Overview
Sawhill Ponds and Walden Ponds are a pair of popular Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) trailheads in east Boulder. The area is known for wetlands, ponds, and excellent birdwatching—something you don’t see every day in Boulder’s dry climate. On calm days, the ponds can also produce beautiful reflections of trees, clouds, and nearby foothills.
- Official site: Sawhill Ponds (City of Boulder)
- Official map: OSMP Trail Map (City of Boulder)
- Access: From around 3400 N 75th St, drive west toward the trailheads.
(📍 Link to Google Maps)
Tips
- If you continue north on N 75th St and pass the main turn for the trailhead, you’ll find a small parking area on the west side of the road that provides access to the Heatherwood Trail.
- From that area you can hike west, connect to trails along Boulder Creek, and link south toward the Wastewater Treatment Facility and Walden Ponds.
🔎 Boulder Trail Index (All Trails)
Parking
There are two main parking areas:
- A parking lot along Walden Ponds (on the right soon after turning west from N 75th St)
- The dedicated Sawhill Ponds Trailhead parking lot farther in
Trailheads
There are two primary trailhead access points:
- Sawhill Ponds Trailhead (near the Sawhill parking area)
- Walden Ponds Trailhead (near the Walden parking area)
A loop walk that visits multiple ponds is highly recommended.
Sawhill Ponds Trailhead
Walden Ponds Trailhead
Wetlands
This is one of the best places around Boulder to observe wetland ecosystems—marsh plants, wildlife, and many bird species. A highlight is the boardwalk area near Cottonwood Marsh.
Pond Views
With multiple ponds in the area, you’ll often find peaceful scenery. When the wind is light, reflections of trees, mountains, and clouds can be stunning.
You can also spot aquatic plants that are typical of pond environments.
Plants
Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa)
A common Colorado shrub, rubber rabbitbrush, can be found near the Walden Ponds trailhead area.
Early June photo:
Its bright yellow flowers typically bloom from late summer into fall. Below is an example from late October.
Vines / Trees
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Virginia creeper is a native vine that begins showing fall color early. By early September, some leaves may already be turning red.
Birds and Wildlife
You may see birds that are less common in other parts of Boulder. It’s also normal to encounter bird photographers using large telephoto lenses.
- Canada goose
- Red-winged blackbird
- Ducks
- Great blue heron
Featured on local wetland signage (“Wonderful Wetlands”) and often seen in the area.
Related books
(Amazon US)
- Best Boulder Region Hiking Trails — Hike 17: Walden and Sawhill Ponds
- Boulder Hiking Trails (5th Edition) — Walden and Sawhill Ponds
- The Best Urban Hikes: Boulder — Chapter 3: Sawhill Ponds and Walden Ponds Wander
→ Explore more trails: Boulder Trail Index
This page is part of a growing local trail archive maintained by the YRAIN Project.
