Winding through neighborhoods in northeast Boulder and following its namesake waterway, the Wonderland Creek Greenway (Wonderland Creek Multiuse Path or MUP) is a paved multiuse trail. The route is dotted with trees with stretches of grass on either side. Multiple spur trails provide connections with the surrounding neighborhoods and recreational spaces.
From its northwest end by the intersection of Norwood Avenue and 26th Street, the smooth and wide pathway meanders southeast through quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods. Splitting from the main route, a spur path heads north to connect with Elks Park. Slightly further southeast along the Greenway, another spur runs between Northbrook Drive and Winding Drive intersecting with the Greenway mid-way. After crossing Winding Road, another spur heads south while the Greenway crosses 28th Street to parallel it south. Curving gently southeast and crosses Kalmia Avenue, the Greenway reaches a busy commercial area along Diagonal Highway/CO-199. Another pathway parallels the highway east and connects with the Mountain View Memorial Park, while the Greenway heads southeast under the highway via a pedestrian/bike underpass.
As the Greenway continues through residential areas, multiple spur trails provide additional connections. Crossing the creek between Talisman Place and Spring Creek Place, a spur trail winds south into Howard Heuston Park (3200 34th St). The Greenway crosses the railroad tracks and then heads briefly north to pass under Foothills Parkway/CO-157 before turning south to parallel the east side of the parkway.
Just north of the intersection of 47th Street and Kings Ridge Boulevard, you can connect to the Longmont-to-Boulder Regional Trail to head northeast. At the intersection of 47th Street and Kings Ridge Boulevard, the Foothills Parkway Path continues south to parallel the parkway and the Wonderland Creek Greenway heads southeast. Curving around a small pond and through a lightly wooded area, the Greenway heads east to Christensen Park while several short spurs cross the route to connect with nearby streets.
Continuing through the park and passing under Valmont Road, the Greenway meanders through Valmont Park. While the Greenway is paved concrete path, other unpaved paths wind through the park. The park features dirt jumping tracks, a cyclocross course, a slalom race course, a bike play area for kids, and other amenities for cycling enthusiasts. The section between the intersection of 47th Street & Kings Ridge Boulevard and Valmont Park is also known Wonderland Creek Path.
Just north of Pearl Street, the trail's southeast end is at the Goose Creek Greenway, which is a major east-west route through the city.
Parking is available near the north end of the trail at Centennial Middle School (2205 Norwood Avenue) and near the south end off Airport Road on the western border of Valmont Bike Park.
Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
This path is getting a major face lift with new and redone sections between Foothills Pkwy and 28th St./Palo Pkwy slated to be completed Spring of 2018. Along with the existing sections, these improvements will make this greenway path one of the best/most convenient in the Boulder system.
Starting at Carpenter Park, head east on Boulder Creek trail to the end at Arapahoe, then out and back on Wonderland and Cottonwood trails, then out and back on Goose Creek trail, then out and back on Skunk Creek and Bear Creek trails, then back to Carpenter park, you can make a 22-mile East Boulder Loop.
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