Basic Information
Official Site: Doudy Draw (City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks)
Official Map: OSMP Trail Map, City of Boulder
Location:
4111 Eldorado Springs Dr, Boulder, CO 80303
(📍 View on Google Maps)
Doudy Draw is one of the best open meadow hikes in South Boulder, offering wide views of the Flatirons and Devil’s Thumb with gentle rolling terrain.
Many hikers combine Doudy Draw with Flatirons Vista for a longer scenic loop across open prairie and foothills.
While the elevation gain is modest, the trail is fully exposed with little shade, so sun and wind protection are important.
🔎 Boulder Trail Index (All Trails)
Loop Options
Option (1)
Doudy Draw (1.3 miles)
→ Junction
→ Spring Brook Loop (1.1 miles)
→ Doudy Draw (1.3 miles)
Total: approx. 3.7 miles
Option (2)
Doudy Draw (1.3 miles)
→ Junction
→ Doudy Draw (1.0 mile)
→ Turn around at Flatirons Vista North Trail
Total: approx. 4.6 miles
Parking
The parking area is relatively large, but this is a very popular trailhead, and the lot often fills up on weekends.
Trailhead
Doudy Draw Trailhead
4111 Eldorado Springs Dr, Boulder, CO 80303
(📍 View on Google Maps)
The trail entrance is located on the south side of the parking lot.
Trail Overview
Doudy Draw Trailhead, Boulder, Colorado (September 2024)
Some sections of the trail are narrow mountain paths.
Because this is a multi-use trail with frequent mountain bike traffic, hikers should use caution when passing or meeting cyclists.
Devil’s Thumb
Just south of the trailhead, you can spot a distinctive rock formation known as Devil’s Thumb on the northwest side of the trail. The rock juts upward like a thumb, making it an easy and memorable landmark along the Doudy Draw Trailhead area.
Open Plateau Area
The trail begins with a wide-open plateau offering expansive views.
The Flatirons rising beyond the plateau create a particularly scenic landscape.
Clouds forming above the Flatirons often display distinctive mountain-wave shapes, typical of mountainous terrain.
Spring Brook Loop Area
In the northwestern section of the Spring Brook Loop, the surrounding hills feel closer, giving the trail a more enclosed, mountain-like atmosphere.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is permitted directly from the trailhead for riders bringing their own horses.
Wildlife
Wild Turkeys
A group of wild turkeys spotted near the western section of the Spring Brook Loop, just before entering a Ponderosa pine forest.
Grazing Cattle
📷 View this photo on Adobe Stock
In the grasslands west of the Doudy Draw Trail, it is not uncommon to see grazing cattle.
Related Book
Best Boulder Region Hiking Trails
Related section: Hike 24 – Doudy Draw
(Amazon United States)
→ Explore more trails: Boulder Trail Index
This page is part of a growing local trail archive maintained by the YRAIN Project.
