Cradleboard Trail from Stearns Lake Trailhead (Broomfield, Colorado)

Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (April 2025) Trails
Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (April 2025)

Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm


Overview

Official Site
Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm (Boulder County)

Location
Stearns Lake Trailhead
2190 S 104th St, Broomfield, CO 80020

(📍 Google Maps


Trail Options

Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)
Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)

From the Stearns Lake Trailhead, several trail options are available:

  • Southbound: Cradleboard Trail (approx. 1.3 miles)
  • Northeastbound: Mary Miller Trail (approx. 1.5 miles)

These trails can be combined for a longer walk depending on your route choice.


Trail Characteristics

A Trail Rich in Birdlife

Cradleboard Trail runs alongside Stearns Lake, making it an excellent location for birdwatching.
A wide variety of birds can be observed throughout the year, especially near the water and surrounding grasslands.

Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)
Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)

Birds

Bald Eagle

As you walk along Cradleboard Trail, there are spots where Bald Eagles are occasionally seen.
They may be perched on large trees near the trail or flying over the lake area.

Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)
Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)
Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)
Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)
Bald Eagle, Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (July 2025)
Bald Eagle, Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (July 2025)

Western Meadowlark

The Western Meadowlark is easy to recognize by its bright yellow underparts.
It is commonly found in open grassland areas along the trail.

Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)
Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)

Wildlife

Coyote

Coyotes have been observed along Cradleboard Trail, particularly near open fields and quieter sections of the preserve.

Coyote, Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (April 2025)
Coyote, Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (April 2025)

Plains Cottontail

Plains cottontails are often seen near the farmland sections adjacent to the trail.

Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)
Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)

Prairie Dog

Prairie dogs are also present in this area, and you may encounter them as you continue along Cradleboard Trail.

Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)
Cradleboard Trail / Stearns Lake Trailhead, Broomfield (March 2025)

Summary

Cradleboard Trail at Carolyn Holmberg Preserve offers a peaceful walking experience with open landscapes, lake views, and abundant wildlife.
It is well suited for casual hiking, photography, and birdwatching in the Broomfield area.

Related Book

Boulder Hiking Trails
Related chapter: CAROLYN HOLMBERG PRESERVE / ROCK CREEK FARM

(Amazon: USA)



This page is part of a growing local trail archive maintained by the YRAIN Project.

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