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Print Friendly MapThe Longmont-to-Boulder Regional Trail (nicknamed the LOBO) extends more than 10 miles between these two major cities and taps into the region's vast network of trails. Most of the pathway has a crushed-stone surface best for hybrids and mountain bikes.
The LOBO begins at a connection with the Left Hand Greenway in western Longmont. Trail users can take that trail east along Left Hand Creek through commercial and residential areas to reach the St. Vrain Greenway, an 8-mile trail offering spectacular mountain scenery and lake views.
Back west, the LOBO quickly reaches Diagonal Highway (State Route 119), and it begins to closely follow the roadway and adjacent rail line through rural landscapes. At 83rd Street, the trail makes a sharp turn due south, shortly entering the community of Niwot. It continues through Monarch Park and makes its way toward the scenic Twin Lakes area. The trail stops at Spine Road, but a short on-road route will take you to the beginning of the Cottonwood Trail—a component of the LOBO—on Jay Road. If you're traveling along this section, a fun nearby excursion is the Celestial Seasonings factory (4600 Sleepytime Dr.), which offers free tours and tea tastings.
The Cottonwood Trail winds through northern Boulder for just over 3 miles. A trailhead is available in the middle of the trail at Independence Road. North of the trailhead, the pathway follows a creek. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of wide open spaces and distant mountains. South of Independence Road, the trail is paved and makes its way to 47th Street, passing Hayden Lake and the NCAR Foothills Laboratory. At 47th, you can connect to the Wonderland Creek Greenway to travel southeast through the Kings Ridge community.
At the northern end of the trail, parking is available at Kanemoto Park (Missouri Avenue and South Pratt Parkway) and Left Hand Creek Park (1800 Creekside Drive). Mid-trail, park in Lefthand Valley Grange Park (N. 83rd Street and Niwot Road). For the southern half of the trail, look for parking in the Twin Lakes recreational area. A parking area is also available for the Cottonwood Trail on the south side of Independence Road, 0.2 miles east of Diagonal Highway.
This is simply a great trail with lots of scenic variety. Fun to do all at once or in segments.
Great scenic trail along streams mostly and very quiet and peaceful. Highly recommended, we parked at the Niwot Loop Trailhead on Hwy 52 and 79th Avenue.
We had a wonderful time on the LoBo Trail, beginning our ride from Boulder's Celestial Seasonings parking lot after a great tour of the tea factory. The trail’s scenery was beautiful: a mixture of shady tree corridors and open fields with long grasses and wildflowers. Quiet neighborhoods buffered the trail just beyond the trees, and we saw many people out enjoying a weekend bike ride or walking their dogs. The trail was largely hard-packed crushed stone, which our hybrid bikes handled easily. There was a short break in the trail between Twin Lakes Road and Lookout Road, but that afforded us the opportunity to access a commercial area where we stopped for lunch.
FYI: The bridge is out at the start of the trail (Greenway)
There is a visitor center, the bridge is out just past the center.
Great trail with hills and level riding areas. Connects with other trails into Longmont and Boulder. Worth the ride!
You will most likely be a lone rider and have most of the path all to yourself. The path goes by rushing streams, lush farmlands, in back of expensive luxury houses with some city streets.
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