Anne U. White Trail, Anne U. White Trailhead, Boulder - Denver - Golden - Fort Collins - Lyons, Colorado
Anne U. White Trail - 3.2 miles
Anne U. White Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 3.2 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 6,040' - 6,530' (6,530' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +490' net elevation gain (+610' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Anne U. White Trail - 3.2 Miles Round-Trip
The Anne U. White Trail is named in memory of Anne Underwood White, a local writer and open space advocate who donated 20 acres for the creation of this trail.
The Anne U. White Trail follows Four Mile Canyon Creek through a narrow canyon hemmed by thick timber and steep rock walls. Ponderosa, fir, aspen, cottonwood, willow and maple line this lux riparian corridor, which yields a diverse collection of summer wildflowers and autumn colors.
Perennial water, flowers, abundant natural edibles and shelter attract hummingbirds, deer, fox, coyote, bobcat bear and mountain lion. Mild grades welcome families, dogs, trail runners and winter recreation:
The trail heads west from the parking area and quickly joins the creek, rising nominally to the first of several easy crossings (.55 miles : 6,165').
It negotiates quick intervals of timber, narrow passages and small clearings to a 5' cascade that fills a shallow pool (1.35 miles : 6,418'). A false trail veers steeply above and to the right of this fall; ignore it and simply continue straight over its level top. The trail resumes an undulating course to its terminus at a well-marked point (1.6 miles : 6,530').
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N40 03.560 W105 19.189 — 0.0 miles : Ann U. White Trailhead
- N40 03.371 W105 19.611 — .55 miles : Cross steram
- N40 03.570 W105 20.032 — 1.1 mile mark
- N40 03.540 W105 20.546 — 1.6 miles : End of trail
Worth Noting
- Larkspur, wild rose, shooting stars, daisies, heartleaf arnica, sugar bowls and penstemon are among the dozens of wildflower species found along Four Mile Creek. The scent of aromatic woodland herbs such as spearmint can be detected on hot, breezy days.
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- The Anne U. White Trail is one of the few places in Boulder's Front Range trail network where you may find the Calypso Orchid (also known as a fairy slipper or Venus slipper). This perennial member of the orchid family has small pinkish-purple flowers accented by a white lip, dark purple spots and yellow beard.
- Summer trail runners will enjoy extensive shade along this naturally cool streamside setting. Short distances, narrow passages and multiple stream crossings may limit high-intensity runners from hitting full stride.
- Mountain lions are seldom seen but do inhabit this area. Be mindful of children and avoid running alone or at dusk and dawn.
- Respect private property lines along the trail, at its terminus and beyond. Parking is very limited at the Anne U. White Trailhead. Do not park on private property.
Rules and Regulations
- Bikes are not permitted on the Ann U. White Trail.
Directions to Trailhead
From Boulder, take Broadway north to Lee Hill Road. Turn left (west) onto Lee Hill Road and continue for 1.1 miles to Wagonwheel Gap road. Turn left and continue for exactly 1 mile to a dirt road on your left. Travel 0.2 miles to the Anne U. White Trailhead and parking area (on your right). Park at the trailhead or along the side of the road near the trailhead.
Contact Information
Boulder County Parks & Open Space
5201 St. Vrain Road
Longmont, Colorado 80503
Phone: 303.678.6200
Fax: 303.678.6180
www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace
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