailhead on the left.