Coal Creek Trail

About

The Coal Creek Trail is a 2.92-mile out-and-back hike in Boulder County, Colorado, located on the Western Slope near Louisville and Superior. The trail follows Coal Creek through a riparian ecosystem with soft surfaces, offering views of the surrounding plains and distant peaks. It is graded as moderate to easy and typically takes about two hours to complete, though times vary based on pace. The route is accessible year-round and features parking at the trailhead, including the Aquarius Trailhead in Louisville. The path is pet-friendly and suitable for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding. Hikers can expect to see water-loving wildlife such as coyotes, raccoons, red foxes, and various birds including the great horned owl and red-tailed hawk. The area supports diverse plant life, including cottonwoods, willows, and wildflowers like showy milkweed and western spiderwort. Much of the trail is exposed to the sun, so water and sun protection are recommended, although shaded areas near the creek provide relief. The trail connects communities from Superior to Erie and has been in operation since 1990.